New arrivals

This month’s launches include a barrage of SUVs, updated sedans and an EV for the masses

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 130

Land Rover has launched the stretched-out version of its legendary SUV, the Defender 130 in the country and it will be sold alongside the Defender 90 and 110 that are already a part of Land Rover’s model lineup in India. The Defender 130 has a longer rear overhang compared to the 90 and 110 which allows for more space inside the cabin for an 8-seat layout, with a 2+3+3 seating configuration. The Land Rover Defender 130 also gets a second sunroof, specifically for the passengers seated in the third row and the 130 is identical to both the 90 and 110 variants in terms of the equipment and the features on offer.

AUDI Q3 SPORTBACK

The Audi Q3 Sportback is mechanically identical to the standard Q3, and while it continues to be powered by the same, proven 2-litre TFSI mill mated to the 7-speed DCT as the regular Q3, the Sportback offers a lot in terms of the pizzazz with its SUV coupe roofline. Incidentally, the Q3 Sportback is also the most affordable SUV coupe you can buy in the country at the moment. The Audi Q3 Sportback is longer and lower when you compare it with the standard version, and the Q3 Sportback also gets an, erm, sportier, S-Line body kit to amp up the aggressiveness of the design. Other changes to the styling of the Audi Q3 Sportback include more stylish alloy wheels, and the option of a Turbo blue paint scheme. In terms of equipment, the Q3 Sportback is based on the top-end Technology trim of the standard SUV that is loaded with kit, and the Sportback is offered with Audi’s quattro system as standard. We have driven the Q3 Sportback in this issue, and you can read our first drive review of the SUV coupe on Page 34.

TATA HARRIER RED DARK

The Harrier too can now be had in the stealthier Red Dark trim, and prices for the Harrier Red Dark start at 21.76 lakh. On the outside, the Harrier Red Dark has been completely blacked-out, and it is identically-specced in terms of equipment to the regular Harrier on the inside, with the new additions being the new 10.25-inch infotainment screen with customisable widgets and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster along with the red leatherette upholstery. Like the Safari, the Tata Harrier continues to be powered by the same 2-litre FCA-sourced diesel engine that produces 168bhp of power, and this engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

TATA SAFARI RED DARK

The Safari Red Dark debuted at the Auto Expo and it looks very stealthy with its all-black paint scheme and red accents on the front grille. You also get red brake callipers, 18-inch alloy wheels but the major changes are on the inside, with red leatherette upholstery, a new infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, red ambient lighting and the presence of ADAS. Expect a lot of these updates including the infotainment screen and digital cluster to trickle down to the regular Safari very soon!

BMW 5 SERIES

BMW has quietly discontinued variants of the 5 Series in a variant rejig, such as the 530d powered by the 3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. Meanwhile, the 520d can now be had only in the M Sport guise, as the Luxury Line and 50 Jahre Editions are now discontinued. The petrol-engined 530i M Sport however, remains unchanged.

CITROEN E-C3

The Citroen E-C3 is the carmaker’s first EV in India and it gets a 29.2kWh battery pack that gets a claimed range of 320km (MIDC). Visually, the E-C3 does look identical to its petrol-powered sibling and rivals the likes of the Tiago EV.

TATA NEXON RED DARK

The best selling SUV in the country can now be had in the Red Dark avatar which endows it with an Oberon black paint, red inserts in the grille, #Dark badging and 16-inch black alloy wheels. The Nexon Red Dark continues to be powered by the same 1.2-litre turbopetrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines as the standard version, mated to either a manual gearbox or an AMT.

HYUNDAI ALCAZAR TURBO

Hyundai has replaced the 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine of the Alcazar with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol for 2023, and this engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DCT. This engine produces 158bhp of power and 253Nm of torque, and it is RDE and E20 compliant. The Alcazar also receives a minor update for 2023 in the form of a revised design for the grille and the puddle lamps, with the engine now featuring an idle stop and go system to reduce emissions. The Alcazar is offered in both 6 and 7-seat configurations, with the 7-seat variant getting both the transmission options. Meanwhile the 6-seat version of the Alcazar is solely offered with the DCT.

HONDA CITY FACELIFT

The City gets a facelift which consists of tweaks to the bumpers, a new Obsidian Blue colour and a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels. Additional features present in the cabin include wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, a wireless charger and the presence of ADAS on the petrol variant, which was previously only available with the hybrid. In terms of powertrains, you can choose between the 1.5-litre nat-asp petrol mated to a 6-speed manual or a CVT, or the hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle, working in tandem with electric motors. The hybrid is only available with an e-CVT.