India’s top two car manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India, have planned some important product launches for this year. Meanwhile, the Indo-Japanese automaker is gearing up to introduce the new-gen Swift hatchback as its first offering of 2024, followed by the next-gen Dzire. Rumors suggest that the WagonR facelift will also hit the roads in the coming months, as one of its test mules was recently captured on camera. Hyundai has already kicked off this year with the arrival of the updated Creta. Following this, the South Korean automaker will introduce the Creta N Line and Alcazar facelift by mid-2024. Here’s a brief overview of the aforementioned upcoming new cars.
Upcoming Maruti Cars
New-Gen Maruti Swift/Dzire
According to media reports, the next-generation Maruti Swift will enter into production in April, followed by its market launch. The hatchback will feature a significantly improved design and interior, accompanied by a brand-new Z-Series petrol engine. The new 1.2L petrol motor, enhanced with mild hybrid technology, will deliver a maximum power of 82bhp and 108Nm of torque. In contrast to the Japan-spec Swift, which offers manual and CVT gearboxes, the India-spec version will continue to provide manual and AMT options. With the new hybrid setup, the 2024 Maruti Swift is expected to achieve a fuel economy of around 24.5kmpl. The same powertrain setup will be available with the new-gen Maruti Dzire, incorporating some new features borrowed from Maruti Suzuki’s new Fronx compact crossover.
Maruti WagonR Facelift
The Maruti WagonR, one of the top-selling cars from the Indo-Japanese automaker, appears set for a mid-life update in the coming months. Its test mule reveals that the 2024 Maruti WagonR will feature a slightly revised rear bumper with a horizontal plastic cladding insert and repositioned reflectors. The hatch will also receive a blacked-out treatment along with newly designed alloy wheels. Minimal upgrades are expected inside the cabin, with the WagonR facelift continuing to use the 1.0L and 1.2L petrol engines, benefiting from idle start-stop (SS) tech, Dualjet, dual VVT (variable valve timing), and cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation). Both manual and AMT gearboxes will be on offer.
Upcoming Hyundai Cars
Hyundai Creta N Line
The Hyundai Creta N Line, essentially the sportier version of the SUV, is expected to debut by mid-2024. The model will receive a few cosmetic enhancements over the regular Creta. Similar to Hyundai’s other N Line models, the Creta N Line will have red accents on the front grille, bumper, and chin, complemented by gloss black and faux crushed aluminum elements. Differentiating features include redesigned side skirts and alloy wheels, a rear bumper, and a dual exhaust setup. The Creta N Line is likely to feature an all-black interior with an N Line-specific steering wheel and gear lever with red stitching. Under the hood, the sportier Creta will house the new 1.5L turbo petrol engine producing 160PS and 253Nm, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift will draw design inspiration from the Exter micro SUV and the updated Creta. It will showcase Hyundai’s new design language along with a heavily updated front end, featuring a revised grille and bumper, and updated headlamp clusters with integrated DRLs. The new Alcazar might also boast new alloy wheels and LED taillamps. Inside, there could be an upgraded infotainment system, new upholstery, and a revised steering wheel. The engine setup is likely to be carried forward from the pre-facelift version, with the 1.5L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engines making 160bhp and 115bhp, respectively. The turbo-petrol will be exclusively offered with the 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT automatic gearboxes.
