Most BS6 cars launched during the lockdown are hardly different from their BS4 counterparts
The Indian automotive industry is going through one of the worst times in recent history due to COVID-19 and the lockdown measures it brought about. As all dealerships remain closed until further notice, OEMs have started concentrating on online sales platforms.
Even after the Indian government relaxes its lockdown protocols, the entire car-buying scenario might witness a drastic difference — know more details.
COVID-19 came at the same time when dealers were trying hard to clear their remaining BS4 stock. The deadline to stop selling BS4 products currently extends to 13 May 2020 but several dealerships are on the verge of going out of business permanently.
Amid the lockdown, certain brands have updated their popular offerings to BS6 specifications. Most of these products are not a major upgrade over their BS4 counterparts. Here are the top BS6 cars launched during the lockdown:
Maruti Suzuki CelerioX (Starting price: Rs 4.90 lakh)
In BS6 format, the raised version of the Maruti Celerio comes with the same 1.0-litre petrol engine with 66bhp and 90Nm. This is mated either to a 5-speed manual or an AMT unit.
Hyundai Santro (Starting price: 4.57 lakh)
The BS6 Hyundai Santro continues to be offered in petrol and CNG formats. The 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine makes 68bhp/99Nm in petrol format and a lesser 58bhp/84Nm in the CNG. A 5-speed manual is standard while the petrol variant gets an AMT option as well.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG (Starting price: Rs 6.63 lakh)
The CNG variant of the mid-level Hyundai hatchback is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine good for 66bhp and 95Nm (10bhp/19Nm lesser than its petrol variant). There is only a 5-speed manual on offer.
Hyundai Elite i20 (Starting price: Rs 6.50 lakh)
With BS6 update, the Hyundai Elite i20 gets only a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, at least for the time being. It makes almost 82bhp and 114Nm of torque while mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai Verna facelift (Starting price: Rs 9.30 lakh)
The BS6 2020MY Hyundai Verna is the only entrant on this list which received significant improvements compared to its BS4 version. There are three engines on offer: 115bhp/144Nm 1.5-litre NA petrol, 120bhp/170Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 115bhp/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel. The engines are available mated to a CVT, 6-speed AT and 7-speed DCT, respectively while a 6-speed manual is standard.
Mahindra KUV100 NXT (Starting price: 5.54 lakh)
For the BS6 era, Mahindra has discontinued the diesel variant of its entry-level KUV100 NXT. The BS6 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol churns out 82bhp and 115Nm. It is available only with a 5-speed manual.
Mahindra Scorpio (Starting price: Rs 12.40 lakh)
With certain trim and powertrain exclusions, Mahindra launched the Scorpio SUV with just a BS6 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel capable of 140bhp and 320Nm. This is sent to the rear wheels (no 4WD option) via a 6-speed manual.
Mahindra XUV500 (Starting price: Rs 13.20 lakh)
Mahindra is working on the next-gen XUV500 for 2021. In the meantime, the XUV500 BS6 comes powered by a 2.2-litre diesel mill that produces 153bhp and 360Nm. This is mated to a 6-speed manual while a 6-speed automatic variant is expected to arrive soon.
Mahindra Alturas G4 (Starting price: Rs 28.69 lakh)
Rivalling the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner, the BS6 Mahindra Alturas G4 (available in RWD and AWD formats) continues to have a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine packing 178bhp and 420Nm. This is mated to a 7-speed AT.
Jeep Compass (Starting price: Rs 16.49 lakh)
Even though prices of the BS6 Compass were speculated way before, Jeep India launched the SUV only recently. There are two engine choices: 160bhp/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 170bhp/350Nm diesel. Transmission choices include a 7-speed DCT and 9-speed AT while a 6-speed manual is standard.
MG Hector diesel (Starting price: Rs 13.88 lakh)
The MG Hector continues to employ a 2.0-litre diesel engine sourced from FCA (as in the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier). Available with just a 6-speed manual, it is good for 170bhp and 350Nm.
Tata Nexon ‘S’ (Starting price: Rs 10.10 lakh)
Based on XZ+ trim, the ‘S’ variant gets a sunroof and lies just below XZ+ (O). Engine choices remain the same: 118bhp/170Nm 1.2-litre petrol and 108bhp/260Nm 1.5-litre diesel. Both are available with a 6-speed manual or AMT.