Tata’s bringing CNG, AMT CNG and EV models, Mahindra has a major facelift, Hyundai has a performance variant, and Maruti’s bringing its new Swift.
The first month of 2024 has already seen 18 new car launches, which is no small number by any means, and it doesn’t seem like carmakers are slowing down much. There are at least 8 new cars that are expected to launch in India in the next few months, and the models being brought in are across segments. Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz are slated to bring in new models to the country soon. Here’s the full list and when to expect them.
Tata Tiago, Tigor AMT CNG
Tata Motors has already sent out teasers and opened bookings for its Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan, with an industry-first – a CNG-powered automatic variant. Both models will be equipped with a 5-speed AMT mated to the same 1.2-litre engine, and are also likely to get cruise control and hill-start assist. The Tiago iCNG AMT is available in XTA, XZA+ and XZA NRG variants, while the Tigor iCNG AMT only comes in range-topping XZA and XZA+ form. Expect prices to be in the Rs 8 lakh-9 lakh, ex-showroom range for the Tiago AMT CNG, while prices for the Tigor AMT CNG are expected to be in the Rs 9 lakh-10 lakh, ex-showroom region.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift
Competition in the compact SUV segment is already at a fever pitch, with Tata bringing the Nexon facelift late last year, and Kia launching the refreshed Sonet just last month. In order to be competitive, Mahindra is bringing out a heavily updated XUV300. The compact SUV is going to sport styling cues that are inspired heavily by Mahindra’s BE line-up of SUVs that will go on sale in 2025 – expect a more angular nose, completely redesigned drop-down LED DRLs, a reprofiled tailgate and an LED light bar connecting the new tail-lights.
The interior is also expected to be different, albeit mostly in the form of updates to its features set. Additions like a segment-first panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen are likely to be offered on top-spec trims. While the current crop of engines – a 1.5-litre diesel, 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.2-litre direct injection turbo petrol (TGDI) – will continue, the TGDI unit is set to get an Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic (torque converter) option. XUV300 facelift manual prices are expected to increase nominally over the current SUV’s Rs 9.31 lakh-13.16 lakh, ex-showroom price point. The automatic variants are likely to add another lakh to the price tag.
Hyundai Creta N Line
The sportier version of the Creta, and Hyundai’s third N Line model in India, is scheduled to arrive by March. Unlike the other N Line models, which just get red highlights and a few trimmings, the sportier Creta gets quite a few design changes and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, along with the usual N Line-specific tweaks. The Creta N Line’s interior will also be a bit different, swapping out the dual-tone interior for an all-black one with red highlights. Mechanically, the Creta N Line is expected with the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that is mated to a DCT automatic gearbox. While there are talks of the SUV getting a 6-speed manual as well, this has yet to be confirmed by Hyundai. Expect Creta N Line prices to hover a little above the Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom mark.
Maruti Swift
The fourth generation of Maruti Suzuki’s popular hatchback is expected to arrive soon to take on the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The new Swift will debut the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z Series engine in the country – this unit makes 82hp and 108Nm in the Japan-spec model – and will get manual and AMT options. The new Swift will be manufactured at the company’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat and production is scheduled to begin this month. More details will arrive closer to its launch, however, expect 2024 Swift prices to increase marginally over the current model’s Rs 6 lakh-8.9 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi price tag.
Tata Nexon iCNG
Tata’s compact SUV is set to get a CNG option – the Nexon iCNG was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, and is expected to arrive at a showroom near you quite soon. Based on the Nexon facelift, the CNG version is near identical to the other ICE-powered variants, but for CNG-related mechanical and cosmetic changes. Once launched, the Nexon will be the only vehicle in India to offer this extensive a list of motive options; from petrol and diesel to CNG and even EV. Nexon CNG prices are expected to be around Rs 1 lakh higher than the petrol-manual models’ Rs 8.15 lakh-13.60 lakh, ex-showroom price.
Tata Curvv EV
Tata’s first all-new launch for the year, the Curvv will arrive in EV form first, and it’s expected to be brought in before the end of this financial year. While the model showcased at the recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 was the diesel Curvv, the all-electric version is expected to look similar, but for EV-specific changes such as a closed-off grille area, blue highlights and .ev badges. The rival to the MG ZS EV, upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, and the Maruti eVX – the latter two EVs are expected to arrive early next year – will be unique in having an SUV-coupe design.
Tata is bullish on sales of the Curvv EV, with 12,000 units a year being a target – for reference, the brand sold 21,072 units of the Nexon EV and 34,853 units of the Tiago EV in 2023. The Curvv EV’s battery and range details have yet to be revealed by Tata, but more info will trickle out as the launch approaches.
Mercedes GLB facelift
Merc’s smaller seven-seat SUV is due a refresh, and it is expected to arrive before the end of March 2024. Like the recently launched 2024 GLA, the GLB facelift will get rather subtle cosmetic changes outside, along with minor changes to the cabin. Some feature updates and new options for interior upholstery are expected. Mechanically, however, the GLB will be unchanged – the 163hp, 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit and 190hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine will continue with their respective 7-speed DCT gearbox and 8-speed DCT gearbox, respectively. GLB facelift prices will rise compared to the current model’s starting price of Rs 63.80 lakh, ex-showroom.
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