Skoda is getting ready for an aggressive 2021. Apart from the new-generation Octavia and Kodiaq petrol next year, Skoda will debut it’s all new ‘India 2.0’ products, starting with an all-new SUV and sedan.

All new mid size SUV (Vision IN):

The most eagerly awaited product is the upcoming Creta fighter that will be a mid-size SUV developed and manufactured entirely for India.

This new mid size SUV was first previewed by the Vision IN concept at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The production-spec version will retain most of the design elements from the

concept. This new SUV will be over 4.2m-long and have a 2,671mm wheelbase. It will be based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform.

This new Mid size SUV will be available with two engine options. Lower variants are expected to get the 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Higher variants will be getting the 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol motor from the Karoq and will be mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 

Fourth Gen Skoda Octavia:

The launch of the all new fourth-gen Octavia has been pushed to the April-June 2021 period. 

The new Octavia has already been spied testing in India and the India spec model ditches the quad-headlamp setup. The new car adopts the brand’s latest design language and looks similar to the facelifted Superb. The interior gets a new dashboard design, a freestanding 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital dials among other features.

The new Octavia will get a 190hp, 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic. However, the lower variants are likely to get the 150hp, 1.5 TSI Petrol engine from the Karoq.

Skoda Kodiaq petrol BS6:

The Kodiaq’s 150hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will be replaced by the 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that is already offered on the Volkswagen Tiguan All-space and Skoda Superb. No exterior or interior changes are expected to the updated model.

All new Generation Skoda Rapid:

The final product for the 2021 year will be the new mid-size sedan that will replace the decade-old Rapid Sedan in India. 

Like the production-spec Vision IN SUV, the upcoming sedan will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform that will bring in key improvements in terms of space and technology. The new Sedan will be larger than the current Rapid and will introduce a lot of features to keep up with competition from the New Honda City. The new Rapid is expected to be priced smartly as well. The engine however, will be the same 110hp, 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol motor mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for further updates on the all new Skoda cars.

 

Mercedes-Benz India has finally launched the EQC400 in the Indian market in keeping with the trend of electric SUVs. The EQC400 has been launched with introductory prices starting from Rs 99.30 lakh ex-showroom. 

Powertrain

The EQC400 is powered by an 80 kWh battery pack stored under the floor. The motor is capable of producing maximum power output of over 408bhp and max torque of 765Nm. The electric SUV will do a 0-100kmph sprint in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 180 km/h whereas the EQC400 is claimed to have a full range of 400km on a single charge.

A full charge from a standard 15A (3.4kW) domestic socket will take 21 hours whereas a 7.5kW wall-box charger provided by Mercedes will take 10 hours. The network of 50kW DC fast chargers could drastically reduce the charging times to 90min.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 is based on the GLE platform and is powered by twin electric motors. Mercedes-EQ is a different brand altogether and select Mercedes-Benz India dealerships will have a separated EQ space along with designated staff and workers of the EQ brand. Mercedes is also said to have taken care of the charging infrastructure and network as well. Mercedes-EQ India100es in India. 

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the EQC400 features a unique grille and futuristic headlamps, complemented by an LED bar, a few blue accents, and tail-lamps joined by an LED bar. This would look nothing like the other Mercedes SUVs in India.

Interior

On the inside, it features the typical new-age Mercedes layout, with dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation display. Other details like the bronze inserts in the air-con vents and unique seat design sets it apart. The electric SUV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech, a massive sunroof, seven airbags and Attention Assist, amongst other convenience features.

Mercedes-Benz India will also offer 8 year/1.6 lakh kilometres warranty with the EQC400.

Price

Being an EV, buyers will get a lot of deductions and benefits with Mercedes claiming the on-road price of the EQC400 same as the ex-showroom price. However, the 99.30 lakh price is only for first 50 buyers and is likely to be increased later on.

All New Scorpio-N Key Highlights:

• Bold and imposing design based on the authentic, tough yet sophisticated Mahindra SUV DNA •

Set to raise the bar on unmissable presence, thrilling performance, adventure capability, and safety

•In keeping with the Mahindra brand promise, the All-New Scorpio-N will be equipped with advanced modern features and latest technology 

• To be available with both gasoline and diesel engines, and choice of Manual and Automatic transmissions, along with 4X4 capabilities

• Project codename Z101 built on a new body-on-frame platform 

• The All-New Scorpio is slated to arrive on 27th June 2022

• Current generation Scorpio to continue as Scorpio Classic 

Mumbai,

May 20, 2022: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., pioneers of the SUV segment in India, today announced the brand name of its much-awaited SUV, bearing the project codename Z101, as the All-New ‘Scorpio-N’. This Big, Bold and Authentic SUV will bolster its reputation as the #BigDaddyOfSUVs and is slated to arrive on 27th June 2022. The current Scorpio which has evolved over the last two decades as an iconic and a cult brand will continue as the ‘Scorpio Classic’.

The All-New Scorpio-N will redefine the D-segment SUV category and has been engineered ground-up to meet the aspirations of the young and tech-savvy customers looking for a full-size authentic SUV. Tough yet sophisticated, the All-New Scorpio-N is a head turner with a bold and imposing design and commanding driving position. The #BigDaddyOfSUVs boasts of premium interiors and comes loaded with a host of advanced modern features and latest technology. The All-New Scorpio-N will be powered by spirited gasoline and diesel engines, with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. In keeping with its adventure capabilities, it will be offered with a 4x4 option.

Speaking on the announcement, Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “Scorpio has been a landmark model for Mahindra which has redefined the category and became an iconic brand in the Indian automobile industry. The All-New Scorpio-N is expected to recreate benchmarks in the SUV segment in India, yet again. With an unmissable design, thrilling performance and high-end technology, we continue to carry forward the Mahindra legacy of building authentic, tough yet sophisticated SUVs. With the All-New Scorpio-N, we continue to live and deliver our brand promise of ‘Explore the Impossible’. The Scorpio-N signifies our commitment towards bringing world-class SUVs to the Indian market and creating delightful ownership experience for our customers."

Speaking on the development of the All-New Scorpio-N, R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M Ltd. said, “The All-New Scorpio-N is an important vehicle for Mahindra, set to redefine the SUV segment in India. Our newest SUV is laden with advanced technology and will offer spirited performance and superior driving dynamics. It is built on a new body-on-frame platform. This tough yet sophisticated SUV has been engineered and designed by our young, enthusiastic, and energetic teams at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai, Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in USA and Mahindra Design Studio in Mumbai.”

The All-New Scorpio-N is slated to arrive on 27th June 2022 and will be manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Chakan.