Toyota Innova Crysta diesel, Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG, Honda City facelift and updated Hyundai Venue are some of the new launches lined up.
The shortest month of the year is here and some manufacturers like Toyota, Citroen, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are set to launch new and facelifted models across various segments. We bring you the list of what car and SUV launches to expect in February.
1. Toyota Innova Crysta diesel
Toyota has reintroduced the Innova Crysta diesel after a short hiatus. Before getting discontinued, the Crysta was only available with the 2.7-litre petrol engine, whereas it will now be available only with the 2.4-litre diesel powertrain. This is also the first time Toyota will sell two Innova models simultaneously. Furthermore, as a part of the update, the Innova Crysta also gets a revised front bumper, grille and fog lamp housing.
2. Citroen eC3
The latest entrant in the EV hatchback segment will be the Citroen eC3, the all-electric version of the C3 hatchback. The French manufacturer will also be exporting the eC3, increasing its sales volumes. Citroen’s electric hatchback looks identical to its ICE-powered sibling, save for the lack of a tailpipe and the addition of a charging port on the front fender. Inside, it now has a new drive selector instead of a gear lever. The eC3 packs a 29.2kWh battery that has an ARAI-certified range of 320km. Its front-axle-mounted electric motor generates 57hp and 143Nm of peak torque. You can also read or watch our review of the eC3.
3. Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
Once it is launched, the Brezza will become the first CNG-powered vehicle in the country with an automatic gearbox. It will be powered by the 1.5-litre K15C DualJet engine that also does duty in the Ertiga and XL6. In the MPVs, it produces 100hp and 136Nm in petrol mode and 88hp and 121.5Nm in CNG mode. Expect similar outputs in the Brezza. While the Ertiga and XL6 CNG get only a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Brezza will also get a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
4. Updated Hyundai Venue
While the Venue facelift was launched in June 2022, Hyundai is giving its compact SUV a new diesel powertrain as well as a refreshed equipment list. The Venue will now get a 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Creta, and it will now get an integrated starter generator (ISG) with start-stop function. With the update, the Venue diesel will no longer get rear seat recline functionality or an armrest. Read or watch our review of the Venue.
5. Hyundai Verna
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Hyundai is also expected to launch the next-gen Verna and put it into series production in March but the majority will be earmarked for exports. The new Verna will get a twin-screen set-up, similar to the Ioniq 5, as well as an ADAS suite. It will continue with the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine and probably get the upcoming 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mill.
6. Lexus RX
Lexus showcased the fifth-gen RX SUV at Auto Expo 2023 and it is expected to be launched in the coming days. It will be available in two trims – RX 350h Luxury and RX 500h F Sport Performance. It gets a choice of a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, where both get strong-hybrid assist. While the former is paired to a CVT, the latter gets a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
7. Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti’s latest compact SUV is the Baleno-based Fronx SUV coupe. It will get two engine options – a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol. While both are coupled with a 5-speed manual, the turbo-petrol will get a 6-speed automatic and the petrol gets an AMT gearbox. It will be sold via Nexa outlets and will rival the Citroen C3, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.
8. Honda City facelift
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The fifth-gen City is due for a mid-life refresh and will be the first update to the car since its launch in mid-2020. It is expected to get mild cosmetic updates in the form of redesigned front and rear bumpers and new alloy wheels. Honda is also expected to shuffle up the variants of the City by adding a more affordable version of the City e:HEV.
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