Here is a list of top 10 cars and SUVs that are likely to be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023, which is scheduled to happen in January 2023.
1. Maruti Jimny 5-Door
Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch a long wheelbase version of the Jimny lifestyle SUV in the country in 2023. Testing of the new 5-door Jimny has already started in Europe, where it is expected to be unveiled before the end of this year. The India-spec model will be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023. The new model will ride on longer wheelbase and will be longer than the outgoing model. The SUV will have 300mm longer wheelbase and the length will be increased by 300mm. The Suzuki Jimny LWB will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15C Dual Jet petrol engine with a mild hybrid tech. This engine is capable of producing 103bhp of power and 137Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
2. Maruti YTB Baleno Cross
Maruti Suzuki has started testing an all-new SUV Coupe, which is scheduled to make global debut at Auto Expo 2023. It is expected to be launched in February next year. Codenamed YTB, the new model will be based on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno hatchback. It will be powered by a 1.0-litre 4-cylinder Boosterjet petrol engine with manual and CVT automatic gearboxes. The new model could also come with a 1.2-litre Dualjet or 1.5-litre Dualjet petrol engines with a mild hybrid tech.
3. Hyundai Creta Facelift
Hyundai has already launched the Creta facelift in select Asian markets including Indonesia and Thailand. The new model will come with design changes and upgraded cabin along with several advanced features. It will come with a completely revised front fascia, featuring a new signature grille and new headlamp setup. Inside the cabin, the SUV likely to get new colour scheme and an upgraded infotainment system. The SUV will also come with ADAS features like collision warning system, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, etc. It will continue to be offered with 3 engine options – a 1.5L petrol, a 1.5L diesel and a 1.4L turbo petrol.
4. Toyota Innova HyCross
Toyota is developing the next-gen Innova, which has already been spotted testing in India. Rumoured to be called the new Innova HyCross, the new model is expected to be unveiled in November 2022. The new-gen model is reportedly to be launched in January, most probably at Auto Expo 2023. It will be based on Toyota’s new front-wheel-drive monocoque platform and will ride on 2850mm long wheelbase. It is likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with the heavily localised version of the THS II (Toyota Hybrid System). The hybrid system has a twin-motor layout that enhance its high ‘step-off’ torque and fuel efficiency.
5. Mahindra Thar 5-door
The homegrown SUV maker has announced to launch the new long-wheelbase 5-door version of the Thar lifestyle SUV in 2023. The new model will be more practical in terms of space for rear occupants. It will ride on longer wheelbase compared to the 2-door model, which should help in offering more space inside the cabin. The 5-door Mahindra Thar will be offered with the same 2.0L turbo petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel engines, which powers the 3-door Thar. The engines are likely to be calibrated for extra power and torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
6. Tata Harrier 2023
Tata Motors is preparing a mid-life facelift of the Harrier SUV, which is expected to be launched sometime in 2023. It is likely to be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new model is likely to come with subtle design changes and upgraded interior. Moreover, the SUV will receive ADAS features, a 360 degree camera and others. It is also expected to receive a new petrol engine, which is missing in the current model.
7. Tata Safari 2023
Similar to the new Harrier, Tata Motors is also testing an updated version of the Safari SUV. The new model will also receive several high-end features along with revised styling and interior. It will also get ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and others. The SUV is expected to get a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
8. MG Small EV
MG Motor India has started road testing of its upcoming entry-level electric car. Likely to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2023, the new model is expected to be launched in the country in the first half of 2023. It is based on the Wuling Air EV, internally called E230 that debuted in Indonesia earlier this year. The company will make certain changes to meet the Indian market demands. The new model is reportedly to have a battery pack capacity of around 20kWh to 25kWh, which is likely to offer a real-world driving range of 150km. The powertrain is expected to offer 40bhp of power.
9. Honda Compact SUV
Japanese automaker, Honda has announced to launch an all-new compact SUV in the country in 2023. It is expected to be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new model will be based on the Amaze platform and will share the engine options with the City sedan. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300.
10. New Kia Carnival
Kia is expected to present the new generation Carnival MPV at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new model is already on sale in select international markets for over 2 years. In fact, the company has recently upgraded the model. In India, the new-generation Carnival is likely to use the same 2.2L diesel engine pushing out a peak power of 200bhp and 440Nm. Transmission will also remain unchanged – i.e. an 8-speed automatic.
