The list includes four new EVs, three petrol/diesel SUVs and even a CNG SUV.
Nearly halfway through the year, we have already had quite a few exciting launches, including the new Maruti Swift, the updated Mahindra XUV 3XO, the BYD Seal and the Hyundai Creta N Line. And the second half has a lot more in store: a couple of compact sedans, a sporty hatchback, and, of course, many more SUVs. Here’s a list of all the upcoming SUVs that you should watch out for in the remainder of 2024.Â
Tata Nexon iCNG
Nexon will be India’s first turbocharged CNG vehicle.
The earliest likely arrival is the Tata Nexon’s much-anticipated CNG variant, which will be India’s first CNG car with a turbo-petrol engine. It was showcased at this year’s Bharat Mobility Global Expo and has been spied testing on our roads several times. Moreover, the Tata Nexon iCNG could also be offered with an automatic gearbox. It will come equipped with the same dual-cylinder technology as the Punch CNG, Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG. The power and torque output on the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine will see a slight reduction when paired with CNG.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
Thar 5 door will carry over all engine options from Thar 3 door.
The Mahindra Thar 5-door is slated for a mid-year launch. The SUV could be called the Thar Armada and will be built on a separate production line. It will be better equipped than the Thar 3-door with 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a larger infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster and an electric sunroof. The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines will be carried over, with both 4WD and 2WD options, but what’s more interesting is that the Thar 5-door will also get the 1.5-litre diesel with RWD configuration for a competitively priced entry-level model.
Tata Curvv EV
Curvv EV will be followed by its petrol and diesel variants in 2025.
After Tata Curvv’s debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in close-to-production form, our sources confirmed that the company will first launch its EV iteration around September this year. It will be based on the same platform as the Nexon but will be 313mm longer, with the wheelbase length increasing by 62mm. Technical details are currently sparse, but it is likely to have about 450-500km range. The unique SUV-coupe-like design will help the Curvv stand out, but it will be very similar to the Nexon on the inside. The Curvv EV will have its work cut out soon after the launch as it will be joined by the likes of the Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti eVX in the midsize electric SUV segment.
Hyundai Alcazar facelift
Alcazar facelift will be sufficiently differentiated from the updated Creta.
Hyundai’s next big launch will be the Alcazar facelift, expected around September-October. The styling updates will be on the lines of the new Creta; however, Alcazar is also expected to retain its unique elements. The Alcazar facelift will also get a new dashboard with two connected digital displays, ADAS, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The three-row SUV will carry on with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp), and 1.5-litre diesel (115hp) engines, with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Citroen Basalt
Basalt breaks away from Citroen’s C-Cubed model nomenclature.
Unveiled in March, the Basalt is an SUV-coupe much like the Curvv and will be Citroen’s fourth model following the C3, eC3 and the C3 Aircross SUV under the company’s C-Cubed programme. The Basalt is expected to have the same engine as other Citroen models: a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit, which will be mated to either a manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox. Though the Basalt bears a striking resemblance to the C3 Aircross, it will have a distinctive sloping roofline and an all-new rear quarter. It will also come better equipped than the existing Citroen models.
Citroen eC3 Aircross
eC3 Aircross will share a lot of exterior and interior components with its ICE counterpart.
The eC3 Aircross will be an electric derivative of the petrol-powered C3 Aircross SUV. The CMP platform that underpins the C3 Aircross was designed to take in an electric powertrain right from the start, as is the case with the C3 and eC3 hatchbacks. The company, however, is understood to be developing a bigger battery for the eC3 Aircross to better suit its size and requirements, which has delayed its launch by a few months; the plan was to introduce it in about six months after rolling out the C3 Aircross. Powertrain aside, the eC3 Aircross will share most of its exterior and interior with its ICE counterpart, albeit with the addition of some niceties that are lacking in the latter.
Hyundai Creta EV
Creta EV will borrow mechanical components from Kona EV sold overseas.
The Hyundai Creta EV is expected to debut late this year but will likely go on sale in early 2025. Prototypes have been spotted testing on a couple of occasions, and the spy shots suggest that the Creta EV will slightly differ from its ICE counterpart, both on the outside and inside. The Creta EV will likely use a 45kWh battery pack that’s offered on the Kona EV overseas and also share its electric motor and several other mechanical components. It is expected to be powered by a single front-mounted electric motor and pack a range of around 250km on a single charge.
Mahindra XUV.e8
XUV.e8 will esentially be an electric version of the XUV700.
The first of Mahindra’s new generation of electric SUVs will be the XUV.e8, to be launched late in the year. Based on Mahindra’s INGLO born-electric architecture, the 7-seat SUV will essentially be an electric version of the XUV700, sharing some of its exterior body panels and interior layout. Mahindra has been extensively testing the XUV.e8 for about a year now, and the vehicle has been seen with several unique design elements that will define the automaker’s born EVs. Mahindra has also confirmed that the XUV.e8 will have an all-wheel-drive system and battery packs of up to 80kWh. The power outputs will be anywhere from 230hp to upwards of 350hp.
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