Out of all the upcoming cars and SUVs in India, Mahindra Thar 5-door seems to be by far the most anticipated and hyped-about
Car sales in April 2023 have picked up as opposed to crumbling figures in 2022. With the new fiscal year, Indian automotive industry is expected to grow with a slew of new launches. These launches range across multiple segments covering varied price points. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest launches expected to take place in the coming months.
1. Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Gypsy’s spiritual successor is here in the form of Jimny. It carries on Gypsy’s character with a ladder-frame chassis, a peppy motor and a low-range transfer case. India only gets the 5-door version. Powering it is the 1.5L K15 petrol engine with 105 PS of power and 134.2 Nm, mated to a 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT. Launch will happen in May.
2. Kia Seltos Facelift
The South Korean brand is facelifting its highest-selling vehicle in India based on cues from global Seltos recently launched in USA. Testing is currently in full swing. Indian model is getting ADAS suite of safety tech. The new 1.5L turbo petrol doing duties in Verna and Carens will be offered with Seltos facelift as well. It makes 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque. A panoramic sunroof is a welcome addition too.
3. Maruti Suzuki Premium MPV Based On Hycross
This is Maruti’s largest step yet, in offering a premium vehicle under its Nexa dealerships. Chairman RC Bhargava mentioned Toyota-sourced hybrid MPV launch is in the next two months. Launch will happen in June or July. The 23+ km/l claimed fuel efficiency with hybrid variants is the highlight point of Maruti’s version of Hycross.
4. Honda Elevate
The Japanese brand is making a comeback in SUV segment with Elevate, a Creta rival. It is currently in testing phase. Elevate will debut on June 6, 2023. Powertrains and platform will be similar to 5th gen City. Both non-hybrid and hybrid offerings are likely. HCIL is prioritising both domestic sales and exports with Elevate.
5, 6 – Altroz iCNG / Punch iCNG
Both Tata Motors offerings are showcased with CNG at 2023 Auto Expo. Unlike single-cylinder CNG kits offered by Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata themselves till now, the new CNG kit offered with Altroz and Punch has two smaller 30L cylinders. The 1.2L NA petrol makes 72 bhp and 95 Nm with CNG, as opposed to 85 bhp and 113 Nm when run on petrol. Tata only teased Altroz CNG. Punch CNG launch is likely to happen at a later date.
7, 8 – Volkswagen Virtus & Taigun Editions
In response to Hyundai Verna 1.5 turbo with MT and DCT, VW is bringing 1.5 TSI MT combination to Virtus. Taigun gets this combo as well. Both Virtus and Taigun will receive ‘GT Edge Limited Collection‘ in June. Additionally, Taigun will get ‘Trail Concept’ and ‘Sport Concept’ editions as well. Trail Concept adds roof rails, interesting decals and Sport Concept receives chequered flag decals. VW will launch all of these in June.
9 – Tata Nexon Facelift
The brand’s golden goose is getting an update. This is much more extensive than the previous facelift. Curvv-inspired front and rear designs are likely. Two-spoke steering, and a new digital climate control panel are some of Curvv-inspired interior bits. ADAS tech is rumoured, but test mules with a radar module are yet to be seen. Launch might happen around the festive season.
10 – Hyundai Exter
The next big thing from Hyundai is a small crossover slotting below Venue. Undisguised test mules surfaced on the internet from Seoul. It gets a front fascia and silhouette inspired by Venue. H-shaped LED DRL signature, projector headlights and sunroof are notable bits. A 1.2L 4-cyl petrol will be on offer at launch. Hyundai might introduce CNG variants and even a 1.0L turbo later.
11 – Citroen C3 Aircross
The French compact SUV debuted recently. It packs 7 seats and has a lot of presence. Citroen has executed proportions and design very well. It will get both Puretech 82 and Puretech 110 powertrains from Citroen C3 hatch. Additions are 7 seats, rear AC vents, a digital instrument cluster, 17″ alloy wheels and more. C3 Aircross launch is likely around the festive season.
12 – Mahindra Thar 5-door
Based on Scorpio N’s platform, Thar 5-door is one of the most anticipated vehicle on this list. Now that Mahindra is considering offering it in RWD layout, we can expect attractive starting prices. It is not yet sure if Mahindra is willing to throw in the 1.5L diesel in the mix with 5-door version. But the 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel will be on offer along with 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT options.
13 – Force Gurkha 5-door
After a bunch of test mules and dealership sightings, the buzz around Gurkha 5-door seems to have died out. Last time we heard, Force Motors was training its dealer staff regarding Gurkha 5-door. The launch didn’t happen. Also spotted testing, is a 13-seater Gurkha based on Force Cruiser MUV. There are no new developments on that either.
14 – Kia Carnival
Kia showcased new Carnival at 2023 Auto Expo. It used to be on offer as Sedona in USA before. Considering that the latest generation Carnival is already getting facelifted after three years since launch, it is high time that Kia India considers replacing the outgoing previous-gen model. New Kia Carnival gets SUV credentials too. Making it more desirable. The same 2.2L diesel engine as outgoing India-spec Carnival is likely too.
15 – BYD Seal
Chinese EV juggernaut BYD showcased Seal electric sedan at 2023 Auto Expo. Recently, the vehicle went live on BYD India website too. Even though prices are not out, this might be a hint of a launch. Headline figures include 0.219 Cd drag coefficient, 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 530 bhp and 670 Nm with AWD and a staggering 700 km range.
16 – BMW M2
If you want the last pure ICE vehicle from BMW’s M division (not the M-Sport versions), M2 is that vehicle. It skimps on BMW’s controversial grille design as well. A 3.0L in-line six engine is what powers the M2. It makes 460 bhp of power and 550 Nm of torque. 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic options are likely. Launch will happen in May and will cost close to Rs. 1 cr (ex-sh).
17 – BMW X3 M40i
Remember the recently launched BMW M340i? BMW X3 M40i shares that powertrain. This will be the sportiest version of X3 in India. The 3.0L 6-cyl turbo petrol motor generates 360 bhp and 500 Nm. Bookings have commenced. Launch is likely in May.
