The past two months of this year have witnessed launches of brand-new cars and facelifts/variants of existing models across various segments. As we approach the end of Q1, 2024, several more new models are ready to grace showrooms.
In the mass-market segment, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to unveil the third-generation Swift, while Hyundai plans to introduce the Creta N Line and an updated Alcazar. Tata is preparing to launch the Curvv EV and Nexon CNG, while Mahindra is set to bring in the updated XUV300 and XUV300 EV. Additionally, Toyota and BYD are expanding their product portfolios with the Taisor (re-badged Fronx) and the Seal sedan, respectively. Let’s delve into these upcoming new cars.
BYD Seal – March 5th
Unofficial bookings for the BYD Seal electric sedan have already begun at select dealerships. This will mark the third EV from the Chinese automaker in India, poised to compete against the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, with an expected price of around Rs 50 lakh. The powertrain setup of the new BYD EV will include an 82.5kWh battery and two electric motors fitted on each axle. With BYD’s Blade Battery tech, it’s claimed to deliver a range of 700km. The electric motors will offer a combined power output of 530bhp and 670Nm of torque. The sedan measures 4800mm in length, 1875mm in width, and 1460mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2920mm.
Mahindra XUV300 Facelift – Early March
The Mahindra XUV300 facelift is set to go on sale in India in the coming weeks. The subcompact SUV will feature significant design changes and feature upgrades inspired by the new XUV400 EV, as well as some design elements from the upcoming Mahindra BE electric SUVs. The facelifted XUV300 will feature a new two-part grille with a larger central air intake, revised headlamps, DRLs, and a front bumper with a more angular nose. At the rear, there will be sleeker taillamps, a slightly repositioned registration plate, and a redesigned tailgate with a full-width LED light bar. Inside, the SUV will boast a new dashboard with integrated dual 10.25-inch screens, rear AC vents, cooled seats, and a 360-degree camera. The XUV300 facelift will continue to utilize the existing 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.2L TGDI petrol, and 1.5L diesel engines.
Hyundai Creta N Line – March
The Hyundai Creta N Line, the sportier version of the mid-size SUV, is poised to hit showrooms in March 2024. The model will receive a few N Line-specific cosmetic enhancements over the regular Creta. It will feature a slightly different grille with a piano black finish complementing the squarish headlamp surrounds and merging nearly with the DRLs. The front bumper will also be revised, featuring a wider air inlet surrounded by faux brushed aluminum finish. The Creta N Line will boast newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels and N Line branding on side skirts. The N Line-specific exhaust tips and color schemes will further differentiate it from the regular Creta. Powering the model will be the 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol engine paired with a DCT automatic gearbox.
New-Gen Maruti Swift – April
The new-generation Maruti Swift is reportedly set to enter production in March, with its market launch likely to occur in April 2024. One of the major changes will be under the hood. The 2024 Maruti Swift will debut Suzuki’s all-new 1.2L, 3-cylinder Z Series petrol engine, delivering a peak power of 82bhp and 108Nm of torque. With the new powertrain, the hatchback will become more fuel-efficient. Both manual and AMT gearboxes will be offered. The hatchback’s new-generation model will share some features with the Fronx and Baleno, including a new dashboard, steering wheel, floating touchscreen infotainment system, HVAC controls, and instrument cluster. Compared to the current generation, the new one will have a sharper stance and measure 15mm longer, 40mm narrower, and 30mm taller.
Toyota Taisor – By April
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is ready to introduce its rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx in March or April 2024. The model is likely to be named Toyota Taisor. Its exact launch date is yet to be announced by the carmaker. The Japanese automaker will make a few cosmetic changes to the Taisor that will differentiate it from its donor model. It might come with a differently designed front grille, revised headlamps and taillamps, and new alloy wheels. The interior will also be similar to the Fronx, but we expect it to come with a different dual-tone interior theme. The engine setup of the Toyota Taisor will include the same 90PS, 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 100PS, 1.0L turbo petrol units.
Tata Curvv EV – May or June
The market launch of the Tata Curvv EV has been confirmed for the first half of 2024, meaning it will arrive by June. The model was recently showcased in its production-ready avatar at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The design of the Curvv EV and its ICE version will be similar. However, a few EV-specific design elements will distinguish the former, including a closed-off grille, EV badges, and blue highlights inside and out. While the exact specifications are yet to be revealed, the Tata Curvv EV has been confirmed to be a high-range electric car offering over 500km on a single charge. The SUV’s ICE version, planned for the second half of this year, will come with Tata’s new 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engines borrowed from the Nexon.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift – May or June
The updated Hyundai Alcazar is reported to arrive by mid-2024 (possibly in May or June). The SUV will draw design inspiration from the new Creta, with most of the changes made at the front end. It will feature an all-new grille, revised headlamps with DRLs, and a tweaked bumper. The alloy wheels and rear taillight design could also be different. Reports suggest that the new Alcazar might borrow the dual 10.25-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated seats, and ADAS tech from the Creta. There might also be new upholstery and cabin themes. For power, the 2024 Hyundai Alcazar will use the same 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol, and 115bhp, 1.5L diesel engines.
Tata Nexon CNG – By June
The Tata Nexon iCNG made its public debut in its concept form at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Global Expo. Based on the Nexon facelift, the model is expected to be released by June 2024. It comes with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired with Tata’s twin-cylinder CNG tech, making it India’s first turbo-petrol CNG model. In petrol mode, it delivers a claimed power of 118bhp and 170Nm of torque. Specifications of the CNG version are yet to be revealed. It can be equipped with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. The design and styling of the Tata Nexon CNG are exactly similar to its ICE version, though it receives a new iCNG badge on the boot lid. Once launched, the Nexon’s CNG version will directly compete with the Maruti Brezza CNG.
Mahindra XUV300 EV – By June
While there is no official word on its launch timeline, the Mahindra XUV300 EV is reported to go on sale by June 2024. The design and interior of the subcompact electric SUV will be similar to its ICE version; however, it will come with some EV-specific elements. Inside, it might feature a larger infotainment system along with a few changes to the switchgear on the center console and repositioning of the AC vents. It would be premature to comment on its specifications at this stage. Nevertheless, the electric SUV is reported to come with a smaller 35kWh battery pack. The new Mahindra XUV300 EV will be positioned against the Tata Nexon EV. In terms of pricing, it’s likely to cost around Rs 2 lakh less than its XUV400 EV counterpart, which is currently available within the price range of Rs 15 lakh – Rs 17 lakh.
