Expected new launches after the lockdown: Part I

We don’t know when the lockdown will end but we do know what cars and motorcycles will be premiering in Nepal after this lockdown. Given below is a list of those launching after lockdown, which might just help you make up your mind if you are thinking of getting a new vehicle post-lockdown.

Yamaha Fascino 125 

Yamaha will launch the all-new Fascino 125, the successor of the out-going Fascino 110 scooter. With this Yamaha has shifted its focus from the 100cc segment to the 125cc segment. Design-wise, the scooter follows the same silhouette of the current Fascino 110, but has a more defined form with prominent chrome accents, giving the scooter a more mature and premium look.

On the feature front, the scooter is equipped with larger 21-liter underseat storage, wider seat for better comfort, multi-function key fob with seat opener, and a side stand engine cut-off switch. Upgrading to a larger 125cc motor, which is 30 percent higher than the 110cc model in terms of displacement, the BS6 compliant motor is capable of churning out 8 bhp and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. In terms of efficiency, Yamaha claims the Fascino 125 is capable of returning a mileage of 58 kmpl, 16 percent more than the 110cc version.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 

Jeep is looking to launch one of the most iconic off-road vehicles in the world: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler is Jeep’s wildly popular 4×4, available as a two-door or four-door SUV, the latter known as the Wrangler Unlimited. The two-door model has room for four people, while the Unlimited version seats five. A standard 285 bhp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. There’s also an optional 270 bhp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 400 Nm of torque with the eight-speed automatic.

A turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 that works with an eight-speed automatic is new in the Wrangler Unlimited. Four-wheel drive is standard. The Wrangler is all about off-road driving, or at least the image of it. While it has a rugged image, available comfort features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

Tata Altroz 

Tata will be launching its anticipated premium hatchbacks, the Altroz. It is the first vehicle developed on the new ALFA architecture and the second sporting the Impact 2.0 design language. Tata Altroz is also the recipient of the 5-star adult safety rating from Global NCAP, the world’s top global car assessment program.

The Altroz will be available in a petrol engine configuration only. The BS6 compliant 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine produces 86 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car also comes with Eco and Drive modes as standard. In terms of dimensions, the Altroz measures 3,990 mm in length, 1,755 mm in width, and 1,523 mm in height. It comes with a 2,501 mm long wheelbase and an unladen ground clearance of 165 mm.

Other features include dual-tone alloy wheels, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, auto climate control, auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers, multi-function steering wheel, front and rear armrests, and rear AC vents with a 12 volt socket.

Volkswagen Polo & Vento TSI 

The Polo and Vento have been among the best-selling cars from the Volkswagen stable since their introduction in India and in Nepal, and the brand recently introduced the BS6 lineup across the two carlines. Now the company will be launching the TSI variants of the Polo and the Vento. These variants will be powered by the 1.0l TSI BS6 engine and mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission that makes a peak power of 110 bhp and delivers 175 Nm of torque. The TSI editions of the two cars exhibit a stylish honeycomb grille, sporty body side graphics, and bold TSI badge across the passenger doors, as well as stunning black ORVM, and glossy black roof and spoilers.

Suzuki Vitara Brezza Petrol 

The newest Vitara Brezza offers an enhanced design language, bolder looks, stronger stance, upgraded interiors, and a host of new features. The Vitara Brezza shares its 105hp and 138Nm, 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with its other siblings like the Ciaz, Ertiga, and XL6. The compact SUV will come with a 5-speed manual and advanced automatic transmission with Smart Hybrid.

The Vitara Brezza gets a fresh front-end, there’s new design detail below the chrome grille that extends to the front bumper, the fog lamp housings are larger, and the turn indicators are near the headlight unit. While there isn’t much that has changed on the sides you do get new alloy wheels and the rear also gets a redone bumper.

On the inside, you have an all-black cabin and a new SmartPlay Studio 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and automatic wipers. The safety kit remains unchanged, with dual airbags and ABS being part of the package. The compact SUV will be available in three new dual-tone color options: Sizzling Red with Midnight Black roof, Torque Blue with midnight Black roof, and Granite Grey with Autumn Orange roof.