Waiting To Be Unlocked

Meet five new cars that are poised to zoom out of their showrooms as soon as the lockdown is lifted

With showrooms shuttered and assembly lines at a standstill, the lockdown has dealt the auto industry a body blow. But carmakers are fighting back and planning a flurry of launches to make up for lost time once lockdown restrictions are eased. Whether there’ll be customers to buy them is another issue but if you want to reward yourself for surviving over two months of house arrest with a nice set of wheels, then there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s my list of the top five newly-launched cars you’ll find in showrooms immediately after the lockdown lifts.

NISSAN KICKS 1.3 TURBO-PETROL

Nissan had a lot riding on the Kicks when it was first introduced in January 2019, but this capable SUV was anything but a success. Now the Kicks has a chance to redeem itself in the BS6 era with the introduction of a new, high-tech 1.3 turbopetrol, which produces a class leading 156hp. With prices starting at ~11.85 lakh, it offers the maximum bang for the buck. In fact, the Kicks is the most powerful SUV in its class and it’s this surplus of power that Nissan hopes will compensate for the torquey 1.5 diesel, which has been discontinued. Along with the 1.3 turbo, Nissan has drafted in an efficient CVT automatic to take the sting out of city driving. But it’s the six-speed manual option that extracts the most out of the potent engine that will please enthusiasts and best complement the Kick’s brilliant chassis.

Ifyouwantto reward yourself for surviving over two months of house arrest with a nice set of wheels, then there’s plenty to choose from!

HYUNDAI VERNA

True to style, Hyundai has carpet bombed the mid-size segment with its updated Verna, which is now available in four trim levels and five engine-gearbox combinations. That’s a total of 11 variants to choose from. With this face-lift, the Verna receives several cosmetic improvements both inside and out, which include new bumpers, new lights (front and rear) and a large grille. Changes in the interiors are not so extensive with the design remaining unchanged, but use of richer materials and a change of upholstery has spruced up cabin.

For the first time, Hyundai has offered a sporty version of this family sedan and equipped it with Hyundai’s 120hp

1.0 turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed DCT gearbox combo. To differentiate it from the others, the Verna turbo gets a blacked out grille.