January 2024 promises an exhilarating experience for automotive enthusiasts with the scheduled launches of several important products in the coming weeks. Among the anticipated unveilings, four noteworthy SUVs are set to make their debut across diverse segments. The facelifted versions of the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Creta SUV are slated to hit the market on January 12th and 16th, respectively. Additionally, the Citroen C3 Aircross automatic variant and Tata’s Punch EV are gearing up for showroom appearances, although the exact launch dates for these models remain undisclosed. Let’s delve into the key details of these upcoming vehicles.
Kia Sonet Facelift
The facelifted Sonet SUV introduces subtle enhancements in styling and an interior brimming with advanced features, accompanied by a notable mechanical update. Marking a return, the diesel-manual engine gearbox combination is reintroduced with this mid-life update, while the powertrain options remain unaltered. The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift boasts a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a climate control display beneath the info unit, two rows of toggles for HVAC controls, drive and traction modes, and revamped seat upholstery. Noteworthy features include Level 1 ADAS tech and an extensive standard safety feature list. Exterior enhancements include larger LED headlamps, new LED DRLs, revised skid plates, horizontally mounted LED fog lights, redesigned 16-inch alloys, an updated rear bumper, and an LED light bar at the rear.
Hyundai Creta Facelift
The eagerly awaited Hyundai Creta facelift introduces the Level 2 ADAS suite with 19 functions, a blind spot monitoring system, 360-degree cameras, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone climate control, and dual 10.25-inch screens. The dashboard and AC vents undergo a redesign, sharing design elements with the new Santa Fe and Exter. The 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift retains the 115bhp, 1.5L petrol and diesel engines, alongside a new 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol motor with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The refreshed Creta SUV offers a new Robust Emerald Pearl color scheme, along with existing options like Abyss Black, Fiery Red, Titan Grey, Ranger Khaki, and Atlas White. A dual-tone paint scheme, featuring Atlas White with a black roof, is also available.
Citroen C3 Aircross AT
The Citroen C3 Aircross automatic variant is equipped with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Exclusive to the Plus and Max variants, the petrol-automatic combo is available for booking at select dealerships. Design and interior remain unchanged, with the Max trim offering features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rearview camera, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, 4 speakers with 2 tweeters, rear wiper with washer, shark fin antenna, and front fog lamps. The Plus variant features a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, connected car tech, rear roof vents, adjustable headrests, third-row removable seats, and other amenities.
Tata Punch EV
Recently unveiled through official pictures, the Tata Punch EV is set for pricing announcements in the coming weeks. It marks Tata’s fourth electric offering, available through the brand’s new EV-dedicated outlets. Prospective buyers can secure their unit by pre-booking with a payment of Rs 21,000. Notably, it’s the first Tata model built on the Gen 2 EV/Acti.EV platform, featuring a front trunk (frunk) and a front charging socket. The Punch EV micro SUV comes in two variants – Standard and Long-Range, likely equipped with 25kWh and 35kWh battery packs, supporting both AC and DC fast charging.
Expected to offer a range of 300km to 400km, the lineup includes five trims – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+. The latter two are available in five dual-tone color schemes. Key features encompass a new 10.25-inch infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster of the same size, an illuminated two-spoke steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold, wireless phone charging, leatherette seats, cruise control, connected car tech, and more.
