Posts in category: Electric vehicles cars

There’s a new SUV coming next year for almost every budget. Here’s a complete list.

Published On Oct 20, 2023 05:44:00 PM

Planning to buy a new SUV? Our new car 2024 guide is here to help and beginning the series is a list of every new SUV that’s slated to launch before the end of 2024. The new SUV list is full of not just updates to existing models but also includes the all-new SUVs that will hit Indian shores for the first time. The list includes 20 upcoming SUVs, some with mass appeal like the Kia Sonet facelift and Hyundai Creta facelift, to flagships like the Ferrari Purosangue and Maserati Grecale, and everything in between.

Disclaimer: All prices and launch dates are estimates.

Audi Q8 Facelift

Expected price: Rs 1.10 crore-1.40 crore
Launch: Early 2024
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol

Besides cosmetic enhancements, the Audi Q8 Facelift also feature HD Matrix LED headlights.

Ferrari Purosangue

Expected price: Rs 6 crore
Launch: Early 2024
Engine: 6.5-litre petrol

The Purosangue is technically the Italian marque’s first SUV, but it’s marketed as a ‘four-door, four-seat model’. It has a sportscar-like front-mid engine layout and a rear-mounted gearbox, and unlike other super-SUVs that use turbochargers for better low-end torque, it has a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 725hp and 716Nm. It gets an 8-speed transaxle dual-clutch auto gearbox that drives the rear wheels and an additional 2-speed ‘control unit’ driving the front wheels, giving the Ferrari Purosangue all-wheel drive. The Purosangue sprints from 0-100kph in a claimed 3.3sec and can achieve a top speed of 310kph.

Force Gurkha 5-Door

Expected price: Rs 15 lakh
Launch: Mid 2024
Engine: 2.6-litre diesel

Force Motors will be extending the Gurkha range with a long-wheelbase five-door version. It’s expected to come with multiple seating options, including a bench or captain’s chairs for the second row and jump seats or captain’s chairs in the third row. Expect the five-door version to share much with its three-door sibling, including its Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Multiple iterations of the five-door Gurkha have been spotted, including six- and seven-seater versions as well as a pickup version. The company could also introduce a 4×2 version alongside a 4×4 version.

Hyundai Creta Facelift

Expected price: Rs 11 lakh-20 lakh
Launch: Early 2024
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel 

India’s bestselling midsize SUV is due for a serious mid-life makeover, which will feature design inspiration from Hyundai’s global flagship SUV, the Palisade. These will include a large grille with several metallic horizontal slats, split projector LED headlamps and vertical and horizontal LED Daytime Running Lamps. While the interiors could see minor styling tweaks too, the more notable changes are likely to be the inclusion of ADAS, a 360-degree camera and an updated 10.25-inch infotainment. Also, the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol will join the range, filling the gap left by the discontinued 1.4-turbo. It will likely be mated to the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other engine options include 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and diesel, both available with manual and automatic transmissions. Expect a sportier Creta N-Line variant to follow suit.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift

Expected price: Rs 17 lakh-22 lakh
Launch: Mid 2024
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel

The updated Alcazar will wear Hyundai’s newest design language, and it will also get ADAS.

Image source

Kia Sonet Facelift

Expected price: Rs 8 lakh-15 lakh
Launch: Early 2024
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre diesel 

Mahindra Thar 5-door

Expected price: Rs 16 lakh-20 lakh
Launch: Mid 2024
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 2.2-litre diesel

Mahindra XUV300 facelift

Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

Earlier this year, Tata Motors introduced ADAS features to the pre-facelift Harrier and Safari with features like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection and lane departure warning. Lane-keep assist, however, was not part of the suite. The feature detects when a car is drifting out of its lane and actively intervenes in the steering even if the driver has given no input.

Tata Motors says steering intervention was not possible earlier as the SUVs were equipped with a hydraulic power steering setup. However, as the facelifted SUVs have switched to an electronic power steering system, the company says lane-keep assist is now possible.

Curiously though, Tata Motors has not introduced the feature with the recently launched Harrier and Safari facelifts. The carmaker says it’s still working out its calibration but in what will be a relief to early buyers of the new SUVs, it will be later added to the initial lot of cars via a software update.

The presence of lane-keep assist will further up the Safari and Harrier duo’s safety quotient, which recently not only secured a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult and occupant protection but also netted the highest scores so far for any vehicle tested under its Safer Cars for India programme.  

Besides the software update to the steering system, Tata Motors also indicated that it will periodically roll out OTA (over the air) updates for the new advanced infotainment system that it has introduced on the facelifted Harrier, Safari and the Nexon line-up.

Also see:

Electric Tata Harrier to launch before petrol version

Tata Harrier, Safari secure 5-star Global NCAP rating

Tata Harrier facelift review

Tata Safari facelift review

At this year’s Delhi Auto Expo, Tata Motors showcased a Harrier EV concept as well as the 1.5-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDi) engine that would be offered under the hood of the Harrier SUV. And while the 1.5L TGDi engine has been in the works for a while now, we understand that the electric Harrier would arrive before its petrol-powered counterpart.

At the price announcement of the facelifted Harrier and Safari yesterday, Shailesh Chandra, managing director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said “We have already shown the 1.5-litre TGDi engine at the Auto Expo and we intend to bring it. I would say that it’s slightly far away – one year and beyond. But we are going to bring the petrol engine also.”

According to sources, the development of the petrol motor is proving to be a challenge but one the company knows it must address, “Petrol volumes are going to grow and it is imperative that we enter the petrol segment also,” said Chandra. Once ready, the engine would allow Tata Motors to offer a petrol-powered version of both the Curvv and Sierra SUVs, in addition to the Harrier and Safari.

Also see:

Tata Harrier, Safari Global NCAP crash test results video

Tata Harrier facelift review: Big Tata SUV takes a big leap forward

Tata Harrier facelift video review

As promised, Hero began deliveries of the Harley-Davidson X440 on October 15, and they started in a big way. Deliveries were conducted across 100 dealerships, including both standalone Harley-Davidson and select Hero MotoCorp outlets across the country.

The Harley-Davidson X440 is made at Hero MotoCorp’s manufacturing facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan. The bike was originally launched in July 2023 and went on to garner a massive 25,000-plus bookings in its first month. 

The demand was so high that Hero temporarily closed bookings in the country and increased prices across the range. Now that the deliveries have begun, Hero has reopened bookings across existing Harley dealers and through select premium Hero dealerships. Bookings can also be made online. 

Also See:

Harley-Davidson X440 review: Serious RE challenger?

The motorcycle is available in three variants – Rs 2,39,500 for the Denim variant, Rs 2,59,500 for Vivid, and Rs 2,79,500 for S. This marks a Rs 10,500 hike per model over the launch price.

Hero MotoCorp’s CEO Niranjan Gupta said, “It will be our endeavour to complete all deliveries over the next 4-5 months. Our supply chain is already in the process of ramping up the capacity, as we would like to serve every single customer in India who wants to own a Harley Davidson and reduce the waiting period moving forward.”

“We are excited to bring the thrill of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to motoring enthusiasts across the country, including Tier II cities and smaller towns,” he added. 

Also See:

Harley X440 vs Triumph Speed 400 vs RE Classic 350 comparison: Battle Royale

These are the first undisguised images of the Kia Sonet facelift that’s due to launch in India in the next 3-4 months. While several camouflaged test mules have been spied on multiple occasions before, these images that have surfaced on the internet give us a complete look at the exterior design of the updated Sonet.

The Sonet pictured here is for overseas markets and is longer than four meters in length. According to Kia India, the Sonet facelift that is headed to our shores will have slightly different looking front and rear bumpers from the one seen in these leaked images. 

1. India-bound Sonet facelift will slightly differ in design 
2. Likely to remain mechanically unchanged
3. Launch is expected in the coming months  

Kia Sonet facelift exterior design revealed

This is the first mid-lifecycle update for the Sonet since its launch in September 2020, and changes will only be limited to plastic parts. The most noticeable of these are the new front bumper and headlamp assembly – the main headlamp cluster has largely retained its shape, but there’s a new drop-down element that extends into the bumper below and comes with revised LED Daytime Running Lamps and fog lamps. 

Going by the bumper, this seems to be an HT Line variant that gets a slightly redesigned faux skid plate and mesh for the central air intake. The GT-Line variants could have a different bumper design. Kia also seems to have updated the grille inserts, although the overall shape remains similar. 

There aren’t any significant changes in profile save for the new alloy wheels that’ll likely differ on the HT-Line and GT-Line trims. At the rear, the wraparound tail lamps have been swapped with new vertical units that are now connected by an LED light bar. It also gets a much chunkier rear bumper with a dual-tone black and silver finish.

Kia Sonet facelift interior

Although these images do not give us a look at the interior of the updated Sonet, previous spy images have hinted at slightly updated switchgear for the HVAC controls and an all-new digital instrument cluster from the new Venue. Additionally, the Sonet is also expected to get a new brown colour for the upholstery and an armrest for the rear seat, with the latter making a comeback.

Kia Sonet facelift powertrain

The Sonet facelift is likely to continue with the existing 83hp, 115Nm, 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine is expected to be mated to a 5-speed manual, while the turbo-petrol and diesel engines will retain the 6-speed iMT. Additionally, they will also get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed automatic, respectively.

Kia Sonet facelift India launch, rivals

Kia is expected to launch the Sonet facelift in the next 3-4 months, and it will rival the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Expect a marginal step up in prices as well. 

Also See:

Kia celebrates EV Day; unveils three models

Kia India to launch EV9 electric SUV next year

The Indonesian round of the 2023 MotoGP world championship was topsy-turvy with Pramac rider Jorge Martin briefly leading the title race after a dominant win in Saturday’s sprint race. But reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia once again finds himself on top of the standings after Martin crashed out of the lead in the main race.

1. Bagnaia wins from 13th on grid
2. Bezzecchi on podium in sprint, P5 in race despite injury
3. Marc Marquez crashes out in both races

Martin vs Bagnaia title fight

Martin won the sprint race, and for the first time this year, eclipsed Bagnaia in the title fight, albeit by a mere seven points. He looked set to be on top in the main race again, but a lowside at Turn 10, presumably due to grip issues with the soft front tyre, ended his race prematurely. Bagnaia, who was running in third place when this happened, saw his chance to regain the title lead and soon overtook Aprilia’s Maverick Vinales.

Mooney VR46 team score despite injuries

Valentino Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini claimed pole position for the first time in MotoGP and finished second in the sprint race. Joining him on the sprint podium was teammate Marco Bezzecchi, who also took a commendable top-five finish in the main race, coming from ninth on the grid.

Both riders are nursing broken collarbones, albeit different ones, and credit to them for putting on a stellar performance, broken bones notwithstanding.

Quartararo back on the podium

Just like he did in the inaugural Indian GP, Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, again, finished on the final step of the podium in Indonesia. He came unerringly close to former teammate Maverick Vinales in the closing stages, but wasn’t able to overtake the Spaniard. This season has yet to see Fabio Quartararo stand on the top step of the podium.

Other standout performances in Indonesia

Speaking of injured racers, LCR Honda’s Alex Rins finished inside the top 10 on a satellite Honda, despite a double leg fracture. He finished ahead of even weekend favourite Aleix Espargaro, who rides the latest 2023 RS-GP. And Fabio Di Giannantonio recorded a career-best finish in fourth place, ahead of losing his seat to Marc Marquez next year. 

2023 MotoGP Championship standings

Having claimed his sixth feature race win this season, Bagnaia now sits 18 points clear of Martin in the standings. Trailing those two is Mooney VR46’s Bezzecchi. Ducati is also your 2023 constructors champion, which makes it four on a trot for the Borgo Panigale-based factory.

MotoGP heads to Australia next weekend, so keep tuning in as we bring you the latest coverage. 

2023 Indonesia MotoGP results

Yes, EV buyers have distinct needs

Yes, it shows a strong commitment to EVs

No, splitting showrooms creates inconvenience

No, it will dilute the brand

Total Votes : 1837

Despite the immense local interest around the 3-door Jimny when it was unveiled in 2017, Maruti Suzuki did not launch it in the Indian market, choosing to develop a 5-door version instead. The company felt the additional doors would offer more practicality and would thus be a much better fit for the Indian market.

1. 5-door Jimny to be showcased at Tokyo motor show
2. 3-door Jimny production stopped in India

Post its unveiling, however, Maruti Suzuki says that the 5-door version has been receiving a lot of interest from international markets like Africa and South America, and even its home market in Japan. Speaking to Autocar India at a media interaction in Delhi, C V Raman, the chief technology officer at Maruti Suzuki, said, “The 5-door Jimny will also be launched in Japan, but in some time.”

India is currently the homeroom for all 5-door Jimnys for both left- and right-hand drive versions, and it recently dispatched its first export shipment. While the Indian plant initially began producing only the 3-door version, it now solely produces the 5-door version. However, Raman says that the plant can still produce the 3-door version.

Although the Jimny will be making its way to Japan – the made-in-India model is even slated to debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show – it is unlikely to make its way back to Europe in either 3-door or 5-door guise due to stricter emissions norms in the EU.

Also See:

Maruti Suzuki Jimny real world fuel economy tested, explained

Maruti Suzuki Jimny road test, review

Why the Maruti Jimny gets the older K15B petrol engine

Maruti Suzuki has begun exporting the made-in-India Jimny 5-door to several international markets, including the Middle East, Latin America and Africa regions. India is the only country that manufactures the off-roader in five-door body style.  

• Jimny 5-door exported to the Middle East, Africa and Latin America regions
• Will not be sold in Europe with petrol engine
• Gets the same 1.5-litre petrol as the India-spec car

The Jimny 5-door for exports will have minor region-specific differences, however, there will not be any changes to its powertrain or off-road gear. The rugged ladder-frame SUV comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

The Jimny 5-door made its debut at the Auto Expo in January and went on sale in India back in June. Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki had said it planned to build over one lakh units of the SUV, with around 66 percent of the total production aimed at domestic sales, and the rest for exports. Domestic sales of the Jimny 5-door in India are currently averaging at around 3,000 units a month, and the SUV is available for ready delivery at some outlets, depending on the inventory and variant.

Sources tell us that the made-in-India Jimny 5-door will be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, and this is possibly the first time the Maruti off-roader is debuting outside India.

Jimny 5-door not for Europe

While the made-in-India Jimny will be sold in multiple international markets, the SUV will not go on sale in Europe, at least not as a passenger vehicle, due to strict emissions norms. As we’ve reported before, the 1.5-litre K15B engine does not clear the emissions regulations that are in effect in the EU where each carmaker can have a maximum fleet average of 95g of CO2/km. The Suzuki K15B engine does not feature any type of electrification, and on the Jimny, it emits high level of CO2. This had led Suzuki to pull the plug on the Jimny 3-door from the European market in January 2020.  

The Jimny 3-door did make a comeback in the UK and Europe later as a commercial vehicle. It does not get a second row of seats, but gets a cargo bay and safety partition behind the front seats.

Suzuki Jimny EV will go on sale in Europe first 

In February this year, Suzuki released teasers of its future EV models, which included the all-electric Jimny. The SUV will go on sale with an electric powertrain in Europe first and will initially come in the 3-door body style. A 5-door Jimny EV is expected to follow suit later. However, Maruti will first bring the Creta-sized eVX SUV to India as its debut born-EV product in late 2024. 

Also see: 

Maruti eVX interior to be revealed at Tokyo Motor Show

Maruti Suzuki Jimny real world fuel economy tested, explained

Maruti Suzuki Jimny road test, review

Why the Maruti Jimny gets the older K15B petrol engine