After a gap of three years, Asia’s largest Auto Expo will make a return from 13th-18th January, 2023. The top automotive manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors, Tata Motors, Toyota, Kia, MG Motor, Lexus, Volvo and the recent entrant BYD will showcase their latest models in the upcoming Auto Expo near New Delhi. While other carmakers like Mahindra, Volkswagen, Skoda and Honda will not participate in this year’s motor show, there are still a number of cars expected to be launched at the event. Here are the cars that are expected or rumoured to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2023.
Maruti Suzuki Cars at Auto Expo 2023
Maruti Baleno Cross Coupe SUV
The Baleno Cross Coupe SUV will be a compact SUV based on the popular Baleno hatchback. The new compact SUV is expected to feature a similar design philosophy as the recently launched Grand Vitara while carrying over the same engine and interiors as the Baleno premium hatchback.
Maruti Jimny 5-Door 4×4 SUV
The 5-door Maruti Jimny is going to be a showstopper from Maruti at Auto Expo 2023. Visually, the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny won’t differ much from the 3-door Jimny and shall wear the familiar boxy attire. It is expected to come in 5- & 7-seater options and with a 1.5L K15B petrol engine with mild hybrid tech. The transmission options will include a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual gearbox, and a four-wheel-drive drivetrain with manual transfer case shall be standard on most variants.
Hycross-based Maruti Premium MUV
It is rumoured that Maruti plans to launch a new C-Segment MUV based on the Innova Hycross later in 2023. There is a possibility of the new car being unveiled at the Auto Expo, featuring similar powertrains as the Toyota MUV but with Maruti-specific exterior design changes. It is expected to be available with a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol as well as Toyota’s new-gen strong hybrid unit.
Hyundai Cars at Auto Expo 2023
Hyundai Creta facelift
Buyers are eagerly waiting for the Hyundai Creta facelift that is already on sale in select international markets. The most prominent exterior highlight of the new Hyundai Creta is a parametric grille similar in style to the Tucson’s front grille, featuring a block-like pattern with chrome finishing, bringing the Creta more in line with the Hyundai portfolio in India. To maintain its advantage in the feature department, Hyundai will elongate Creta’s feature list with Level-2 ADAS technology. No changes are expected mechanically.
Hyundai Kona facelift
In India, the Hyundai Kona electric has been around since 2019 and was updated in 2020 in the international market. The Korean carmaker expected to exhibit the new Indian-spec Hyundai Kona at Auto Expo 2023. The appearance of the new Kona electric shall remain more or less the same as the current generation Kona electric. However, changes are expected in the powertrains on offer. The new Hyundai Kona electric is expected to come with 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh battery packs with ARAI claimed ranges of 304 km and 483 km.
New-Generation Hyundai Verna
The exhibition of the next-generation Hyundai Verna is sure to take the spotlight at Auto Expo 2023. The new Verna is expected to feature a more aggressive design that leans more heavily into the ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language that is also seen in the new Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata in international markets. The next-generation Honda City rival will be bigger than its predecessor and is also expected to sport Level-2 ADAS technology, making it safer. The new Verna will retain its attractive load of features that consists of electric sunroof, ventilated seats among others, and continue to be equipped with a 1.5-L petrol and a 1.5-L turbo diesel engine. Both engines are likely to come with mild-hybrid technology.
Hyundai Ai3
Hyundai’s new Micro-SUV is internationally codenamed ‘Hyundai Ai3’ and will be the smallest Hyundai SUV in India. The Korean SUV hasn’t been completely revealed but the test mule indicates a split headlamp arrangement with LED DRLs above the squarish Venue-like headlamps. Hyundai is also expected to give the micro-SUV a sunroof to help it lead in the race against Tata Punch and Citroen C3. The powertrain will only have the option of a 1.2L petrol engine and whether a CNG variant will be available is not yet known.
New Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV
At Auto Expo 2023, we might also get to see the premium electric sedan, Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV. The Ioniq 6 is another Hyundai model to follow ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language and focuses more on the aerodynamic ‘single-curve’ silhouette which is believed to optimise efficiency. The Korean sedan gets flush door handles and cameras in place of wing mirrors, pixel-style LED tail lights, a ducktail rear spoiler, and a curved shoulder line. It’s a close match in size to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4. Hyundai has built the Ionic 6 EV on the e-GMP skateboard architecture and has equipped it with a 77 kWh battery pack which offers a range of 515 km, as well as options for rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Updated
The mid-life facelift of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has been spied recently and is rumoured to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. The new Grand i10 Nios gets a restyled front exterior with the boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lamps that are now placed towards the edges of the front bumper rather than the grille. The alloy wheels and tail-lamps are also redesigned. As far as powertrains are concerned it will continue with the same 1.2-L petrol engine and 1.0L turbo petrol engine. An option for a factory-fitted CNG kit with a 1.2L petrol engine will be available.
Hyundai Nexo
Hyundai had already exhibited the Hyundai Nexo at Auto Expo 2020, and is bringing it again. It’s a hydrogen-cell powered SUV which uses fuel cells to generate electricity to power the motor. With the Indian government showing an interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai will be keen to showcase the capabilities of the Nexo at the event.
Tata Cars at Auto Expo 2023
Tata Harrier facelift
The facelifted Tata Harrier is expected to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023. The new Harrier is expected to retain its current design but feature slight changes to the front and rear. A slightly tweaked front grille, new bumpers, tail lamps with new LED inserts, and upgraded LED headlamps are changes to the exterior you can expect. Tata could also debut Level-2 ADAS tech, elevating its safety to the next level. The current 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel engine will continue to power Harrier and will come mated with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission.
Tata Safari facelift
The popular 7-seater Indian SUV, Tata Safari is to receive a facelift soon that is expected to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023. The design of the new Safari will be more or less the same as the current Safari. Moreover, some modification to the interior along with new colour schemes and upholstery options are also expected. Just like the upcoming Harrier, the new Tata Safari is also expected to feature Level-2 ADAS technology consisting a panic brake alert, driver doze off alert, post-impact brake activation, and many other safety features. The 2.0-L, 4-cylinder diesel engine will continue to power the 2023 Tata Safari and will have a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic as transmission options.
New Tata Punch EV
Tata Motor’s will take the wraps off the new Tata Punch EV in the Auto Expo 2023. The Tata Punch EV is based on the EV-specific Sigma architecture which is a modified version of the ALFA platform. The Indian electric compact SUV will follow the same design trail as the current EV range that includes some EV specific cosmetic changes such as the black front grille, blue accents inside-out and other badging on the fenders and the boot. Moreover it is expected to come with Ziptron battery technology that debuted with the Tata Nexon EV, and a 24 kWh battery pack enabling it to offer a range of 300-350 kms.
Toyota Cars at Auto Expo 2023
Toyota Corolla GR
The upcoming Auto Expo will see Toyota’s first participation in the biennial event and the Japanese manufacturer will try to get a headstart with its Toyota GR Corolla. The Toyota Corolla GR (Gazoo Racing) is the performance version of the standard Corolla hatchback that’s on sale overseas. Powering the Toyota GR Corolla is a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine that produces as much as 304 HP and 370 Nm of peak torque that make it nearly as powerful as the Mercedes-AMG 35. The engine comes mated with 6-speed manual gearbox with a four-wheel-drive drivetrain, and the hatchback can do a 0-100 km/hr dash in around 5 seconds.
Kia Cars at Auto Expo 2023
Kia Seltos Facelift
The Kia Seltos facelift is expected to be showcased at Auto Expo 2023. In terms of design, the new Seltos won’t differ much from the current model, however there will be some styling tweaks at the front and back. The feature list is expected to be extended and the addition of ADAS technology will enhance the safety capabilities of the car. Moreover, while the current set of powertrains will continue in the new Seltos, the inclusion of mild-hybrid technology is expected.
Kia Carnival
The next-generation Kia Carnival will be unveiled at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023. This will be the 4th generation Carnival which is already on sale overseas. The new Kia Carnival sports a SUV-ish appearance due to its angular lines and squared-off stance. At the front there is the traditional ‘Tiger Nose’ grille with a diamond pattern surrounded by elegant headlights and a prominent chrome finish for the lower air intake, with a faux skid plate to add more sturdiness like an SUV. The interior remains minimalistic with two 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The set of premium features includes a three-zone climate control, wireless charger, multiple airbags and many more. The powertrain department will remain the same with a 2.2 litre diesel engine mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
MG Motor Cars at Auto Expo 2023
MG4 EV
The MG4 EV will be the showstopper from the British carmaker at Auto Expo 2023. The new MG electric hatchback is already on sale in some international markets, however is still being scoped for India. The MG4 has been designed to exclusively be an electric car and is based on a modular scalable electric platform from MG’s parent company, SAIC. The appearance of the MG4 EV gets styling cues from the MG Cyberster concept. As opposed to the Air EV, the MG4 EV is considerably larger and measures 4,287mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,705mm, making it almost match the size of the familiar MG ZS EV. If launched in India, the MG4 EV is likely to come with two battery pack options delivering a WLTP range of up to 452 km.
MG Hector
The facelift of the popular MG Hector has been awaited for quite a while and it is expected to be put on display at Auto Expo 2023. The most prominent update in the new MG Hector is its larger front grille which is a chrome unit housing a new diamond pattern, while the split-headlamps from the current Hector remain unchanged. The rear profile gets a new tail-lamp assembly with a newly designed red strip connecting the lamps at both ends. Inside the cabin, the new Hector gets a completely revamped dashboard with a 14-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system merging into the centre console. Moreover, the new Hector also features the next-gen i-Smart tech, an all-new digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, and Level-2 ADAS technology for additional layer of safety. Mechanically things remain identical to the current MG Hector, retaining the same 2.0-litre diesel, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre mild-hybrid powertrains.
BYD Cars at the Auto Expo 2023
BYD Seal
The Chinese EV-only brand will exhibit the all-new Seal sedan for the first time in India at the Auto Expo 2023. The BYD Seal is a born-electric sedan and will rival Tesla Model 3 in markets like Europe and China. Designed with BYD’s “ocean aesthetics” design language, the BYD Seal is 4,800 mm long, 1875 mm wide,1460 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,920 mm. Just like Atto 3 and e6, the BYD Seal also sports a rotating 15.6-inch infotainment display in the centre console which also houses basic controls for functions like heated windscreen, volume control for the audio system as well as two wireless charging pads. Furthermore, the electric comes with two battery pack options: 61.4kWh unit and 82.5kWh that offer the ranges of 550 km and 700 km respectively. The sedan also offers a choice between single-motor and dual-motor powertrains, and while the single motor can be paired to both batteries, the latter can only be owned with the larger battery.
