Four Much-Anticipated Car Launches in Nepal for 2021
If it weren’t for the Covid-19 pandemic, we would have seen multiple new car models entering the country. But due to the restrictions in place to contain the virus, the launch of new vehicles in the Nepali market has been put on hold.
But when things get better, they will surely arrive here. So we have compiled a list comprising some of the much-anticipated car models that are expected to launch in Nepal by the end of 2021.
Renault Kiger
Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, the authorised distributors of Renault vehicles in Nepal, announced it would be taking pre-bookings for the Renault Kiger a couple of months back. Renault’s Kiger was all geared up for a launch here. However, with the subsequent increase in Covid-19 spread in Nepal and India, the company has had to delay the Nepal launch of the sub-compact SUV. When the Kiger was launched in India, it was seen as a direct rival to the Nissan Magnite, and Renault even offered their model at a pretty affordable price. The aggressive pricing and attractive design language of the Kiger helped it to grab a lot of attention in both the Indian and Nepali markets.
The Renault Kiger looks like a bigger sibling of the Kwid, the brand’s popular outgoing model. But the Kiger also comes with several distinct features that differentiate it from the Kwid. The Kiger’s muscular and upright front fascia features sleek DRLs, side indicators, and dynamic split LED headlamps. The rear of the Kiger features split roof spoilers and C-shaped LED taillamps stuck to the edges and showcasing a cutout that looks unique. The powertrain options for the Kiger are a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine providing 98 bhp and 160 Nm of peak torque and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 71 bhp and 96 Nm of peak torque. The engines will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox, while the automatic options will include an AMT as well as a CVT.
It is expected that the Renault Kiger will be launched as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Proton X70
Proton, which recently entered Nepal, had to postpone their Proton X70 launch–which was slated for April 28–due to Covid-19 restrictions. The best-selling SUV in Malaysia was also spotted on the streets of Kathmandu a couple of months ago.
The Proton X70 has a rugged styling and features elements of the Malaysian touch in its exterior design. The unique ‘infinite weave’ grille is inspired by batik art and Malaysian wood carvings. The chrome surround on the grille is inspired by a hunting bow, one of Malaysia’s traditional weapons, and the headlamps are inspired by the eyes of a tiger. The X70’s rear has an upright look with high-positioned tail lamps, with the ‘Proton’ lettering garnished across the tailgate, and dual hexagonal exhaust outlets on the bumper. The X70’s engine option might be a 1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with a manual mode.
It is expected that the Proton X70 will be launched here as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Update: The Proton X70 launch in Nepal was conducted virtually on June 30 via the official Facebook page of Jagdamba Motors, the official distributor for Proton cars in Nepal.
Volkswagen Taigun
The Volkswagen Taigun is considered to be Volkswagen India’s premium model, and it will be based on the India-centric MQB AO IN platform, which also underpins the Skoda Kushaq. The new platform is considered to be 30 percent stiffer in comparison to the previous platform, and the use of the platform is expected to bring down the price of the car as well. Reports suggest the Volkswagen Taigun could, among others, also get advanced driver-assistance features (ADAS).
The Taigun comes with LED headlights and DRLs, the signature Volkswagen grille with chrome strips and brand logo proudly placed centrally, and halogen fog lamps up front, to name a few of its design features. The rear of the SUV boasts a C-shaped continuous LED tail lamp—a signature design element for the Taigun. Powering the Taigun will be a 1-litre TSI engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a torque converter automatic transmission, and a 1.5-litre TSI unit paired with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic-transmission variant.
In India, the launch of the Volkswagen Taigun has been pegged for June, and if everything goes well regarding the Covid-19 situation, the vehicle will be launched in Nepal during the initial fourth quarter of 2021.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia, a family car, has been around for almost a decade and a half. And now, in 2021, the fourth-generation Skoda Octavia is being readied for its launch. The sedan is slated to launch during July 2021 in India. The new-gen sedan will be based on an updated MQB platform (shared with the latest Volkswagen Golf), and it will be offered as a petrol version as the only option. The new Octavia is expected to be larger than the outgoing model.
True to its Skoda roots, the Octavia comes with minimalist design cues and maximum practicality. Also, the sedan shares a resemblance with the larger Superb, especially on account of the conventional headlamps on the sides of the grille, clean lines, and subtle creases along the body. The sedan’s rear features striking LED tail lamps with dynamic indicators and the brand lettering flaunted on the tailgate. The previously offered 143hp, 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine will not be available this time. Instead, the new Skoda Octavia will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
It is expected that the Skoda Octavia will be launched during the fourth quarter of 2021.
(If you are searching for a second-hand car in Nepal, visit Hamrobazar to make your pick from the best options on offer in the market.)
