An Automotive Recap of 2020: The Year of the COVID

2020 was a whirlwind of a year, but we got through it and came out relatively well. And so did our auto industry. In spite of the lockdowns and restrictions, the automotive scene of Nepal saw a decent bit of action this year. Here is a quick recap of the automotive year 2020. Nepal Drives’ Online Covid-19 Issues & Rs. 500,000 Campaign to Support the Nepalese Automotive SectorWith the nation put into a strict lockdown, we took our publication online and published two special COVID-19 issues. In the online issue, we also announced an Rs. 5,00,000 campaign to support the Nepalese auto industry as it prepared to reopen and rebuild as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. With all of the companies closed down due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Nepal Drives’ Rs. 5,00,000 #WeDriveNepal campaign aimed to support the entire Nepalese auto industry by raising awareness of the companies available to consumers.No NADA Auto ShowDue to the outbreak of the virus, the NADA Auto Show was cancelled this year. The auto show has always been a major platform for all the major distributors and auto enthusiasts of Nepal and the show was sorely missed. We will be looking forward to the NADA Auto Show in 2021, hopefully with strict safety measures implied.EV Excise duty and Tax HikeAt a time when the Nepalese automotive industry was already reeling under a major slump, especially the electric car sector, the government announced an implication of excise duty on electric cars. Electric car owners who enjoyed a yearly tax break from the government will now also have to pay tax depending upon the motor capacity of their vehicle.TVS Motorcycles Assembly in NepalJagdamba Motors the authorized distributor for TVS Bikes & Scooter announced and commenced trials on the production of TVS bikes in Nepal. Apache 160 to be assembled in the first phase. These TVS bikes & scooters will be assembled at Simara, Bara. Currently, hundreds of people are employed, in further days the assembly industry is planning on providing direct employment to 500 people. The company aims to produce 100,000 motorcycles and scooters and 20,000 three-wheeled rickshaws a year.Citroen Announces its Nepal EntryFrench auto major Groupe PSA is set to bring its Citroen brand to Nepal with the launch of the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV in 2021. Shangrila Motors Private Limited, the authorized distributor of Peugeot brand vehicles for Nepal, has also been appointed as the authorized distributor of Citroen brand vehicles for Nepal by Groupe PSA, France. The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV will be the first product for the Nepalese market. The C5 Aircross is based on Groupe PSA’s EMP2 platform. The SUV measures 4,500mm in length, 1,840mm in width, 1,670mm in height, and 2,730mm in wheelbase length. It has a ground clearance of 230mm. The Citroen C5 Aircross will likely be offered with a 2.0-liter diesel motor rated at 180 hp and mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.Increase in online retail platformsAdapting to the new way of life, automobile distributors have become more actively involved in encouraging people to interact via online platforms. Some of the distributors that have been stepping things up are Tata Motors Nepal, Bajaj Motorcycles Nepal, Jyoti Group (Honda Motorcycles) and Laxmi Intercontinental (Hyundai).Increase in Import of Two-WheelersAs of early December, more than Rs. 7,00,000,000 (Rs. 7 arba) worth of two wheelers have been imported into the country between the months of Shrawan to Kartik. This can be attributed to people now wanting the assurance of owning a personal medium of transport instead of relying on public transport.New Product LaunchesBMW: Laxmi Premium Motors, the sole authorized importer and distributor for BMW, cars in Nepal, partnered with BMW Asia and BMW Bangladesh to open the doors of a new 10,165 sq ft BMW dealership in Tinkune, Kathmandu, Nepal. Partnering with BMW Asia and BMW Bangladesh, the dealership serves as a key touchpoint for customers to engage with the brand throughout their car ownership journey.Kia Seltos: Kia Seltos received a great response all year round after its launch. Kia Nepal offers the Kia Seltos in ten variants and two BS6 engine options. It is available in two trims - GT-Line and Tech-Line. The base variant of the Kia Seltos has been priced at Rs. 49.90 lakhs and will top out at Rs. 66.90 lakhs for the Tech-Line trim. Similarly, the GT-Line trim is priced between Rs. 71.90 Lakhs- 76.90 Lakhs. The Seltos is available in two engine configurations: 1.5-liter petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel.Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios was launched in Nepal at an aggressive starting price of Rs 30, 96,000. Hyundai Nepal launched the Grand i10 Nios through a virtual event. The all-new Grand i10 Nios, which is the third-generation model in the i10 family, gets Hyundai’s signature “Cascading Grille” for a much wider and stronger appeal to the front, boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, projector headlamps, shark-fin antenna, and dual-tone R14 alloy wheels.All-New Hyundai Creta:Hyundai launched the 2020 Creta in Nepal. The prices of the 2020 Creta start at Rs. 43.96 lakhs and go up to Rs.65.96 lakh. The new Creta is available in a total of six variants and two engine options. Building on the success of the 1st generation Creta, the 2nd generation all-new Creta is set to define the new benchmark in its segment with its futuristic design, power-packed performance, and an extensive array of comfort & convenience features.Hyundai Aura: Hyundai also launched the Aura sedan which is based on the company's Grand i10 Nios hatchback. The Hyundai Aura is only available in the “S” variant of 1.2 Kappa Dual VTVT Petrol engine of 1197cc that generates 81 bhp and 113 Nm of torque and delivers improved fuel efficiency.Toyota Corolla Cross:  The all-new Toyota Corolla Cross is available in two variants - Entry and High. The entry-level variant which is conveniently named Corolla Cross "Entry" is priced at Rs. 1, 12, 00,000 and the top-level variant simply named the Corolla Cross "High" is priced at Rs. 1, 33, 00,000. The Corolla Cross gets a 1.8-liter petrol engine that makes 140 hp and 175 Nm of torque. This engine drives the front wheels through a CVT. Toyota will also offer a hybrid model in the near future. The hybrid model produces an extra combines an extra 72 hp and 163 Nm of torque.All-New Renault Kwid:  2020 saw the launch of the 2020 Renault Kwid. The prices start at Rs. 24.99 lakhs in Nepal. The 2020 Renault Kwid is available in three variants, all of which are top-end, the Kwid RXT (O) is priced at Rs. 24.99 lakhs, the Kwid Climber RXT (O) at Rs. 25.99 lakhs, and the range-topping Kwid RXT (O) AMT at Rs. 26.49 lakhs. The new Renault Kwid is available with a more powerful, 1.0-liter, BS6 compliant engine mated to a 5-Speed MT or an AMT that makes 67 BHP and 91 Nm of torque.Jawa Motorcycles: Jawa finally arrived in Nepal. Yes, the iconic Czech motorcycle brand which was resurrected by Mahindra Group's subsidiary Classic legends in India last year is now available in Nepal through Agni MotoInc - a subsidiary of Agni group. The company has launched its Jawa and Jawa Forty-Two models in the country to appeal to retro bike enthusiasts in Nepal. Both the Jawa and Jawa Forty-Two is offered in two ABS variants – Single-Channel and Dual-Channel. While the Jawa Forty-Two is priced at Rs 6, 20,000 for the single-channel ABS variant and Rs 6, 48,000 for the dual-channel ABS, the Jawa is priced at Rs 6, 48,500 and Rs 6, 76,500 respectively.Kia Sonet:Kia launched the much-awaited Sonet subcompact SUV in the Nepalese market. The Sonet is available in 4 variants with prices starting at Rs. 35.90 lakhs. The base HTE variant is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that comes at Rs. 35.90 lakhs. Then there is the HTX at Rs. 47.90 lakhs, the HTK+ AT at Rs. 49.90 lakhs and the top end GTX+ variant at Rs. 57.90 lakhs, all of which are powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine.Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 250:  Husqvarna Motorcycles officially made its Nepal debut with the launch of the 2020 Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. Distributed in Nepal by Hansraj Hulaschand and Co. Pvt. Ltd, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 are officially launched at an introductory price of Rs 5.69 Lakhs. Both bikes are powered by the same BS6-compliant 248.8 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that does duty on the KTM 250 Duke. The motor produces 29.5 hp at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. The gearbox is a six-speed unit, and both bikes are equipped with a slip and assist clutch.KTM 390 Adventure: KTM Nepal launched the KTM 390 Adventure, one of the most anticipated adventure motorcycles in 2020, in the Nepalese market at a mouth-watering introductory price tag of Rs 9.99 lakhs. The entry-level tourer is KTM's first off-road-oriented motorcycle in Nepal. The KTM 390 Adventure is quite a looker with styling genes inspired by its elder sibling, the 790 Adventure. The 390 Adventure is quintessentially an off-road version of the 390 Duke but catered more towards touring and light off-roading. It uses the same 373.2cc single-cylinder engine which makes 44hp of power at 9000rpm and 37 Nm at 7000rpm.Bajaj Avenger Street 160:The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 was launched in Nepal at Rs 3, 19, 900. The entry-level Avenger comes with a 160 cc single-cylinder BS4 engine that generates 15 PS of maximum power at 8,500 rpm, along with 13.5 Nm peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The motor comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Bajaj Avenger Street 160 borrows the styling cues from the other Street models mainly the roadster inspired headlamp with LED DRLs, street centric handlebars, and low slung and long seat for a relaxed riding posture. The bike also gets black alloy wheels and a wide rear tire.Suzuki Vitara Brezza Petrol:CG | Motocorp launched the all-new Suzuki Vitara Brezza petrol in the Nepalese market at a price of Rs 41.69 Lakhs for the VXi variant and Rs 44.69 Lakhs for the ZXi+ variant. The Vitara Brezza shares its 103 BHP and 138Nm, 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with other Marutis like the Ciaz, Ertiga, and XL6. The compact SUV will be offered with a 5-speed manual with Smart Hybrid. The compact SUV competes against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and Ford Ecosport.Tata Altroz: The Altroz is available in 4 variants and petrol engine option only. Tata is offering the Altroz in Nepal in four trim levels – XE (Rs 29, 99,000), XM (Rs 32, 55,000), XT (Rs 35, 55,000), and XZ (Rs 38, 55,000). Tata Altroz is also the recipient of the 5-star adult safety rating from Global NCAP, the foremost global car assessment program. The Altroz is powered by an 86 bhp/113 Nm 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.Mitsubishi Xpander:  The Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-seat compact MPV manufactured in Indonesia and designed by Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi employed a 1.5-liter DOHC gasoline engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC). This four-cylinder can produce a total of 105 hp with 141 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Leon Motors, the sole authorized distributor of Mitsubishi in Nepal has priced the Xpander at Rs. 78, 50,000.Yamaha big bikes: Yamaha launched four new exclusive products including the iconic YZF-R6. MAW Enterprises, the sole authorized distributor for Yamaha two-wheelers in the country, have launched the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R6 (Rs 39,99,000), MT-09 naked roadster (Rs 34,99,000), TMax 560 sports scooter (Rs 34,99,000), and Bolt cruiser motorcycle (Rs 34,99,000) in the Nepalese market.Yamaha Fascino 125 FI & Ray ZR 125 FI: Yamaha Nepal has added a second BS6 scooter to its portfolio after the Fascino 125 FI BS6. With an aim to capture the growing 125cc premium scooter segment, the company has launched the BS6 Yamaha Ray ZR 125 FI and Fascino 125 FI in the Nepalese market. Both the Ray ZR 125 FI and Fascino 125 FI get the same BS6 125 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine  This motor produces 8.2 PS of max power at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 9.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm.Proton: Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Shanker Group, is all set to introduce Malaysian brand Proton in the Nepalese market. The first model of Proton to be presented by Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd in Nepal will be the all-new Proton Saga sedan. The Saga is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder VVT engine that delivers 95 PS and 120 Nm of torque. The Proton Saga will be introduced through the company's exclusive showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu, and will be gradually introduced in other cities like Pokhara, Biratnagar, Itahari, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, and Nepalgunj, etc. through its dealership network. Likewise, other Proton models will be subsequently introduced as per the demand of the customers.Volkswagen Allspace: Volkswagen launched the Allspace in Nepal. The Tiguan Allspace is a regular Tiguan with 215mm added between the front and rear wheels to help accommodate seven seats while adding some extra boot space when the third row is folded. Along with this increase in scale, the Allspace also has a slightly different front-end design and roof rails as standard to set it aside from the common or garden five-seater. The Tiguan Allspace comes with a smooth DSG automatic gearbox and all models come with a raft of high-tech safety kits.DFSK Glory 560: Kuzu Nepal Pvt. Ltd, the authorized distributor for DFSK in Nepal, has launched the all-new Glory 560 at a competitive price of Rs 57.50 Lakhs. The Glory 560 now joins the company's SUV lineup along with the Glory 580 SUV. The DFSK Glory 560 is powered by a EURO5-compliant 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine that delivers 148 bhp at 5700 rpm and 230 Nm of torque between 1800-4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. DFSK Glory 560 has dimensions of 4,515mm x 1815 mm x 1,735 mm and the wheelbase stands at 2690mm. Kerb weight is 2005 kg and fuel tank capacity is 50 liters.Foton Tunland E Pick-up Truck: MAW Vriddhi Commercial Vehicle Pvt. Ltd., the authorized distributor of Foton Motor in Nepal, has launched the Foton Tunland E pick-up truck with a price tag of Rs. 59,50,000. The Tunland E is powered by a 2.8L inline 4 cylinder, electrically controlled high-pressure common-rail with Turbocharger & Intercooler 4WD and 5 speed MT engine that produces a maximum power of 113 bhp and 280 Nm of peak torque.Skoda Rapid TSI:Skoda launched the new Rapid TSI at an attractive introductory price of 34.90 lakhs in Nepal which is 5 lakh rupees lower than out-going Skoda Rapid. The new Rapid comes in 6 variants with prices starting from Rs. 34.90 lakhs for the base Rider variant and going all the way up to Rs. 51.90 lakhs for the top-end Monte Carlo variant. At the heart of the new, Skoda Rapid is a new TSI engine, which previously was found only in the more premium models such as Superb and Octavia. The new petrol engine produces 110 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque, both of which are best-in-class.Datsun Redigo Facelift: The BS6 avatar of the Datsun Redi-Go was launched in the Nepalese market at an introductory price of Rs 23.99 Lakh. The 2020 Datsun Redi-Go receives cosmetic updates that give it a bolder, fresher look. The tall-boy hatchback is only available in the top-spec 1.0-liter T (O) trim. The other variants of 0.8L variants- D, A, T & T (O) and the 1.0L (AMT) T (O) will be launched soon. Datsun is also providing a one year/20,000 km standard warranty that can be extended for up to three years/30,000 km at no extra cost during the introductory period.2020 Isuzu V-Cross: Isuzu Nepal launched the 2020 V-Cross facelift for a starting price of Nrs 70.90 lakh. Powering the Isuzu V-Cross facelift is a 4-cylinder, common rail, VGS Turbo, Intercooled, 2.5-liter diesel engine that makes 134 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The motor is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It comes with a 4WD (shift-on-fly) drive mode as well. Similarly, Isuzu also launched the Hi-lander pickup truck in the Nepalese market.2020 Honda City: Honda Cars Nepal has unveiled the 5th Generation Honda City in the Nepalese market. However, it will only be sold in the ZX trim in both manual and CVT trim. The new Honda City is priced at Rs 63.90 Lakh for the MT variant and Rs 69.90 Lakh for the CVT variant. The 5th Generation model is powered by an all-new naturally-aspirated 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC engine with VTC in Petrol that comes paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT that makes 121 bhp of peak power and 145 Nm of torque.  The BS6-compliant engine offers power-packed performance and excellent fuel-efficiency.