May 2024 is set to be an exciting month for auto enthusiasts, with three major mass-market product launches from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Force Motors. Maruti Suzuki will launch the fourth-generation Swift hatchback on 9th May, while Tata Motors and Force Motors are expected to release the Altroz Racer Edition and the 5-door Gurkha off-road SUV. Let’s dive into some key details about these upcoming models.
New-Gen Maruti Swift – 9th May
Unofficial bookings for the all-new Maruti Swift have already begun at select Arena dealerships. The new Swift will feature significant cosmetic changes, as seen in the Japan-spec model, although there might be some differences in the India-spec version. A major highlight of the new 2024 Maruti Swift is Suzuki’s all-new 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated Z-Series petrol engine, replacing the existing K-Series, 4-cylinder motor. Unlike the Japan-spec Swift, which comes with strong hybrid technology, the India-spec version will be equipped with mild hybrid technology.
Compared to the current generation, the new Swift will be slightly longer, narrower, and shorter. The interior will share similarities with the Fronx compact crossover, with most features sourced from this model.
Tata Altroz Racer Edition
While the official launch date for the Tata Altroz Racer Edition is yet to be announced, it has already been showcased a couple of times. This model is powered by a 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 120 bhp of power and 170 Nm of torque, with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Altroz Racer will feature a few cosmetic enhancements over the regular model, including a dual-tone color scheme with twin racing stripes on the bonnet and roof, a more pronounced grille, ‘Racer’ badging on the front fenders, and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Altroz Racer will have a new, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display (HUD), a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and an electric sunroof. The sporty feel is enhanced by new leatherette upholstery with contrasting stitching and a ‘Racer’ insignia embossed on the seats.
5-Door Force Gurkha
Force Motors has teased the upcoming 5-door Gurkha and the updated 3-door Gurkha, indicating their imminent arrival. Both models will have a similar look, with minor changes on the bumpers and rear doors. The off-road SUV will feature Force’s signature two-slat grille, squarish headlamp clusters, and new 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres. A variety of accessories will be available for both the 5-door and 3-door versions.
Powering these SUVs is a Mercedes-sourced 2.6L diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Buyers can choose from different seating configurations, including a 4-seat setup for the 3-door Gurkha, and 5, 6, or 7 seats for the 5-door model. The 7-seater version will have a bench-type seat in the middle row and two individual seats in the third row.
On the feature front, the 5-door Force Gurkha and the updated 3-door Gurkha will offer a large touchscreen infotainment system, a new digital TFT instrument cluster, a revised center console with a knob for shift-on-the-fly 4WD functionality, and two fuel indicators.
