Major Car Launches Of 2020 Mahindra Thar Tata Altroz Hyundai Creta Nissan Magnite Kia Sonet And More

The year 2020 has been action packed for the Indian automotive industry. From the Auto Expo 2020 to the start of the BS6 era, and who can forget the COVID-19 lockdowns. At one point it was looking extremely grim for the auto industry with zero cars sold in India in April 2020. Despite all that, we saw several cars going on sale this year including automatic variants of the Tata Harrier which should've been there from day one. Let's take a look at some of the key car launches:

Rs 6.79 lakh to Rs 11.23 lakh

After a global debut back in February 2020, Hyundai finally launched the third-generation of the i20 premium hatchback in India. Shedding the 'Elite' name, the new i20 gets an extensive evolution and comes with a boatload of features. Offered in four variants: Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O), it gets three engine options and a range of manual and automatic transmissions including the iMT (clutchless manual) gearbox. It's also had a decent run with over 30,000 bookings and 10,000 deliveries in just 40 days since its launch.

Rs 9.80 lakh to Rs 13.75 lakh

One of the most hotly anticipated launches of the year has to be the second-gen Mahindra Thar. It's no longer a bareboned off-roader but gets multiple engine, transmission and body style options. It also comes with a ton of customisation options via official accessory packs. The new Thar has been quite popular, racking up more than 20,000 bookings and a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating that has led to long waiting periods.

Rs 10.89 lakh to Rs 14.64 lakh

2020 also saw Honda launch the fifth iteration of its City sedan in India to take on the likes of the Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Offered in three variants and two engine options, it is more of an evolution rather than a revolution with some elements borrowed from the Accord and Civic. Even the cabin has gotten minimalistic while still being fairly feature loaded.

Rs 6.71 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh

Kia's third offering for India joined the uber-competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment with a bold design, a lengthy list of features as well as 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with various transmission combinations. It's been a popular offering since its launch in September 2020 and has now become the bestselling sub-4m SUV. It is offered in six variants -- HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+ -- across two broad trims: GT Line and Tech Line.

Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 9.97 lakh

Nissan's latest product for India was going to be an important one for the carmaker's future in the country, and the Magnite sub-4 metre SUV seems to have got many things right. Aside from a killer price range, the Magnite looks butch, gets segment-first bits such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster and more. It comes with two 1.0-litre petrol engines, including a 100PS turbocharged one. Such has been the popularity of the Magnite that it has already garnered over 15,000 bookings in its launch month itself.

Rs 5.44 lakh to Rs 8.95 lakh

Tata's first attempt at the premium hatchback space, the Altroz boasts a premium design, tons of features, and a segment-first 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating. It is powered by 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines and offered in six trims: XE, XM, XM+, XT, XZ and XZ (O).

Rs 9.81 lakh to Rs 17.31 lakh

One of Hyundai's most popular SUVs, the Creta got a generational upgrade this year, an extensive one. It gets a completely different design compared to the previous model and plethora of kit like a panoramic sunroof and Hyundai's BlueLink connected car tech. It is powered by 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with multiple transmission options.

Rs 29.98 lakh to Rs 35.58 lakh

MG Motor's latest offering might just be a strong competitor to established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. It's one of the largest SUVs in the segment, packed with premium features, and segment-first level 1 autonomous driving tech. Its twin-turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine is one of the most powerful compared to its rivals. It is offered in the Super, Smart, Sharp and Savvy variants in 6 or 7-seater options.

Rs 36 lakh

You could consider this a swansong for the current-gen Octavia before Skoda rolls out the next-generation model, and what a send off it is. It is the most powerful Octavia around with a 2.0-litre TSI engine that pushes 245PSand 370Nm, paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It's also quite a rare gem as it is limited to only 200 units.

Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 16.25 lakh

The all-electric iteration of the Nexon sub-4 metre SUV could be called Tata's first proper push for electrification as a long-range EV. It is offered in three variants- XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux, and boasts an ARAI claimed range of 312km out of Tata's new 125PS Ziptron electric powertrain that's juiced up by a 30.2kWh battery pack. It's had a decent run as of late with over 2,000 units sold. It can also be bought via subscription plans starting from Rs 29,500 per month.

Rs 20.88 lakh to Rs 23.58 lakh

MG Motor's second offering for India, the ZS electric SUV had a pretty decent couple of months with over 3,000 bookings and over 150 units sold in almost two months post its launch. Aside from a swanky design and premium features, the electric SUV claimed an all-electric range of 340km via a 44.5kWh battery pack that powers a 143PS/353Nm electric motor. It is offered in two variants: Excite and Exclusive.

Rs 99.30 lakh (first 50 units)

It saw a five-month delay, but Mercedes-Benz finally brought over its first all-electric SUV, the EQC, to Indian shores. The crux of the SUV is a twin-electric motor setup, delivering 408PS/760Nm to all four wheels. Juiced up by an 80kWh battery pack, it delivers a claimed range of around 400km.

Rs 8.40 lakh to Rs 11.30 lakh

The second product to be launched under the joint venture between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, the Urban Cruiser is based on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It's more than just a rebadge with some distinct design differences. Aside from that, you get all the bells and whistles from the Vitara Brezza. It is offered in the Mid, High and Premium variants, equivalent to the Brezza's Vxi, Zxi and Zxi+ variants.

Rs 24.95 lakh to Rs 33.95 lakh

Kia Motors had already stolen the limelight last year with the Seltos, and its second offering, the Carnival MPV, comes with several luxuries. Offered in three variants: Premium, Prestige and Limousine, it gets a host of premium features such as VIP captain seats, rear-seat entertainment and multiple seating layouts. It currently enjoys a niche status.

Rs 24.99 lakh

You could essentially call it a miniaturised Kodiaq as the Karoq gets similar exterior bits as well as features. Offered as a completely built-up unit (CBU) in a sole fully loaded variant, it's already sold out all 1,000 units for 2020. That said, it could make a comeback in 2021 as a locally assembled unit. This could result in the SUV being a more affordable option than before.

Rs 19.99 lakh

Another CBU offered in a fully loaded sole variant for India, the T-Roc has a sporty crossover-like design rather than an SUV. It also gets all the bells and whistles of modern Volkswagen models with a bit of funky colour coordinated bits. It is powered by a 150PS/250Nm 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch (DSG) automatic gearbox. As was the case with the Karoq, the T-Roc has fulfilled its quota of bookings for 1,000 units for 2020. Expect bookings to resume in 2021, and considering its success, maybe have it locally assembled.

Rs 73.98 lakh to Rs 90.46 lakh

With the rebirth of Land Rover's off-road icon, the Defender finally made its way to Indian shores. It is being offered in both 3-door (90) and 5-door (110) body styles. Its charm lies in its boxy silhouette that honours its predecessor as well as plenty of creature comforts. That said, it's well known for its off-road prowess with various off-road modes and air suspension. A plug-in hybrid is also on the way.

Rs 39.30 lakh to Rs 42.30 lakh

2020 saw BMW get a new entry-level sedan for India with the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Based on the 1 Series hatchback, the 2 Series GC sports a sporty design and similar creature comforts to its larger siblings. The only real gripe is that it is a diesel-only model at the moment with a 190PS/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor. But petrol variants will be introduced at a later stage.

Rs 1.30 crore to Rs 2.15 crore

2020 saw BMW launch its flagship 8 Series range of cars in India in the form of the 8 Series Gran Coupe (4-door) and the spicy M8 (2-door). One of the highlights between the two models is a sexy silhouette with sharp creases and lines. Of course, the M8 ups the ante in aggressiveness. While the 8 Series GC gets a 340PS/500Nm 3.0-litre inline-six petrol motor, the M8 gets a throaty 4.4-litre V8 petrol mill pushing out 600PS/750Nm and a blistering quick 3.3 second sprint to 100kmph.

Rs 1.56 crore

Essentially Audi's flagship luxury sedan, the A8L's return to India brings in a new sharp design theme as well as a major upgrade to the cabin. Standout bits include luxurious twin-rear seat setup, massaging seats, individual climate controls, connected car tech, 10-inch Android tablets, sun blinds, ambient lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a refrigerator. Powering the luxury sedan is a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol engine delivering 340PS/500Nm. It also packs in a 48V mild-hybrid system for an extra torque boost during acceleration.

Rs 1.94 crore

After a very long, time Audi India finally brought over an RS-branded car in the form of the top-of-the-line RS7 Sportback. Based on the A7, it sports RS DNA with bits like blacked-out elements, RS-themed infotainment system, sportier seats, RS adaptive suspension, various drive modes, and 10 piston front brake calipers. Powering this beast is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine combined with a 48v mild-hybrid system that develops 600PS and 800Nm.

Rs 99.90 lakh

2020 finally saw Mercedes-Benz unleash the latest iteration of its S-Class of SUVs, the new GLS in India. With big bucks also comes a distinctive look as the new GLS is curvier than before with a butch stance. Notable features include a twin screen setup with Mercedes MBUX infotainment system, connected car tech, and a Burmester audio system. Its offered in two trims and three engine options including a petrol hybrid.

Rs 2.07 crore

2020 also saw India get Audi's most powerful SUV, the RS Q8. It's the fastest SUV to go around the Nurburgring with a lap time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds. Its core is a beefy 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine putting out 600PS/800Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Audi's quattro all-wheel drivetrain. It also sports RS-specific bits such as all-wheel steering wheel and active anti-roll bars to help it tackle corners with ease.

Rs 76.70 lakh

The facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe is an important model as it's the first locally assembled AMG model to launch in India. It gets all the updates from its standard counterpart and also adds some AMG bits. The biggest difference, of course, is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine under the hood that delivers 390PS and 520Nm.

*all prices ex-showroom