Top Upcoming Car Launches In India 2023
Indian automotive industry plays a key role in macroeconomic expansion and technological advancement. According to the data analysis revealed by the firm, India is the 5th largest automobile market in the world, surpassing Germany in terms of sales.
The year 2023 will witness numerous car launches as Indian Auto Expo returns after three years. It is one of the biggest Indian biennial automobile exhibitions, celebrated once in two years. It caters to automobile enthusiasts, creates new industry opportunities, and lets different companies show their products, technologies, concepts, and trends to the world. Apart from this event, other cars will also be released throughout the year, which we will discuss in this blog.
Morris Garages India is set to launch the new Hector SUV on January 5, 2023, one of the first car launches this year. The manufacturers already revealed the cabin's features earlier this year, which has a large 14-inch touchscreen display, a 360-degree camera, and a cleaner layout. However, the 2023 MG Hector will use the same 143 bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol, with and without mild hybrid technology, 170bhp, 2.0L diesel engines.
2023 MG Hector has a little tweaked bumper and fog lamp assembly, sleek headlamps with mounted LED DRLS, and a diamond mesh grille. Considering safety, the ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) comes with a significant update, which offers safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear driver assist, blind spot detection, intelligent headlamp control, etc. The MG Hector 2023 will rival Hector, Nexon EV Prime, and Kushaq.
Maruti Suzuki is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, which is reading its second compact SUV for its launch. It will make a global debut At the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The TYB coupe SUV is expected to have a 1-liter booster jet turbocharged petrol engine, producing 100 hp power and 150 Nm torque.
Maruti Suzuki YTB Coupe SUV is expected to have a similar design as dilapidated in the 2020 Auto expo, having a chrome-finished trapezoidal front grille, new LED DRls, a sloping roofline, and lower positioned headlamps. It will also have a raked windshield, squared-off wheel arches, slim roof rails, alloy wheels, a rounded bumper design, and more. Considering the interior, it will have multiple features like a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and updated safety features.
Maruti Suzuki Five-Door Jimny is another essential vehicle display that will likely be shown on January 12, 2023. It is an elongated version of the three-door Jimny, which will go on sale by mid-2023. The SUV has a 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with a manual or an automatic gearbox, having an off-road-ready 4x4 as standard. It will produce a max power of 102 PS @ 6000rpm and max torque of 130 Nm @ 4000rpm.
The Jimny will feature a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, rear AC vents, rear parking sensors with a camera, dual front airbags, key-less entry, cruise control, and hill assist control. It will directly rival Mahindra Thar and other alternatives to sub-4m SUVs like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Vitara Brezza, and Mahindra XUV300.
Hyundai Micro SUV is a five-seater car expected to be launched in September 2023. It is powered by the 1.2 litre petrol and 4 cylinder unit, delivering 81 bhp and 114 Nm. This micro SUV could be offered with petrol and CNG options, whereas transmission options could be a manual or automatic manual transmission.
Considering the features, it will include LED headlamps and taillights, a digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, an electric sunroof, along with three drive modes. As per the safety aspects, it will have seven airbags and driver-assistance systems. The car is available in six exterior color options and three themes. It will rival Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Tata Punch.
2023 Hyundai Creta will make its India debut at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2023, along with an announcement of its price. It uses the same 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, 1.4L turbo petrol, and 1.5L diesel engines. Besides this, it comes with a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque convertor automatic, a CVT automatic, a 7-speed DCT automatic, and an iMT option. However, there are rumors that Hyundai might introduce its CNG version to the market in the mid-year.
The Creta has been revamped, featuring a new grille running across its width and a little placed and more rectangular-shaped headlamps with LED DRLs. The car's front bumper is also revised and has a slimmer and wider air-inlet. It has sharper taillamps and a little changed boot lid, giving a refreshing look to its front profile. The model continues to have a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto connectivity and Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats, and an air purifier. The Hyundai Creta 2023 will rival Bolero, XUV300, and Bolero Neo.
Hyundai is a renowned car manufacturer planning to bring the new-generation Verna to the country. New-Gen Hyundai Verna will have a hybrid technology with similar ICE options, which are a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine option as on offer. However, you can expect the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol to be replaced with the 1.4-liter turbo-petrol.
The New-Gen Hyundai Verna will have multiple features to offer, including a 360-degree camera, a larger infotainment system, a HUD display, etc. This car features a wide grille merging into the headlamps, a fastback-like styling with a tapered roof, Tucson-like chrome styling elements, and the C-pillar and dual-tone alloy wheels. It will rival with Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Slavia, Honda City, and Volkswagen Virtus.
IONIQ EV is another model by Hyundai, set to be launched at the Auto Expo in January 2023. However, there has not been much information released regarding its powertrain details, but it is expected to be equipped with a 72.6kWh battery, providing an ARAI-certified range of 631 km on a single charge. It is available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, with its electric motor producing 217hp and 350 Nm of torque. The IONIQ AV will also support superfast 800V charging, which charges the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
Hyundai IONIQ EV has sharp lines, flat surfaces, and an SUV-ish overall look. The front and rear lights get pixelated, and 20-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels feature a turbine-like design. Hyundai is offering the model in three different colors, which are Midnight Black Pearl, Gravity Gold Matte, and Optic White. Considering the interior features, it has a flexible seat, flat door, and movable center console. The INOIQ has a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster, the touchscreen, ADAS, and a head-up display with augmented reality functions. It also has the option to load functions with an output of 3.6kW, which can power up electrical devices like phones, laptops, and other devices. The Hyundai IONIQ EVs will directly rival with Kia EV6.
Kia is making its strong foundation in the Indian market by bringing facilitated cars and advancement. Seltos is one of its upcoming models, which might launch at the Auto Expo in January 2023. The Kia Seltos Facelift is powered by the same 115PS/144Nm 1.5-liter petrol, 140PS/242Nm 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol, and 115PS/250Nm 1.5-liter diesel engine. However, there will be a transmission option, which will include a 6-speed manual as standard, a CVT along with a 6-speed iMT for the 1.5-liter petrol, a 7-speed DCT for the 1.4-liter turbo-petrol, and a 6-speed torque converter for the 1.5-liter diesel unit.
The features of the Kia Seltos 2023 include a fully digital driver’s display connected to the 10.25-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, an air purifier system, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and cruise control. Considering safety, the model will have multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, etc. The Seltos is expected to get a few ADAS features, such as forward, rear, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.
Honda Compact SUV is another car on the list that is expected to be launched around mid-2023. In terms of powertrains, it will get the same 1.5-liter petrol engine, offered with a six-speed manual or CVT. You can also expect the HRV version with dual electric motors.
Considering the features, it will have an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a center console. It will also have connected car technology, leather upholstery, climate control, a power driver’s seat, ADAS, an LED light package, and a power tailgate. Honda Compact SUV will rival Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks.
Tata Harrier Facelift is one of the feature-rich cars which will be soon launched in 2023. This car is packed with some perfect features, making it one of the ideal choices for people looking for a spacious and comfortable interior. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine sourced from previous FCA, which produces 170 horsepower and 350 Newton-meters of torque, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine is expected to produce roughly 150 horsepower and 250 Newton-meters of torque, available in both manual and automatic transmissions.
The SUV will have a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, a redesigned instrument cluster, and a 360-degree camera. Besides this, it will also have a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging feature, and rain-sensing wipers. The Tata Harrier 2023 will rival Nexon EV Prime, Hector, and Kushaq.
The facelifted Tata Safari is another car expected to debut in India in January 2023 at the Auto Expo. This upcoming Safari may continue with the same powertrain similar to the existing one. However, it is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 168hp and 350Nm of torque and is pated with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Tata Safari Facelift features include ADAS, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and JBL speakers with subwoofers. Besides this, it is also equipped with a new front fascia, a new set of alloy wheels, front ventilated seats, and electronically adjustable driver seats. After the launch, Tata Safari will rival Jeep Compass, MG Hector Plus, Scorpio N, and Mahindra XUV700.
Tata Motors has recently launched Tata Tiago EV in the Indian market, and now it is ready to launch Tata Punch EV micro SUV at the upcoming Auto Expo in 2023. It is based on a new Sigma architecture, a heavily modified version of the ALFA platform. Besides, it is also expected that the Punch EV will be powered by the Ziptron electric powertrain that provides power to the Tiago and Tigor EV with higher power output. Considering the battery, we expect Tata to provide the Punch EV with two battery pack options, which are medium and large range.
Punch is expected to undergo exterior and interior changes to differentiate itself from the ICE variant. It will obtain an electric-themes styling trope and an Electrical specific teal blue shade along with a tri-arrow design and the ‘humanity’ line grille similar to other Tata EVs. Its interior is darkened tones with an electric blue accent around the AC vents, instrument panel, and on-seat fabric. The top competitors of Tata Tiago are Maruti Celerio, Maruti Ignis, Hyundai grand i10 NIOS, Hyundai Santro, and more.
Citroen eC3 is one of the top upcoming cars, ready for its market launch in January 2023. This car will be locally manufactured and exported to international markets. Citroen eC3 is powered by a 30.3kWh battery pack, which will be sourced from Chinese company Svolt. It will have a 3.3kW onboard AC charger and will and 144 Nm of peak torque.
Considering the exterior and interior, a new charging port is located on the front fender. The interior area will include a revised center console with a new driver controller, replacing the manual gear lever. It could rival the upcoming Tata Punch EV.
Mahindra XUV 400 EV is a five-occupant SUV lined-up car expected to be released in January 2023. It has a 150PS/310 Nm electric motor powered by a 39.5kWh battery pack. XUV 400 gets a front-wheel drivetrain with an MIDC claimed range of 456 km, sprinting from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds. It is capable of fast charging, which leads to 80% in 50 minutes with a 50kWh DC fast charger. Mahindra XUV 400 EV is likely to have three variants, which are Base, EL, and EP.
Considering the features, Mahindra XUV 400 EV has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a single-pane electric sunroof, connected car tech, and keyless entry with push button start. It has some additional features like ABS with EBD, six airbags, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control. It will rival Hyundai Kona Electric, Tata Nexon EV Max, and MG ZS EV.
Mahindra Thar 2WD is set to introduce a rear-wheel drive version of the Thar, with a high & low reduction gear in different paint shares, which are beige, blue, grey, black, red, and copper. It will be powered with a revised version of the XUV300’s 1.5-liter diesel engine, pushing 117 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque.
The Mahindra Thar has 16-inch steel wheels, a tubular steel side step, manual mirror adjustment, and a monochrome MID display. It will rival the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Nissan has brought the three most famous international SUV models in India, and X-Trail is one of them, and it will be launched by March 2023. It is equipped with a 2-liter four-cylinder DOHC diesel engine, which generates a power of 150 bhp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm. X-Trail has an excellent pickup, and the car can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 11 seconds.
The exterior of the Nissan X-Trail includes rounded fog lights, long taillights, and a large bumper, which makes the rear end look bulky, rear sensing wiper, rear window wiper, power adjustable exterior rear view mirror, wheel covers, alloy wheels, tinted glass, sunroof, and more. The interior of the car has an elegant feel, as the seats are comfortable and the instrument dials look attractive. Besides this, there are multiple storage compartments, including cup holders, dashboards, ticket holders, etc. It will rival Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The brand-new Toyota Innova Hyrcoss is one of the models which will soon be on sale in India in January 2023. However, the company has not given any official date for it, but you can expect the delivery of this upcoming car to start around mid-January. The model is built on TNGA-C platforms with a front-wheel drive monocoque construction.
Toyota Innova Hycross has multiple features, such as LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, second-row reclining ottoman seats, a wireless charger, and more. It also has a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a 2.0-liter powerful hybrid motor paired with an automatic transmission.
In addition, these upcoming car launches will represent a diverse range of vehicles with multiple features. For car enthusiasts, this year can be an unmissable opportunity to get a glimpse of the future of the automotive industry. Hence, keep an eye out for these top upcoming car launches in 2023, as they will make a big impact and generate a lot of buzz in the months and years ahead.
Author: Shubham Parashar
Place: New Delhi