The months ahead are ready to witness some exciting new car launches from India’s top 4 car manufacturers – Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata and Mahindra. While the Indo-Japanese automaker will introduce the Maruti Jimny 5-door SUV and a premium MPV, Hyundai will enter into micro SUV segment with Exter. Tata has planned three model launches including Punch and Altroz CNG and updated Nexon. Mahindra is likely to bring in the Bolero Neo Plus in coming months. Here’re some key details of the aforementioned models.
Maruti Jimny
The Jimny SUV model lineup will be spread across two trims – Zeta and Alpha. Both variants will be powered by a 1.5L K15B petrol engine benefited with mild hybrid tech. The setup delivers a claimed power of 105bhp and 134Nm of torque. It can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. Dual-tone colour options will be available with the higher Alpha trim only. On the feature front, the new Maruti SUV offers a 9.0-inch touchscreen SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, colour MID display, keyless start, Arkamys sound system, cruise control, reversing camera, 6 airbags, etc. More details here…
Maruti Premium MPV
The Indo-Japanese automaker will bring in a new premium MPV, based on the Toyota Innova Hycross, by July 2023. The model could be christened as Maruti Suzuki Engage. It will underpin Toyota’s monocoque TNGA-C platform and have front-wheel drive (FWD) system. Under the hood, the new Maruti premium MPV will feature a 2.0L petrol engine with and without hybrid tech. In order to differentiate it from the Innova Hycross, Maruti Suzuki is likely to make a few changes inside and out. Though, it will have same set of features including ADAS, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360 degree camera, dual pane panoramic sunroof, powered second row seats with ottoman function, etc. More details here…
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Motor India recently released the first sketch of its upcoming Exter micro SUV. The model features the brand’s new parametric front grille, squared-shaped projector headlamps, H-shaped LED DRLs, sporty bumper, roof rails, alloy wheels and angular taillamps. Dimensionally, it will be the smallest SUV from Hyundai in India. The new Hyundai micro SUV is likely to share its platform, interior layout and features with the Grand i10 Nios hatchback. For power, it might use the 1.2L petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol engines along with the CNG fuel option. Once launched, the Hyundai Exter will take directly on the Tata Punch. More details here…
Tata Altroz/Punch CNG
While the Tata Altroz CNG will go on sale in coming weeks, the Punch CNG will arrive in the next 2-3 months. The carmaker has confirmed that the Altroz CNG will be offered in four trims – XE, XM+, XZ and XZ+S. Buyers will get a sunroof only on the top-end XZ+S trim. Powering the hatchback will be a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine paired to a dual-cylinder iCNG technology. Each cylinder, fitted under the boot floor, has a capacity of 30-litres. In CNG mode, the setup offers a peak power of 83PS and 110Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be done by a 5-speed manual gearbox. More details here…
Tata Nexon Facelift
Tata Nexon, one of the top-selling SUVs in India, is ready to receive a heavy update in coming months (possibly in August 2023). This time around, the compact SUV will get a new 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine making power worth 125PS and 225Nm of torque. There will be two gearboxes on offer – a 6-speed manual and an AMT. Rumour has it that the carmaker might also introduce a new dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Nexon can also be had with a 1.5L diesel engine. Inside, it might get a new 2-spoke flat bottom steering wheel, a new digital instrument cluster and a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. More details here…
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is likely to hit showrooms in coming months. Though, there is no official word on its launch date and details. It will essentially be the extended version of the Bolero Neo, measuring 4400mm in length, 1795mm in width and 1812mm in height. The SUV model lineup will be made available with 7 and 9-seats layouts along with an ambulance variant. It will source power from a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine making power worth 130PS and 300Nm of torque. The motor will be paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. More details here…
