December is here and the Indian automotive industry is expected to spool up this month. Several interesting launches are around the corner- from brands like Skoda, Honda, Kia and Toyota. Let’s delve deeper into the details of these including the debut timelines.
Skoda Kylaq- December 2nd
Skoda recently revealed the Kylaq sub-4m SUV. Set to go on sale as a Maruti Brezza rival, it is based on the India-spec MQB A0 IN platform. The SUV looks more or less like a scaled-down Kushaq but features the manufacturer’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy. It will have a split LED headlight setup, LED DRLs, short overhangs, new bumpers, signature Skoda grille, Black wheel cladding, 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates and distinct tail lights. The SUV also debuts Skoda’s new lettering logo.
The platform is the same as what you’d find on the Slavia and Kushaq. It, however, is shorter than the Kushaq. The net length is down by 230 mm, compared to the larger SUV while the wheelbase is shorter by 85 mm.
The MQB A0 IN has high degrees of localisation gone into it, and the same has allowed the manufacturer to price the product competitively. The Kylaq uses the 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine from the Kushaq, which produces 115 bhp and 178 Nm. 0-100 kph is done in 10.5 seconds, and the two familiar transmissions- 6MT and 6AT- are available.
The cabin will have adequate room and features inside. Expect a two-spoke steering wheel, an 8-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, sunroof, keyless entry, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated and powered front seats, and more.
Skoda has already announced that the Kylaq’s starting price to be 7.89 lakh, ex-showroom. However, further details about the variants and their prices will be out on December 2, 2024, when the vehicle will have its official market launch. The Czech carmaker has aggressive sales targets set for the Kylaq and with the right prices, these would definitely be achievable.
Honda Amaze- December 4th
Honda will launch the third generation Amaze in India, on the 4th of December. It is expected to put up a strong fight against the recently launched fourth-gen Maruti Dzire. The manufacturer had recently released a few design sketches of the upcoming car. Later, a unit was also spotted undisguised revealing actual details of the production form and creating differences in opinions among the public.
We’ll have to wait till the launch for further clarity on how the actual product would look, what it would pack in terms of equipment and the powertrain choices. So what could likely be the changes on the new car? It will have new LED headlights with chunky LED DRLs, stronger shoulder lines, new diamond-cut alloy wheels and new LED taillights. The car has grown in size and tries to stand close to the City with some of its design cues.
The interior will be roomier and will host more features and technology. The design at large, would be minimalistic. There will, however, be cues borrowed from the likes of the City and Elevate. The new Amaze will have a large freestanding touchscreen, Elevate-like automatic climate control buttons, a new steering wheel design and more.
Reports say that the new vehicle will not have changes to its powertrain and will continue with the familiar 1.2-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine. It could make 88.5 bhp and 110 Nm and could be mated to 5-speed manual and CVT gearbox.
New Toyota Camry- December 11th
Toyota will introduce the (latest) ninth generation of the Camry sedan into the D segment in India, on December 11, 2024. It will compete with the upcoming Skoda Superb upon launch and will have Lexus influence in its design.
The new sedan will have a sculpted, anvil-shaped nose, new LED headlights that will be sleeker, a more aggressive front bumper, new wheels, a sharper rear and C-shaped LED DRLs.
The cabin will make a transition to a more modern and upmarket design and come with features like a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ADAS, and new rear seats with reclining and ventilation functions.
The new Camry will also have reworks under its hood. It will come with an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid powertrain, capable of producing 227 bhp. Reports say that despite the hike in output, this engine will still be able to deliver close to 25 kpl in fuel efficiency, courtesy of its hybrid tech.
Kia Syros- December 19th
Kia Motor India is known to launch a new small SUV on December 19th– the Syros. This product will sit between the Seltos and Sonet in the carmaker’s India lineup, and will also be showcased at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Auto Expo. The Syros will have a unique design with a slight flavour of ‘minivan bodystyle’ to it. It will have a comfortable, feature-loaded cabin with the likes of a panoramic sunroof and level 2 ADAS included.
It is expected to feature the 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 1.5 diesel engines found on the Sonet. The NA petrol mill would most likely be not there on the production form. The turbocharged petrol will be good enough to make 118 bhp and 172 Nm while the diesel will churn out 115 bhp and 250 Nm.
