As we enter the second quarter of 2024, several new car launches are just around the corner. The first quarter of this year has seen the introduction of multiple new cars and SUVs in the Indian market. Whether they are powered by petrol/diesel engines or use electric battery packs, every segment has seen significant development. As anticipation builds for the next nine months, various leading automakers are gearing up to introduce a diverse range of vehicles in the country. While some have already revealed their plans, a few are in the process of announcing. Hence, let’s delve into the most anticipated car launches happening in India in the next six months.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, the rebadged version of Maruti Suzuki Fronx, will be launched on April 3, 2024 in the Indian market. The company has released the first teaser of the new crossover while also listing it at its official website. It is expected to see a handful of cosmetic updates at the outside as well as inside the cabin. Mechanically, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor will be offered with the same powertrain choices as the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, i.e. a 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.0L turbocharged petrol. The transmission choices are likely to be 5-speed manual, 5-speed AMT and 6-speed torque converter automatic units. Expect a starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom) in the Indian market.
Next-Generation Skoda Superb
Skoda Superb is all set to return to India on April 3, 2024 after a year-long hiatus through the CBU route. Unlike the discontinued model which was locally manufactured, Skoda will import the sedan under the Govt’s GSR 870 law. The 2024 Skoda Superb is believed to be launching in a single fully-loaded variant with several premium features on-board in the form of ADAS, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, 360-degree Camera, Park Assist etc. to name a few. It will be powered by a 2.0L BS6 Phase II compliant turbocharged petrol engine with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The phased out model had a starting price of Rs 34 lakh, but since this is being brought as an import, expect an introductory price of at least Rs 43 lakh (ex-showroom), if not more. For those asking, the new-gen Superb, unveiled globally last year, will launch by mid 2025 in India
Mahindra XUV300 Facelift
If media reports are to be believed, the 2024 Mahindra XUV300 facelift will go on sale this month itself (April 2024) in the Indian market. The SUV is expected to feature substantial cosmetic updates in the form of newly-designed split headlamps with DRLs, restyled front grille, new tail-gate and revised alloys. The instrument cluster will be an all-digital unit while the infotainment system is said to be bigger than the current model. It is being widely speculated that the 2024 XUV300 facelift will get the first-in-segment panoramic sunroof. Under the hood, it will carry the same 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel engines with no change in power output and torque performance.
Tata Curvv
First showcased as a concept a couple of years ago, Tata Curvv made its near-production debut at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Show in India. Set to launch in the next couple of months, this SUV-coupe will compete directly with Citroen Basalt, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. Loaded with modern features such as a panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and adaptive cruise control, the Curvv will be available in both electric and internal combustion engine variants. The EV model, launching at a later stage, will deliver a range of 500 km on a single charge.
Next-Gen Maruti Suzuki Swift
Following its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the next-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is poised to hit the Indian market by mid-2024. The fourth-gen model gets fresh styling, featuring a revamped front fascia, including newly-designed grille, headlamps, and bumper. Inside, expect a host of new features, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Under the bonnet, it could house a new naturally-aspirated 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the current 4-cylinder K-Series motor.
Force Gurkha 5-door
Force Motors has shared the first teaser of the upcoming Gurkha 5-door, which is slated to launch in the next few months in the Indian market. The 5-door version of the Gurkha will directly challenge the Mahindra Thar Armada (5-door), which will debut on August 15, 2024. Force Gurkha 5-door version will get a handful of cosmetic updates over the standard 3-door model. The cabin layout too will be carried over from the standard model, albeit with some new features. The 5-door version will be available in three seating configurations: 5-seater, 6-seater and 7-seater. The Gurkha 5-door will be powered by the same 2.6L diesel engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door
Mahindra & Mahindra is gearing up to introduce a more traditional 5-door version of its popular Thar SUV. Expected to break cover on August 15 this year, it could be christened as Thar Armada while being manufactured at a new production line. It would carry premium and upmarket features such as 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, all-digital instrument cluster, and electric sunroof. The engine options are likely to be carried over from the current 3-door model in the form of the 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel. The gearbox choices would be manual and automatic with both 2WD and 4WD systems.
Tata Altroz Racer
Tata Altroz Racer is slated to launch in the next few days in the Indian market. It will be carrying over the existing 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, identical to the one found in the Altroz iTurbo, albeit with a bit of retuning to get higher performance at 120 hp and 170 Nm. It will come paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Besides the distinctive ‘Racer’ badging, the Altroz Racer will showcase a striking dual-tone paint scheme, an updated grille, and fresh design for the 16-inch alloy wheels.
Tata Nexon iCNG
Tata Nexon CNG was also showcased at the Bharat Mobility Show 2024. It will boast of the same dual-cylinder technology seen in the Punch CNG, Tiago CNG, and Tigor CNG models. Although the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine will be used, its power and torque output will undergo a slight reduction when running on CNG. Notably, Tata Nexon iCNG is all set to become the first CNG-powered car in the country with a turbo-petrol engine. Furthermore, there is potential for the Tata Nexon CNG to be offered with an optional automatic gearbox.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Following the launch of the new-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift in mid-2024, the new-gen Dzire is set to make its debut around the festive season of Diwali this year. Spotted on test approximately a month ago, the all-new sedan was fully camouflaged, hinting at significant design updates in line with the new Swift. Alongside the introduction of the new Z series petrol engine, Maruti Suzuki will also offer a CNG option for the sub-4-meter sedan. The sedan could have a best-in-segment mileage for both the petrol and CNG versions.
Nissan Magnite Facelift
Nissan India has commenced the testing of the facelifted version of its sole model in the market, the Magnite SUV. Recently captured during a test run in heavy camouflage, the updated model is anticipated to hit the market during the festive season of Diwali this year. While interior images are currently unavailable, we expect a revamped cabin with a fresh thematic approach. New features in the SUV would include a touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, revamped HVAC panel, wireless charger, ambient lighting, and refreshed seat upholstery. Under the hood, both the 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.0L turbocharged petrol will be continued.
2024 Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival MPV was discontinued in India last year. But, our sources in Kia have confirmed that the MPV is all set to make a comeback in the Indian market in the third quarter of this year. Adorning Kia’s latest design philosophy, the 2024 Kia Carnival will receive significant aesthetic updates and an enhanced feature list. Powered by the same 2.2L diesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the new Carnival may offer various seating configurations to cater to diverse buyer preferences.
