The Indian car market has become extremely attractive for car manufacturers in the last few years. Thanks to the growing interest in buying a new car, there are a slew of new car launches lined up by manufacturers eager to cash in on the festive cheer as well as continue the momentum into the new year. Would you like a hatchback? Or perhaps you’re in the market for an SUV or sedan? Maybe an EV or CNG car? Whatever be your preference, there is a car waiting to find a home in your garage.
Join us as we curate the most anticipated upcoming cars in India, that give us a glimpse at what you could be owning in a few months.
The Indian car market has become extremely attractive for car manufacturers in the last few years. Thanks to the growing interest in buying a new car, there are a slew of new car launches lined up by manufacturers eager to cash in on the festive cheer as well as continue the momentum into the new year. Would you like a hatchback? Or perhaps you’re in the market for an SUV or sedan? Maybe an EV or CNG car? Whatever be your preference, there is a car waiting to find a home in your garage.
Join us as we curate the most anticipated upcoming cars in India, that give us a glimpse at what you could be owning in a few months.
Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024
The upcoming 2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift is expected to be a major upgrade over the current model. The new Swift is expected to be slightly larger than the current model and will have a longer wheelbase and a wider track. It will also have a more aggressive and sporty front fascia. The front grille and bumper will undergo a complete transformation, embracing sharper lines and a bolder stance. Sleeker headlights with halogen fog lamps and LED DRLs are set to enhance its allure.
The new Maruti Swift will be expected to receive an updated interior that could feature a new touchscreen infotainment display and a reworked layout. This will be in line with what Maruti has been doing with their lineup and will help modernise the popular hatchback’s interiors.
Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz Racer presents a performance-oriented iteration of the well-received premium hatchback. Powering this variant will be a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, shared with the Tata Nexon, generating 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque and paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The Altroz Racer will be expected to feature dual tone paint schemes along with racing stripes and a body kit. Inside, the sporty ambiance continues with red accents on seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. The possibility of Tata offering the Dual-clutch DCA automatic gearbox remains.
Incorporating premium elements, the Altroz Racer boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated seats, and a sunroof. Safety is prioritised with six airbags, and of course it will get a five star GNCAP rating since it is an Altroz.
Kia Sonet Facelift
The Kia Sonet facelift will get a new front fascia with restyled LED headlights and L-shaped LED DRLs. The bumper will also be redesigned with a more aggressive look. The front bumper’s subtle revision introduces a slightly larger fog lamp housing, linked with a vertically positioned element that could serve as a turn indicator or a daytime running light. The rear will get new connecting-style LED tail lights and a new bumper.
The Kia Sonet facelift will receive updates primarily in its plastic components. Notable changes include a redesigned front bumper and headlamp assembly with new LED Daytime Running Lamps and fog lamps. The HT Line variant will feature a revised faux skid plate and mesh, while GT-Line variants may have different bumpers. The grille inserts have also been updated, and the rear now boasts vertical tail lamps connected by an LED light bar and a robust two-tone black and silver rear bumper.
Inside, envisage a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital cluster of the same size, and inclusions of ADAS technology. Notably, a front-facing camera module and the potential inclusion of front parking sensors have been observed on the test model. The well-known 1.2L NA petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol, and 1.5L turbo diesel engines are set to endure for performance continuity, but there could be some minor changes to improve performance. The Sonet facelift is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current model.
All New Mahindra XUV300
Prepare for a fully revamped front end on the XUV300 facelift, characterised by a fresh two-part grille, as evident in the spy image, coupled with a larger central air intake. At the rear, expect an entirely new tailgate, a reimagined bumper housing the number plate in a repositioned manner, and new tail-lamps. The alloy wheels are set to feature a new design, adding to the vehicle’s aesthetics.
The diverse range of powertrains encompasses the reliable 112 PS and 133 PS, 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engines, along with the enduring 119 PS, 1.5-liter diesel engine. The destiny of the current gearbox options remains uncertain; it remains to be seen whether Mahindra will opt for a torque converter instead of the AMT, given the more sophisticated automatic transmissions the competition offers.
Expect a refreshed dashboard design, enhanced equipment offerings, and an upgraded infotainment screen. Notably, there’s talk of an introduction of a panoramic sunroof to elevate the facelift’s appeal. The XUV300 facelift is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current model.
Hyundai Creta Facelift
the Hyundai Creta facelift is expected to get a major exterior design update, including a new front grille with integrated LED DRLs, inspired by the new-gen Hyundai Tucson. The main headlamps will be positioned lower on the redesigned front bumper. These changes will give the Creta a significantly more imposing road presence.
On the inside, the Creta facelift is expected to retain all the features available on the current version, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it could get additional features such as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a more advanced BlueLink connected car system.
The powertrain options are anticipated to remain diverse and familiar, featuring a 1.5L NA petrol engine with the choice of a 6-speed MT or CVT, a 1.5L turbo-petrol motor paired with a 7-speed DCT, and a 1.5L turbo-diesel mill available with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT.
Speculations are also rife about the launch of the Creta N-Line as well, a sportier version in the mould of the i20 and Venue N-Line.
Tata Altroz EV
The Tata Altroz EV is an upcoming electric hatchback from Tata Motors. It will feature a sole electric motor, coupled with an automatic transmission. The buzz is that it will feature an additional battery pack, raising its capacity by 25-40 percent, which would give it a range around 500 Km. However, all that is known for certain is that it will be using Tata’s Ziptron technology.
Since the Altroz EV will be based on the ICE version of the same car, it will feature teal blue accents around the car, similar to the other Tata EV offerings to differentiate it from its siblings.. You can expect a closed off front grille, new alloy wheels, and a few more EV-specific design elements on the exterior. Inside, expect the cabin to offer a heightened sense of space, attributed to the elimination of a mechanical gearbox and gear lever. The gear lever will be replaced by Tata’s gear selector from the Nexon and should free up storage space in the centre console.
Volkswagen Taigun facelift
The Taigun facelift brings a noticeable change upfront, with a redesigned grille that takes cues from the T-Roc, offering a resemblance to pricier models in Volkswagen’s lineup. Recent spy images unveil minor design adjustments, especially at the front fascia, featuring a revamped grille, tweaked headlamps, and reworked fog lamp housing and air dam.
At the rear, the updated Taigun maintains a resemblance to the current model with its wraparound LED tail lamps and a smoked LED light bar.
Volkswagen is expected to retain the same engine choices for the 2024 Taigun. This includes the RDE-compliant 1.0-liter TSI and the 1.5-liter TSI engine. The 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine generates 115 PS and 175 Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine offers 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission.
Force Gurkha 5 Door
The Force Gurkha has been spotted on the roads in different variations, including a pick up version. All we know for sure is that it will go up against the Thar 5 door and the Maruti Jimny. With this in mind, we might see styling iterations like rectangular halogen headlamps and alloy bespoke wheels to differentiate it from its sibling. It is expected to drive in a seven seater version, with captain seats at the rear.
In terms of engine and gearbox offerings, all variants are anticipated to feature the Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.6-liter diesel engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission.There are speculations surrounding potential power enhancements for the Mercedes-sourced 2.6-liter diesel engine, potentially raising its performance quotient.
Mahindra Thar 5 Door
The Mahindra 5 door Thar is going to be presented as a family SUV. It is aimed at the occasional off roader or the customer who just prefers knowing that he can take his vehicle off roading should the need arise. While the heavily camouflaged test mules spotted don’t reveal any exterior design features, we can safely say that the Thar will get a larger 10 inch touchscreen, possibly with more well upholstered seats, armrests for the front and rear passengers, and a few other added bits, in order to up the comfort quotient in line with its positioning.
The Thar 5-door will feature the same engine choices as the 3-door variant. These consist of a 2.2-liter diesel engine generating 132 PS and 300 Nm of torque, and a 2.0-liter petrol engine with an output of 150 PS and torque ranging from 300 to 320 Nm. Both engines are expected to be available with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Jeep Avenger
The Jeep Avenger is the company’s foray into the EV space. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 156 PS and 260 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 54 kWh battery that offers a WLTP range of up to 400 km. It features a muscular yet compact outline, with a bold aesthetic that reflects Jeep’s iconic personality. Its signature seven-slot grille, contrasting black roof, and front and rear full-LED lights make the Avenger instantly recognizable.
The interior of the Avenger is modern and digitally enabled, creating a seamless and connected driving experience. The SUV is equipped with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver’s display. It also gets adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers. Exceptional functionality and versatility reign, as extensive storage accommodates passengers and luggage, while day-to-day essentials remain easily accessible.
Kia KA4 (New Carnival)
The Kia KA4 (New Carnival) is a MUV with seating for up to 6 occupants. It is expected to be powered by a 2.2L naturally aspirated diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, promising a dynamic driving experience.The new Carnival will be based on an all-new platform and will feature a sharp, boxy styling. It will be longer and slightly wider and taller than its predecessor. It will also sport major styling changes that will bring the MPV in line with the newer Kia models. Some of the styling cues seen on the Seltos facelift like the connected L-shaped tail lamps and Kia’s signature Star Map lighting, are all expected to make their way on the updated Carnival.
The new Carnival will come feature loaded with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
Kia is likely to bring the new MPV here via the CKD route.
Mahindra XUV.e8
The XUV.e8 will share most of its body panels with the XUV700, but the front end has been heavily modified. It gets a full-width LED light bar that stretches across the nose and also drops down vertically into the bumper. As is typical with EVs, it will have a completely sealed-off grille, with new triangular headlamps positioned in the bumper itself.
The XUV.e8 boasts flush door handles, parallel character lines, and a shared glasshouse, set to be graced by aerodynamically optimized wheels. Prominently featuring copper accents outlining the glasshouse, headlamp surrounds, bumper inserts, and the iconic twin peak Mahindra logo, the XUV.e8 establishes a distinctive visual identity. Notably, this copper highlight will become a signature trait for Mahindra’s upcoming EVs, aligning with the precedent set by the XUV400.
Mahindra has previously confirmed that the XUV.e8 will come with an all-wheel drive system and the battery pack will range up to 80kWh. Power outputs will range between 230hp to upwards of 350hp.
The XUV.e8 is expected to be launched in India in early 2024.
Skoda Enyaq iV
Škoda has unveiled its first all-electric SUV, the Enyaq iV. It is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The size is just a bit smaller than the Kodiaq and it can seat five people comfortably. The model coming to our shores will have a 77kWh battery and a range of up to 513 km, with the dual motor setup allowing the Enyaq to go from 0 to 100kph in under 7 seconds. It will come with features such as a panoramic sunroof, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Summary
The Indian car market is an exciting place to be in today. We are spoilt for choice with car manufacturers vying to offer us the best deals possible at the price points we like. In a nation where the love for automobiles runs deep, the launch of a new vehicle is nothing short of a celebration for every individual who appreciates the beauty of finely crafted machines. Models are offered in every shape and size, with variants and trim levels that appeal to different sections of car buyers today. Whether you already own a car and are looking for an upgrade or whether you intend to purchase one for the first time, we are confident that you will easily find one that fits your budget, style and requirements with ease. From electric vehicles poised to revolutionize our approach to sustainable mobility to high-performance marvels that ignite our passion for driving, this year promises a diverse range of automobiles catering to every taste and need.
