3 BIG Car Unveils Of November
November is here, and we have a handful of interesting launches and unveils lined up for the month. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd and Skoda will both reveal important products this month. MSIL will showcase the production form of the eVX electric SUV and the new generation Dzire, while Skoda will reveal the much-awaited Kylaq. Let’s dive deeper into these…
Maruti eVX
Maruti Suzuki will take the wraps off the production-spec eVX at the European Auto Show on November 4, with a subsequent reveal in India scheduled for January 2025. Commercial production will begin by April, with exports starting in May. The India launch is planned for the same timeframe, and domestic deliveries are expected to commence in June.
Co-developed with Toyota, the eVX will be manufactured at Maruti’s Gujarat facility. Despite previous predictions of production delays spanning approximately five months, it is now being readied to enter the competitive mid-size SUV market. Measuring 4.3 meters in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height, it would almost be the size of a Grand Vitara.
The SUV will feature a sleek design with projector LED headlamps, a closed front grille, low-resistance EV tyres, and connected LED tail lamps. Inside, it will offer a premium and spacious cabin equipped with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, HUD, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable seats, electric parking brake, flat-bottom steering, and probably even ADAS.
While specific details are yet to surface, it could come with 45 kWh and 60 kWh battery options. With the larger unit, it could deliver a range of around 550 km, while the smaller battery will likely offer approximately 415 km. Single and dual-motor AWD configurations will likely be offered. It is expected to be priced at around Rs 25 lakh, ex-showroom.
Maruti Dzire
The fourth-generation Dzire is set to debut on November 11th, and recently leaked images give us a closer look at its exterior and interior designs. The new model will get a new design and more features. Gone are the days of the “Swift with a boot” styling. The new compact sedan will have a more cohesive design featuring a larger front grille, angular LED headlamps, new bumpers, new wheels and reworked tail lamps.
Inside, it will have a two-tone Black and Beige colourway and features like a large touchscreen display, a new 3-spoke steering wheel equipped with what appears to be cruise control buttons, an analogue instrument cluster with a digital MID, and a traditional manual parking brake. A 360 camera, HUD and sunroof are also to be expected.
Under the hood, it will be powered by the 1.2L, three-cylinder Z-series petrol engine, producing 80 BHP and 112 Nm of torque. This is the first time Maruti has introduced a 3-cylinder engine in the Dzire. Transmission options will include both manual and automatic, and a CNG variant will also be a possibility. Once launched, the new Dzire will face competition from the Honda Amaze, which is also set for an update soon.
Skoda Kylaq
Skoda’s much-anticipated Kylaq SUV is set for a grand reveal on November 6, 2024. Built with the new ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy, it will feature clean surfaces and lines. Prominent exterior highlights will be split headlamps with DRLs, attractive alloy wheels, and uniquely styled tail lamps. With an overall length of 3,995 mm, it will compete with the Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon when launched and will have a wheelbase of 2,566 mm.
Inside, the SUV will have features like a six-way adjustable ventilated seats for both the driver and passenger. Safety features will include six airbags, traction and stability control, ABS, EBD, rollover protection, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Built on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform, the Kylaq it will be powered by the 1.0L TSI petrol engine, delivering 115 hp and 178 Nm of torque, with options for a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Skoda claims that prototypes have undergone rigorous testing across 800,000 km, covering diverse terrains and climates.
It will be priced competitively- mostly in the range of 8-12 lakh, ex-showroom, and the manufacturer plans to sell 100,000 units in the first year since launch.