3 Affordable New Full-Size Sedans Launching Soon
Choosing SUVs over sedans has been a global trend. Even in India, there is a strong inclination toward SUVs, primarily due to their high ground clearance and added practicality. This has, in fact, impacted the sedan segment. It has shrunk significantly in the recent years, but isn’t dead yet. Affordable sedans continue to find takers even today, although the space now has just a handful of players. Automakers understand this niche demand and are readying new launches. Here are three affordable sedans set to launch in India soon, which interestingly, are not all-new models, but facelifts of existing ones.
The Volkswagen Virtus has long been a leader in its segment. First launched in 2022, it is now due for an update. The facelift has already been spied on test, suggesting what changes to expect. We expect it to launch sometime after the Taigun facelift launches on April 9th.
Changes on the updated sedan are expected to be mostly cosmetic. The front fascia will get a redesigned grille, updated headlamps and refreshed bumpers. The rear will get sleeker tail lamps and maybe a redesigned bumper too. The wheels will also be new.
Inside, the facelifted Virtus will retain most of the outgoing model’s layout and design. The colour schemes may, however, be revised.
Additionally, the facelift will see the addition of features like a larger instrument cluster, an improved touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats and potentially even a rear seat massager function. It may also get a panoramic sunroof.
The updated sedan is likely to continue with the same set of engines- 1.0-litre TSI producing 113hp and 178Nm and 1.5-litre TSI making 148hp and 250Nm. The former will be offered with a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while the latter will likely come with a seven-speed DSG alone. The 8-speed transmission is claimed to make the drive smoother and even increase the overall fuel efficiency.
Image source: Rushlane
Skoda will roll out an update on the Slavia that corresponds to the Virtus facelift. Just like the Volkswagen, it will also get cosmetic upgrades, feature additions and possibly see the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
The overall design will evolve into something sharper and more upmarket. The headlamps are likely to be redesigned and could stand closer to those of the Kushaq facelift with their design. The overall shape is likely to be made sleeker.
The car will also get a redesigned front grille. The side profile is expected to get minimal design changes. It will, however, get new wheels. At the rear, the new model will get sleeker tail lamps. Overall, the design is likely to move closer to that of the new-age Superb or Octavia.
Image source: Rushlane
Inside, the new Slavia is expected to feature a larger digital instrument cluster, an updated touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats and potentially a rear seat massager function. A panoramic sunroof is also likely to be included.
Mechanically, the car will continue with the existing engine lineup- a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed automatic, and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI engine coupled with a DSG transmission. We expect Skoda to launch this sedan in the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year.
The current fifth-generation Honda City, introduced in 2020, is now due for a facelift. Changes will be mostly cosmetic. However, no major design overhaul is to be expected. Details like the front grille, headlamps, bumpers, tail lamps and more will be updated.
The feature list will also be updated. A 360-degree camera is likely to be introduced. The ADAS suite may also be updated with more features. Powertrain options will remain unchanged- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle strong hybrid petrol engine. The naturally aspirated engine is available with both manual and CVT gearboxes while the other one comes with an e-CVT transmission alone.
Completing the sedan space is the Hyundai Verna, which also got a facelift recently. The update brought noticeable design improvements, a better cabin experience and more features to the car. The powertrains remain unchanged- 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.5L turbocharged petrol engines. The upcoming facelifts will likely put the updated Verna under even more pressure.