Sportcars to EVs, new wheels on the block set to drive interest in 2021

The latest sportscars, sedans, SUVs and electric vehicles to look forward to this year

The last two years have seen the automotive industry undergo more change than most business sectors. This owes largely to regulatory changes, which include new emission norms in the form of BS-VI rules, and increased competition for incumbent leaders in the passenger vehicles category. In addition, economic uncertainty and massive job losses led consumers to become more conservative with their discretionary spending, thus influencing the choice of vehicles. In that light, car-makers have lined up their best new launches for 2021. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming in the months ahead:
 
Mercedes-Benz New A-Class Sedan
 
This is the star’s brand new A-Class limousine and reflects the German auto giant’s thinking as it expands its offer below the C-Class. The A-Class limousine will strengthen Mercedes-Benz’s sedan line-up comprising the C, E and S-Class limousine range. It features latest generation technology and safety features, and is expected to be priced at about Rs 40 lakh ex-showroom. Coming sometime in 2021, the A-Class limousine is aimed squarely at younger customers.
 
Tata Motors Gravitas SUV
 
Tata Motors is all geared up to launch its second SUV on the OMEGARC (Architecture) in Q4 FY21 — codenamed Gravitas. Meant for the evolved SUV customer, the vehicle is built to offer class-leading design, outstanding versatility, premium interiors, best-in-class comfort and superior performance for a modern, adventurous lifestyle. The Gravitas will be a seven-seater that will take on the likes of the MG Hector. As a value-for-money brand, the Gravitas is likely to start at around Rs 18 lakh and is expected to launch on January 26.

Tata Motors Gravitas SUV

 
Volkswagen Taigun
 
Think of the Taigun as VW’s big roll of the dice in India in a bid to get the mass volumes. Company officials don’t disclose the price, but given that it is going to be competing with the Hyundai Creta and other mid-market city SUVs, anything between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh is a fair estimate. That’s largely on account of the fact that this is a car that will be heavily localised.
 
Porsche Taycan
 
The brand known for arguably the best handling and everyday sports car driving experience pushes its DNA into a new realm. While Porsche officials do not confirm exactly when their new Taycan will make its way to India, they do acknowledge that it will be launched in 2021. What’s special about this Porsche? It's all electric and is expected to deliver high performance with a high range, which means more than 300km. The Taycan is expected to cost over Rs 2 crore and will boast high-speed charging capability. While it’s not known when the car will get here, what we do know is that its versions overseas have scored high on safety with a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Porsche Taycan

 
Ferrari Roma 2021
 
The Italian stallion is expected to hit the road sometime in the first quarter of 2021. With its rear wheel drive and front-engined V-8 power generator, Ferrari has given the Roma 620hp and 760Nm of torque. The Roma’s engine is also mated to the new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that debuted originally on the SF90 Stradale. The Roma does 0-100 kph in 3.4 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 320kph. It will be priced at around Rs 4.5 crore.  

Ferrari Roma 2021

 
Audi A4 Sedan
 
The Audi A4, which has been absent from the Indian market for the last year, will finally re-launch as a fifth generation sedan that is sportier and more cutting-edge, design-wise. It is fully connected and has a new, two-litre engine generating power of 190 hp and speed of 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds. The A4 should also give a fillip to Audi whose sales volumes have been lagging in the last couple of years because of a shortage of products in the pipeline. Expected sticker price:  Rs 45 lakh.

Audi A4 Sedan