Opinion – Eduardo Sodré: From subcompact to giant pickup, see cars that will be launched in 2022

Automakers are still in trouble due to the shortage of parts, but lost time needs to be made up. Projects that had been postponed started to hit the streets in the second half of 2021, and there will be a new wave of launches in 2022. There are novelties in all segments, whether small, large, flex or electric.

The rise in prices accumulated throughout the pandemic, the focus on higher value-added vehicles and the new safety and emission rules resulted in the end of popular cars. However, the industry needs lower price models and higher production volume to serve both retailers and fleet owners.

This gap will be filled by new compact cars. The most anticipated launch in this segment is the new generation of the Citroën C3, which will prioritize the internal space and will have a design that refers to SUVs.

The most affordable option should receive the 1.0 flex that already equips Fiat models – both brands are part of the Stellantis group. The debut is scheduled for the second quarter, with prices around R$ 70 thousand.

Renault, which is undergoing a repositioning process in Brazil, will update the Kwid subcompact — there will even be a 100% electric version. The flex model makes its debut at the beginning of 2022 with changes in style and a reduction in consumption, which was already low. The values ​​must be maintained: today the model is sold for R$ 59.9 thousand in the Zen version.

At Honda, the first novelty of the year will be the hatch version of the new City. The model arrives to replace the Fit and should offer versions starting at R$100 thousand. The new 1.5 flex engine (126 hp) brings direct fuel injection and lower consumption compared to its predecessor.

The Japanese brand will also launch the second generation of the HR-V, which is in an advanced stage of development in Brazil. The premiere should take place in the middle of the year.

Competitor Toyota will also have new features among compacts. The Yaris model will be renewed, with a change in style and inclusion of technological items. The presentation will be in January.

The Civic sedan will return to the country as imported. The 11th generation will come from Canada starting in the second half of 2022.

The pickup trucks will be the protagonists among the utilitarians. Ford Maverick debuts in the first quarter, with a 2.0 turbo engine (253 hp) and all-wheel drive. Your price should start at R$ 200 thousand.

The American brand also intends to bring its biggest sales success in the US: the F-150, a GG-size pickup truck. The current generation is 5.9 meters long and will compete with the RAM line (starting at R$ 441.8 thousand).

If Ford is considering importing its large pickup, General Motors advances with plans to bring Chevrolet Silverado back to the domestic market. Diesel and gasoline versions are expected, debuting in the second half.

GM will also have a more affordable option in the middle of the year: the new generation of Montana. The model returns with a double cabin and style similar to the Tracker compact SUV. The engine must be the 1.2 turbo flex (133 hp).

With production in São Caetano do Sul (Greater São Paulo), the pickup will be the main competitor of Fiat Toro, which costs from R$ 138.4 thousand in 1.3 turbo flex versions (185 hp). That same engine will equip another 2022 novelty: the restyled Jeep Renegade.

The jipinho will arrive at the beginning of the year with changes in style and more connectivity. The new turbocharged option will have 4×4 traction to replace diesel versions.

But next year it won’t just have flex or diesel cars. In addition to the electric Kwid, other cars that do not burn fuel will hit stores, albeit at high prices.

Volvo will bring the C40, an SUV capable of running about 400 km on a full charge of its batteries. It’s the coupe-style version of the XC40, which is now only sold in a 100% electric version, for $389,950.

After introducing the Tan utility, in November, the Chinese BYD prepares the debut of the Han sedan. They are high-end electric cars that will hit the market at the beginning of 2022, with prices between R$ 400 thousand and R$ 500 thousand.

After being the pioneer among premium brands with the i3, BMW will bring the i4 sedan, whose autonomy can reach 590 km in the eDrive40 version. Another option will be the SUV iX, and both debut in the first half.

JAC Motors, a Chinese brand that offers the largest number of electric models in Brazil, will bring the e-J7 sedan. The model, which is on pre-sale for R$259.9 thousand, will have the first units delivered in early 2022.