Upcoming Cars, SUV Debut in India
Toyota Taisor
The Maruti-Suzuki-Toyota partnership is set to result in yet another re-badged product in the form of the Maruti Fronx-based Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. The Taisor will feature some minor styling changes, similar to the ones on the Baleno-Glanza.
1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol and 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine options will be adopted from the Fronx. Just like the Maruti SUV, the Toyota Taisor will also likely offer a CNG option with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The crossover SUV is scheduled to be launched on April 24.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift
Mahindra’s XUV300 facelift is imminent, after a long period of development. The sub-4-meter SUV will boast a thorough redesign upfront and at the back, along with a bigger, free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster for an enhanced driving experience. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (110hp or 131hp) and 1.5-litre diesel (117hp) engines will be carried forward, but the higher-powered petrol variant is expected to get a new torque converter automatic gearbox.
Hyundai Alcazar facelift
After launching the Creta facelift and the N Line variant, Hyundai is gearing up to introduce the Alcazar facelift, expected to arrive in showrooms sometime in May or June. The Alcazar facelift will borrow styling cues from the updated Creta but is also likely to sport some distinctive design elements. The interior will be revamped with a new dashboard featuring two digital displays, while ADAS, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and more features are also anticipated to be included. Also, the three-row SUV will carry on with 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol (160hp), and 1.5-litre diesel (115hp) engines with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Tata Altroz racer
Tata Altroz Racer is poised for a release in the coming weeks. It will sport the same 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine found in the Altroz iTurbo, but in a more powerful configuration churning out 120hp and 170Nm. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be its transmission companion. Distinguishing the Altroz Racer will be exclusive ‘Racer’ badges, a two-tone paint scheme, a redesigned grille, and fresh 16-inch alloy wheels.
Tata Nexon
Alongside the Altroz Racer, the Tata Nexon CNG was also unveiled at this year’s Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. It will utilize the same dual-cylinder technology employed in the Punch CNG, Tiago CNG, and Tigor CNG. The 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engine will experience a modest decline in power and torque output when running on CNG. Also, is poised to be the pioneer among CNG cars in India, featuring a turbo-petrol engine. Additionally, the Tata Nexon CNG might be offered with the option of an automatic gearbox.
Tata Curvv EV
Following its near-production unveiling at the Bharat Mobility Expo, sources close to the company confirmed that Tata will be launching the electric version (EV) of the SUV coupe sometime in the second quarter of FY 2025 (July-September 2024). The vehicle will be built on the same platform as the Nexon, and although technical specifications are currently limited, it is expected to boast a range of 450-500 kilometers.
Although the Tatan Curvv EV won’t encounter any head-to-head competitors immediately upon launch, it will compete with established options like the Mahindra XUV 400, MG ZS EV, and even its internal rival, the Nexon EV.
Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift
The next big launch for Maruti Suzuki in India is the new-generation Swift, scheduled to be unveiled in the coming months. Codenamed Maruti YED internally, the refreshed hatchback will be sporting Suzuki’s new Z12E 1.2-liter petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. Design revisions will be more incremental than groundbreaking, but expect feature enhancements like a bigger infotainment screen with connected tech, automatic climate control, LED lighting, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and more.
Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Following this, The sedan was spotted undergoing testing about a month ago, completely disguised in camouflage. However, design tweaks will mirror those of the new Swift. In addition to the new Z series petrol engine, a CNG option will also be available for the sub-4-metre sedan.
Force Gurkha 5-door
Force Motors unveiled a first glimpse of the Gurkha 5-door, confirming its launch for India in the first quarter of the upcoming fiscal year. A test vehicle of the Gurkha 5-door showcased its new shift-on-the-fly 4WD knob located near the driver’s seat on the center console. However, the Mercedes-derived 2.6-litre diesel engine is likely to be retained from the Gurkha 3-door.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra has scheduled the launch of the much-anticipated Thar 5-door for mid-2024. The SUV might be christened ‘Thar Armada’ and will be constructed on a dedicated production line. It’s confirmed to be einrichten (German for equipped) with additional features compared to the Thar 3-door, including 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a bigger infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and even an electric sunroof. The powertrain options are expected to be carried forward, with the same 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines offered with both 4WD and 2WD configurations.
