The next edition of the Delhi Auto Expo is scheduled to happen in the second week of January 2023. Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai, BYD, MG Motor India, Kia, Volvo and Tata Motors will showcase their respective models at the biennial event. However, multiple popular brands including VW, Skoda, Mahindra, Renault-Nissan group, Citroen and Honda have opted out from Auto Expo 2023.
A new range of vehicles are scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2023. In this article, we talk about the top 5 new cars and SUVs will be launched in our market in January 2023 –
1. Toyota Innova Hycross
Toyota has officially revealed the new-gen Innova Hycross in India. The new Toyota Innova Hycross is scheduled to be launched in our market in January 2023. Interested buyers can book the new model online or at authorised dealership at a token amount of Rs 50,000. It will be offered in 5 variants – G, GX, VX, ZX and ZX (O). The G and GX variants will only come with petrol engine, while the rest of the variants will be offered with the strong-hybrid powertrain. The new model will come fitted with features like ADAS tech, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, a multi-functional steering wheel, ventilated front seats, powered second-row seats with ottoman function, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, wireless charging and others.
The new Innova Hycross is based on the new TNGA-C platform with front-wheel-drive layout. It will come with two engine options – a 2.0L NA petrol and a petrol-hybrid 2.0L with Toyota’s 5th generation strong hybrid tech. While the former is good for 172bhp and 197Nm, the hybrid version delivers a combined power of 183bhp. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox. The hybrid MPV is claimed to deliver an ARAI certified fuel economy of 21.1kmpl.
2. Mahindra XUV400
Mahindra had unveiled the new XUV400 electric SUV in September 2022. Based on the XUV300 subcompact SUV, the Mahindra XUV400 will come design changes, segment-leading features and an electric powertrain. Test drives for the new model will commence in December 2022, while bookings will commence in the first half of January 2023. The electric SUV will be offered in 3 variants – Base, EP and EL. While the XUV300 sits under 4 meters, the new XUV400 EV will measure 4.2 meters in length and will rival the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona and the Tata Nexon EV Max.
The Mahindra XUV400 is equipped with a 39.4kWh battery pack that sends power to the front-axle-mounted electric motor. This powertrain pushes out 150bhp of power and 310Nm of peak torque. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph acceleration in just 8.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 150kmph. It is claimed to have a certified range of 456km on a single charge. Using 50kW fast charger, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in 50 minutes. It will come with 3 driving modes – Fun, Fast and Fearless. It also offers the segment-first single pedal drive mode – Lively mode.
3. Maruti Baleno Cross
Maruti Suzuki is testing a new Coupe SUV, codenamed YTB, which is scheduled to make global debut at Auto Expo 2023. It is expected that Maruti Suzuki could reveal the prices of the new Baleno Cross at the biennial event. The new model are designed and developed on Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform that underpins the Baleno. Suzuki engineers are expected to tweak the platform with high-strength steel to improve safety aspect.
The new Maruti Baleno Cross will be powered by a BSVI compliant 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 102bhp and 150Nm of torque. The engine is likely to get mild-hybrid tech to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. The crossover is also expected to get a 1.2-litre dualjet petrol engine that pushes out 89bhp and 113Nm of torque.
4. New MG Hector
MG Motor India will launch the new Hector SUV in our market on January 5, 2023. It will come with significant design changes and all-new interior, confirmed via official teaser images. The new MG Hector will come with segment-largest 14-inch HD portrait touchscreen infotainment system, which is supported with Next-Gen i-SMART technology. It comes with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The new infotainment unit will use MAPPLS and MapMyIndia based navigation instead of the existing Tom Tom-based system. The SUV comes with a fully digital 7-inch configurable instrument console.
The new MG Hector is expected to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel. While the former is good for 141bhp and 250Nm, the oil burner produces 168bhp and 350Nm of torque. The company could also introduce the petrol version with a mild hybrid tech. Transmission choice will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
5. Citroen C3 EV
Citroen has officially announced to enter the electric car segment with the launch of the new C3 based EV. It is expected to be launched in January 2023. The carmaker’s Hosur-based plant in Tamil Nadu will serve as a production hub for the EV. It will rival the newly-launched Tata Tiago EV, which cost between Rs 8.49 lakh to Rs 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Citroen C3 EV is expected to cost around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
The new model will be based on the e-CMP modular platform. It is expected to share its powertrain with the global-spec Peugeot e-208. The new EV is expected to feature a 50kWh battery pack that sends power to a front-axle-mounted electric motor. This electric powertrain pushes out 136PS and 260Nm of torque. It is claimed to offer an electric range of over 350Km (WLTP claimed). Citroen could also offer a smaller battery pack option, and could also offers a range of around 300km.
