A wide range of new utility vehicles will be launched in the Indian market over the period of next 2-3 years. Tata Motors and Mahindra will introduce multiple electric SUVs and ICE powered SUVs. On the other hand, several global SUVs will also arrive in our market in the near future. In this article, we talk about the top 5 exciting new cars to be unveiled before the end of this year and will be launched in our market in 2023-24.
Jeep Jeepster
The much-awaited Jeep Jeepster compact SUV will make global debut on September 8, 2022. The company will present the electric version of the SUV. Adding to it, the new model will also receive petrol & petrol-hybrid engine options. The SUV is an advanced state of development, as the SUV has already been spotted without any camouflage. Not just electric, Jeep has also started testing the ICE-powered version of the SUV. The new Jeep B-SUV will measure around 4.2 meters in length and the ICE version will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and others in its category.
The new Jeep Jeepster compact SUV will be designed and developed on the Stellantis CMP/eCMP platform that underpins a wide range of models including the Citroen C3, the Peugeot 2008 and the next-gen Fiat 500X. It is likely to come in front-wheel-drive layout with ICE & EV powertrains. The electric model is expected to get a 50kWh battery pack with a front-mounted electric motor producing 134bhp. The India-spec ICE powered model is expected to feature a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine with a mild hybrid setup.
Toyota Innova HyCross
Japanese automaker, Toyota will unveil the next-gen Innova HyCross in November 2023. The new model will be launched in our market in 2023. To be sold alongside the current Crysta, the new Innova HyCross will feature an all-new platform, hybrid powertrain, improved styling and more features. It is likely to come with a 2.0L petrol hybrid system or a 1.8L hybrid setup. The Japanese automaker could use the localised version of its new THS II (Toyota Hybrid System II) that consists of a twin-motor setup for high ‘step-off’ torque and fuel efficiency. The new model is reportedly to offer Toyota Safety Sense suite, which is essentially ADAS tech. It is also expected to get a factory-fitted sunroof.
BYD Atto 3
Chinese cammaker Build Your Dreams will introduce an all-new Atto 3 electric SUV in the passenger vehicle category of India. The new model is expected to be unveiled in India between October and December 2022. It is expected to be showcased to public at the 2023 Auto Expo in January and sales will commence in early next year. Based on the E3 platform, the BYD Atto 3 is close to 4.5 meters in length and is on sale in select right-hand-drive markets like Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The new model will come as a SKD (Semi-Knocked down) unit and will be assembled at BYD’s lant in Sriperumbudur near Chennai.
It comes with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 204bhp and 310Nm of torque. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph acceleration in just 7.3 seconds. In the international markets, the BYD Atto 3 is offered with a choice of two battery packs – 49.93kWh and 60.48kWh. While the former is claimed to have a range of 320km, the later has a WLTP range of 420km.
Suzuki Jimny LWB
Media reports claim that the global-spec Suzuki Jimny long-wheelbase version will make global debut before the end of 2022. The India-spec model will make public debut at the 2023 Auto Expo. 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 lengthening of the wheelbase should lead to an increase for both the boot and the second row of seats. 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.
Next-gen Suzuki Swift
Japanese media claims that the next-gen Suzuki Swift hatchback will make global debut in December 2022. In fact, Suzuki has started testing the new Swift hatchback on the European roads. It is expected that the India-spec model could be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The new model will be based on the modified & stronger HEARTECT platform that underpins the new Baleno hatchback. The report reveals that the 2023 Swift will be offered with a 1.2L NA petrol engine and a 1.2L NA petrol engine with a mild hybrid tech. Both manual and AMT gearboxes will be on offer.
