Top Upcoming Launches in India

Step into the fast lane of automotive evolution with a diverse lineup of upcoming vehicles. From Toyota’s innovative variant for the Innova Hycross to Citroen’s stylish Basalt coupe-SUV, and Tata’s sporty Altroz Racer edition to Nissan’s sleek new Kicks SUV, each offering brings its own blend of sophistication, performance, and technology to redefine the driving experience. Explore the latest advancements and design cues shaping the next generation of automobiles, promising a thrilling ride into the future of mobility.

1. Toyota Innova Hycross GX(O)

1. Key updates:

• Addition of LED front fog lamps
• Rear window demister
• Automatic climate control
• Rear automatic blower control
• Dual-tone seats
• Soft-touch dashboard
• Bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay for seven-seater version)
• Rear retractable sunshade (seven-seater only)
• 360-degree camera
• Front parking sensors

1. What all we know so far:

• Positioned as the new top-end variant for the petrol Innova Hycross
• Available for the non-hybrid version of the MPV
• Powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 173hp and 209Nm torque
• Equipped with a CVT automatic gearbox
• Available with both seven- and eight-seat configurations

1. Expected price:

• Pricing to be revealed soon
• Expected to carry a premium of around Rs 70,000 over the GX variant, which is priced between Rs 19.77-19.82 lakh

1. Expected launch in India:

• Launch date yet to be revealed

1. Verdict:

• The Toyota Innova Hycross GX (O) offers a host of additional features and enhancements over the GX variant, making it a more premium option for those seeking top-end features in the petrol variant of the MPV. With its updated features and configurations, it aims to cater to the needs of customers looking for a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience.

2. Tata Altroz Racer Edition

1. Key updates:

• New top-spec variant in the Altroz lineup
• Equipped with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine
• Exterior updates including dual-tone paint scheme, racing stripes, ‘Racer’ badging, revised grille, and new alloy wheels
• Enhanced interior features such as a larger touchscreen, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, head-up display, voice-assisted sunroof, leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, and colored accents on the dashboard
• Safety features include six airbags and ESC as standard

1. What all we know so far:

• Powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine
• Produces 120hp and 170Nm of torque, similar to the state of tune offered on the Tata Nexon SUV
• Expected to be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox
• Positioned as a sportier variant of the Altroz hatchback with performance-oriented enhancements

1. Expected price:

• Pricing details not disclosed yet
• Expected to be priced higher than the top-spec variant of the standard Altroz lineup due to additional features and performance upgrades

1. Expected launch in India:

• Launch expected in the coming weeks after its official unveiling

1. Verdict:

• The Tata Altroz Racer Edition aims to appeal to enthusiasts and buyers seeking a sportier version of the Altroz hatchback. With its more powerful engine, enhanced features, and distinctive styling elements, it offers a unique and performance-oriented option in the premium hatchback segment. While pricing details are awaited, it is expected to offer a compelling package for those looking for a blend of style, performance, and advanced features in a hatchback.

3. Citroen Basalt/C3X

1. Key updates:

• Based on the CMP platform
• Positioned above the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV
• Coupe-like design with a high-riding stance
• Lift-back type tailgate similar to the Skoda Superb
• Stylish slant-back profile with a short boot lid
• Expected to have more features than the Citroen C3 Aircross

1. What all we know so far:

• Set to be revealed on March 27, 2024
• Will have a lot in common with the Citroen C3 Aircross, including the platform, body panels, and powertrain
• Likely to share similar ground clearance, large alloy wheels, and rugged-looking plastic cladding with the C3 Aircross
• Expected to offer features like electric-folding wing mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control, wireless charging, LED headlamps, push-button start, and keyless entry
• Powertrain details not explicitly mentioned, but expected to offer similar engine options as the C3 Aircross

1. Expected price:

• Pricing details not yet revealed

1. Expected launch in India:

• Launch date for India not specified, but expected to go on sale in the coming months after its global unveiling

1. Verdict:

• The Citroen Basalt aims to offer a more stylish and feature-rich alternative to the Citroen C3 Aircross, with its coupe-like design and enhanced feature set. Positioned as a premium offering in the C-Segment SUV market, it is expected to compete with upcoming models like the Tata Curvv coupe SUV. With its expected array of features and modern design, it seeks to attract buyers looking for a distinct and well-equipped SUV option.

4. Maruti YMC /Toyota Electric MUV

1. Key updates:

• Maruti Suzuki and Toyota will be sharing the upcoming eVX SUV and the YMC all-electric MPV.
• The YMC MPV is scheduled to launch in India by September 2026, with a Toyota-badged version to follow.
• Both models will share the same Toyota-derived platform and powertrain options.

1. What all we know so far:

• The YMC MPV and eVX SUV are expected to have combined production volumes of 2.5 lakh units per annum within 2-3 years of market launch.
• Maruti Suzuki projects production volumes of 50,000 to 1 lakh units for the YMC MPV once it arrives in late 2026.
• Toyota’s electric SUV based on the Urban SUV concept is expected to debut in 2025-26, about 9-12 months after the Maruti eVX prices are announced.

1. Expected price:

• Prices for the Maruti YMC electric MPV are expected to be announced by March 2025.
• The Toyota derivative of the YMC MPV is expected to arrive about a year after the production-spec Urban SUV concept.

1. Expected launch in India:

• The Maruti YMC electric MPV is scheduled to launch in India by September 2026.
• Toyota’s version of the YMC MPV will follow after the Maruti launch.

1. Verdict:

• Maruti Suzuki aims to become the largest producer of EVs in India by 2027-28, with the introduction of the YMC MPV and eVX SUV.
• Both models are expected to cater to the Indian market and have high export volumes.
• The collaboration between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota on electric vehicles is aimed at expanding economies of scale and offering competitive products in the EV segment.

5. Nissan Kicks

1. Key updates:

• Second-generation model based on the Mitsubishi XForce SUV platform
• Single platform for global markets, replacing previous versions with different platforms
• Coupe-like design with a tapering roofline and smart glasshouse
• Chunky wheel arches with matte black body cladding
• Horizontal LEDs integrated within a large black area surrounding the grille
• Uniquely shaped LED tail-lamps with a black trim across the tailgate
• Enhanced interior with premium materials and a 12.3-inch infotainment system
• Features such as touch-sensitive HVAC controls, multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, and headrest-mounted BOSE speakers

1. What all we know so far:

• Revealed ahead of the official New York Motor Show 2024 debut
• Shares platform and some design elements with the Mitsubishi XForce SUV
• Available in left- and right-hand drive markets, serving as Nissan’s entry-level SUV in some regions
• Expected to offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including intelligent cruise control and ProPILOT Assist
• Positioned as a global SUV with a focus on modern design, technology, and performance

1. Expected price:

• Pricing details not disclosed yet
• Expected to be competitive within its segment, offering a balance of features and value for money

1. Expected launch in India:

• No specific launch date for India mentioned
• Whether the new Nissan Kicks will be introduced in the Indian market is yet to be confirmed by Nissan

1. Verdict:

• The new Nissan Kicks represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a modern design, enhanced features, and improved performance. With its global appeal and advanced technology, it aims to attract buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped SUV. However, its success in the Indian market will depend on factors such as pricing, competition, and customer preferences.

Conclusion

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, these upcoming vehicles offer a glimpse into the future of driving. Whether it’s Toyota’s innovative additions, Citroen’s stylish coupes, Tata’s sporty editions, or Nissan’s sleek SUVs, each model represents a step forward in design, performance, and technology. With their unique features and capabilities, these cars promise to redefine the driving experience for enthusiasts and commuters alike, setting new standards for the road ahead. So buckle up and get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of tomorrow’s automobiles.

FAQs