2020 was another big year for the automotive sector with the Auto Expo in February and therefore the slew of launches before and after the lockdown. within the usual mixture of new cars and updated models, we saw an influx of features previously restricted to costlier models being introduced to different segments. Here are the new and/or updated models launched in 2020 that were the primary to introduce a feature to their segments:
Kia Sonet
Segment-first features: Diesel with torque convertor, ventilated front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Variant & starting price for feature: HTK+ Diesel AT – Rs 10.39 lakh; HTX+ 1.0 Turbo iMT Petrol – Rs 11.65 lakh (infotainment system); GTX+ 1.0 Turbo iMT Petrol – Rs 11.99 lakh* (ventilated seats)
The Sonet has rocketed to the highest of the sub-4m SUV segment within the short time since its launch. It shares its mechanicals with the Hyundai Venue which incorporates the 1.5-litre diesel also offered within the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. But the Sonet is that the just one to supply that diesel with its 6-speed torque convertor automatic drive option. the sole other automatic option with a diesel during this segment is that the AMT offered with the Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon.
An extra premium feature within the Sonet is that the ventilated front seats, a primary for the segment, previously limited to the likes of compact SUVs and sedans. The Sonet is additionally the primary to supply a ten .25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system.
Tata Nexon
Segment-first features: Pure electric powertrain option
Starting price: Rs 13.99 lakh*
The Tata Nexon is that the first sub-4m SUV to even have an all-electric version and it’s gone on to become the foremost popular EV offering in India. It’s the foremost affordable EV in India to vow quite 300km of range on a full charge and features minor changes from the standard petrol and diesel Nexon. In its price range, it’s no rivals since the likes of the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona Electric are more premium offerings with much higher prices with over Rs 20 lakh ex-showroom tag.
Nissan Magnite
Segment-first features: 360-degree around view camera, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, digital instrument cluster
Variant & starting price for feature: XV – Rs 6.68 lakh^ (wireless smartphone connectivity and digital driver’s display); Rs 7.55 lakh^ (around view camera)
The Magnite is that the newest entrant to the sub-4m SUV segment with aggressive prices to undercut all segment rivals. It also broughts a number of latest features to the segment. In its top-spec variant, Nissan decided to introduce the 360-degree camera to the segment. While the standard of the video feed isn’t great, the Magnite remains the sole sub-4m SUV to supply this feature.
Other feature additions include wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Magnite is additionally the primary sub-4m SUV to supply a 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with gamified graphics.
Hyundai Venue
Segment-first features: iMT (clutchless manual)
Variant & starting price for feature: 1.0 Turbo SX iMT – Rs 10 lakh*
Hyundai launched the Venue in 2019 and therefore the carmaker introduced a replacement transmission option for it in 2020. The Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) may be a two-pedal system because it doesn’t have a clutch to press. This transmission is way cheaper than a standard automatic and cheaper than an AMT too. It offers the comforts of an automatic along side the driving force engagement of manually shifting gears. Hyundai is offering the iMT with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine only. While the iMT was teased for the Kia’s Sonet SUV at Auto Expo 2020, its Hyundai sibling was the one to introduce it into the segment. it’s now also available with the Kia Sonet.