Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: New year, new gear
Waiting in pole position? Don’t make any fuel-ish decisions; these are the new car launches to get excited about
This year promises to redefine the way we drive, with everything from tech-packed electric pioneers to bold new SUVs and sports cars. Here’s what to watch — and consider buying — in the New Year.
Kia Syros
The feature-packed compact SUV has radical styling, a spacious cabin with dual 12.3-inch displays, reclining rear seats, and a Level 2 ADAS suite. Choose from 1.0-litre turbo-petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines, with manual or automatic gearboxes. With its tallboy design, premium features, and improved rear-seat comfort, it targets rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.
Mahindra BE 6
The trailblazing electric SUV blends cutting-edge tech with striking design. The two battery options (59kWh and 79kWh) offer up to 682km range and up to 286hp. Its futuristic styling, bold interiors, and cool features (adaptive dampers, augmented reality HUD, multiple drive modes and a suite of apps) set it apart. At ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it redefines value in the EV market.
Maruti Suzuki E Vitara
Maruti’s first EV debuts in March, with a choice of two battery packs and an optional AWD variant — a rarity in this segment. Power outputs range from 144hp (FWD) to 184hp (AWD), with a targeted range of 500+ km. Its angular design and light body aims at efficiency. It competes with the Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv EV, with a Level 2 ADAS for added safety.
Volkswagen Tayron
It’s set to arrive next year as a three-row SUV, powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a standard dual-clutch automatic and 4Motion AWD. This is competition for the Skoda Kodiaq and Jeep Meridian. But the Tayron is also longer than the overseas Tiguan, ensuring better third-row comfort. Its 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen promise a premium experience.
Mercedes Electric G-Wagen
Prices for the all-electric G-Class will be revealed this month. It comes with a 116kWh battery, for a range of 473km, and produces a massive 587hp and 1,164Nm through four individual motors. That iconic boxy design gets subtle aerodynamic enhancements, which promise a 0-100kph sprint in just 5.5 seconds. For off-roaders, there are unique features such as G-Turn for on-the-spot 720-degree rotation and G-Steering for a tighter turning circle.
New BMW X3
Out this month, in mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, paired with an 8-speed automatic and AWD. So, there’s efficiency as well as power. The new X3 is larger than its predecessor, featuring BMW’s latest design, and a swish tech-heavy interior. Expect improved space and performance in this SUV.
Ferrari 12 Cilindri
Ferrari’s release celebrates the brand’s legendary V12 engines with a 6.5-litre unit producing 830hp and 678Nm, propelling it from 0-100kph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 340kph. It’s Ferrari’s finest GT on both road and track. The 12 Cilindri shares its interior with the Purosangue but adds a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. A Spider variant, with a retractable roof, will follow the coupe into India.
From HT Brunch, January 04, 2025
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