In the year 2023, the calendar witnessed a plethora of significant car launches spanning from the entry-level segment to the opposite end of the price spectrum, encompassing all-new models, facelifts, and special editions. Amidst the abundant launches, certain releases stood out more prominently than others. Here, we delve into the top 11 noteworthy new cars of the year.
Maruti Fronx
Maruti Jimny
Maruti Invicto
Starting with India’s largest passenger vehicle maker, Maruti Suzuki. The Indo-Japanese automaker strengthen its position in the SUV segment with three big product launches, namely, Fronx compact crossover, Jimny off-road SUV and Invicto premium hybrid MPV. Launched in April 2023, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx has been gathering decent volume for the company. The model lineup is spread across five trims – Sigma, Delta, Delta+, Zeta and Alpha – which are currently priced between Rs 7.46 lakh – Rs 13.13 lakh. It can be had with either a 1.0L Boosterjet turbo petrol (100bhp/147Nm) or a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol (90bhp) engine.
The Maruti Jimny was introduced in June in two trims – Zeta and Alpha – at Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh. However, the off-road SUV is now running on a discount of up to 2.3 lakh. Its entry-level variant is available at Rs 10.74 lakh, thus making it nearly Rs 4 lakh more affordable than the entry-level Thar petrol 4WD MT with hard top variant. For power, the Jimny uses the 105bhp, 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with both manual (5-speed) and automatic (4-speed) gearbox options.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto is the first re-badged Toyota from the Indo-Japanese automaker, based on the Innova Hycross MPV. Its prices were announced in July, and currently its available within the price range of Rs 24.82 lakh – Rs 28.42 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on Toyota’s TNGA-C ‘High’ platform, the premium MPV uses the 2.0L, 4-cylonder engine with an electric motor. Its combined power output stands at 186bhp. Interestingly, the Invicto is the first hybrid-only and automatic-only car from Maruti Suzuki.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
New Hyundai Verna
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai kick started the year with the launch of its global Ioniq 5 electric crossover in India. The model was initially made available at an introductory price of Rs 44.95 lakh, and now it costs at Rs 45.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ioniq 5 comes with a 72.6kWh battery pack and an electric motor (217bhp/350Nm). The electric crossover promises a range of 631km on a single charge. Its battery takes just 18 minutes to get charged from 10 to 80 percent using a superfast 800V charger.
The new-generation Hyundai Verna was the second major product launch from the South Korean automaker. The sedan model lineup was made available in four trims – EX, S, SX and SX (O) – and seven colour options – Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Starry Night, Atlas White, Abyss Black, Fiery Red and Tellurian Brown. Comprehensive changes have been made to the model. The new Verna is currently available with engines – 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (115bhp/144Nm) and 1.5L turbo petrol (160bhp/253Nm).
With the all-new Exter, Hyundai marked its entry into the micro SUV segment to challenge the Tata Punch. It’s the smallest and most affordable SUV offering from the South Korean automaker in India. Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter features a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine that’s good enough for 83bhp and 114Nm. It can also be had with the CNG fuel option. The micro SUV comes within the price range of Rs 6 lakh – Rs 10.15 lakh.
Mahindra XUV400 EV
Mahindra XUV400 EV was the first major product launch from the indigenous automaker in 2023. The electric SUV went on sale in January within the price range of Rs 15.99 lakh – Rs 18.99 lakh, and currently its top-end variant costs Rs 19.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Buyers have two battery pack options – a 34.5kWh and a 39.4kWh – and the front axle-mounted electric motor making 150bhp and 310Nm. It’s claimed to do 0 to 100kmph in 8.3 seconds and attain a top speed of 150kmph. Its smaller battery version promises a range of 375km and the bigger battery variant offers 456km on a single charge.
Citroen eC3
Launched in February 2023, the Citroen eC3 was the first mass-market electric offering from the French automaker in India. The model lineup comes in two trims – Live and Feel – that currently cost Rs 11.50 lakh and Rs 12.68 lakh, respectively. The electric hatchback has a 29.2kWh battery pack that powers the front axle-mounted electric motor making 57bhp and 143Nm. It accelerates from 0-60kmph in 6.8 seconds and has an electronic speed limit of 107kmph. The eC3 has an ARAI-claimed range of 320km. Here, it takes on the Tata Tiago.ev.
MG Comet EV
MG Motor India foray into the mass-market EV segment in April 2023 with the Comet two-door EV. There are three variants – Pace, Play and Plush – priced at Rs 7.98 lakh, Rs 9.28 lakh and Rs 9.98 lakh, respectively. Powertrain setup of the MG Comet EV includes a 17.3kWh battery and a single electric motor making 42bhp and 110Nm. It has an ARAI-certified range of 230km on a single charge. The company provides a 3.3kW onboard charge that charges its battery in seven hours. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an automatic gearbox.
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Kirloskar Motor introduced the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga based Rumion MPV in August 2023. Its prices start from Rs 10.29 lakh for the entry-level S variant and go up to Rs 13.68 lakh for the top-end V automatic trim. A few cosmetic changes have been made to the Rumion differentiating it from its donor counterpart. No changes have been inside the cabin and under the hood. The MPV uses the same 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 103bhp with 137Nm. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are on offer. The Toyota Rumion is also available with the CNG fuel option.
Honda Elevate
Honda Cars India made a big bet with the launch of the Elevate mid-size SUV in September 2023. It comes in four trims – SV, V, VX and ZX – available within the price range of Rs 11 lakh – Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). Powering the new Honda Elevate is a 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine pushing out a peak power of 121bhp and 145Nm of torque. It has been offered with two gearbox options – a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT automatic. The Elevate SUV underpins Honda’s Global Small Car platform, and measures 4312mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1650mm in height with a wheelbase of 2650mm.
