Despite a huge share of carmakers deciding not to take part this year, the Auto Expo 2023 did witness some interesting launches and unveils. Originally slated for 2022, the Auto Expo was postponed due to the Covid outbreak. A biennial event of this scale is unheard of in India and that is what makes the Auto Expo stand out from other automotive events. Keeping track of all the launches and debuts might not be an easy task. Hence, here’s a list of the top 10 cars from India’s biggest automotive event in order of popularity.
Model | Expected Price (ex-showroom) | Expected Launch Timeline |
Suzuki Jimny | Rs 10 lakhs - Rs 15 lakhs | Mid-2023 |
Hyundai Inoniq 5 | Rs 44.95 lakh | Launched |
Tata Sierra EV Concept | Rs 20 lakh | 2025 |
Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Rs 7.00 lakhs onwards | Mid-2023 |
Tata Harrier EV Concept | Around Rs 30 lakh | End-2023 |
Maruti Suzuki eVX Concept | Rs 20 lakh - Rs 25 lakh | 2025 |
MG Hector Facelift | Rs 14.73 - Rs 22.43 lakh | Launched |
Tata Altroz racer | Around Rs 10 lakh | Mid-2023 |
Kia Carnival | Rs 35 - Rs 40 lakhs | 2024 |
Tata punch CNG | Around Rs 6 lakh | Mid-2023 |
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Undoubtedly, the most popular car from the Expo is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The 4×4 SUV had been evading the Indian market for ages and the anticipation took off when Maruti Suzuki showcased a Jimny at the previous Auto Expo. Under the hood is a 1.5-litre unit mated to a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed auto. Drive is sent to all four wheels with the help of Suzuki’s AllGrip 4WD system along with a host of other features to make it competent off-road. Although its prices are yet to be revealed, bookings have commenced for the Jimny, and if you have your eye on the 5-door SUV, don’t miss our detailed report of the Jimny unveil at the Auto Expo 2023.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai launched its most expensive offering in India, the Ioniq 5 all-electric hatchback in the presence of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan on Day 1 of the Auto Expo 2023. The hatchback is priced at Rs 44.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Featuring a retro design with some old-school touches and a boxy appearance, the Ioniq 5 is powered by a 72.6kWh battery pack producing 217PS and 350Nm with the help of an electric motor. Hyundai claims it can do a 0-100kmph sprint in 7.6 seconds along with a maximum range of 631km (ARAI certified). The South Korean automaker has started accepting bookings for the Ioniq 5 for Rs 1 lakh in dealerships across the country, and if you want to know more, head over to our detailed article on the Ioniq 5 EV launch.
Tata Sierra EV Concept
Similar to the Jimny, the Sierra is another SUV which has a cult following and fanbase of its own. Tata had showcased another concept version in the previous Expo but this time around, the SUV is more finished and is almost production-ready than a concept. The big news is that it is going to be an EV. The iconic Sierra touches such as the rear glass roof are retained although it will feature normal doors instead of sliding doors from the previous concept. We can expect some official announcements from Tata next year.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki’s second most popular model from the Auto Expo 2023 is the Baleno-based coupe SUV Fronx. The Fronx is an upmarket model that will be sold exclusively through Nexa. It features a front end reminiscent of the Grand Vitara along with a sloping roof and pleasing aesthetics. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol or a 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo petrol capable of 100PS. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Some key features include a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, heads-up display, sunroof, ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera. Set to go on sale in April 2023, bookings for the Maruti Fronx have already begun. Catch up on more with our detailed report of the Baleno SUV coupe unveil on Day 2 of the Auto Expo.
Tata Harrier EV Concept
Tata went all-out at this year’s Expo and showcased the most number of cars. One of their main attractions was the all-electric Harrier Concept. Based on a modified version of the current Harrier platform, the Harrier EV Concept showcased was also a near production-ready spec than an outright concept. Details are scarce but expect it to pack a twin-motor setup with AWD and a driving range of around 400km. The expected launch timeline is the end of 2023 or early 2024. Read our exclusive article on the Tata Harrier EV debut to know more.
Maruti Suzuki eVX Concept
The Maruti Suzuki eVX Concept was the first unveil at this year’s Auto Expo and a crucial one at that. It gives us a sneak peek into Maruti’s electrification plans and its first-ever all-electric model. The eVX will lock horns with the Tata Nexon EV when it debuts sometime in 2025. Interestingly, the numbers game is strong with this concept. It will be based on an EV-specific chassis with a 60 kWh battery pack, a twin-motor setup, AWD and a claimed range of 550km. Maruti Suzuki might also offer a version with a smaller battery pack to keep the prices under check. Interested in knowing more? We’ve all the information you need to know about Maruti’s all-electric SUV concept eVX.
MG Hector Facelift
One of the select few launches from the Auto Expo 2023 was the updated MG Hector. The SUV is priced between Rs 14.73 lakh and Rs 20.78 lakh while the three-row Hector Plus now costs between Rs 17.50 lakh and Rs 22.43 lakh (both ex-showroom). Updates include a rejigged grille and new connected tail lamps along with a brand-new cabin that features a massive 14-inch touchscreen. Other highlights include ADAS, connected tech and automatic indicators.
Also read: 2023 MG Hector and MG Hector Plus facelifts launched at Auto Expo 2023
Tata Altroz racer
Tata’s answer to the successful Hyundai i20 N-Line comes in the form of the Altroz Racer. Key changes include a dual-tone paint job with a black roof and hood that also feature white stripes for the added racy look. However, the biggest change is under the hood, as it borrows the 120PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Obviously, when launched, it will be the most expensive variant of the Altroz but also the most powerful. To know more, read our detailed news report of the Hyundai i20 N-Line rivalling Tata Altroz Racer’s debut at the Auto Expo 2023.
Kia Carnival
The similarities between the new Kia Carnival and the old Kia Carnival end with the name. The new MPV is a brand new car from the ground up as it has also grown in size. Design is a shift from the current MPV guise to a more upmarket SUV-like stance. The other area which witnessed a major change is the cabin. There are two engine options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 2.2-litre diesel powertrain. Well, if this MPV’s caught your attention, our coverage of the Kia KA4 unveil at the Auto Expo 2023 brings you much more.
Tata Punch CNG
Tata has taken the opportunity to unveil the Tata Punch CNG. It uses the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual. This engine develops 73PS and 95Nm. The Indian carmaker will offer a sunroof option in the Punch as it was present in the model showcased at the Expo. Expect it to carry an increase in pricing of about Rs 1 lakh over the normal version when it will be launched soon.
