As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a journey through the automotive landscape that defined the last 12 months in India.
Segment-wise Exploration: Unveiling Diversity in Innovation
Delve into the various automotive segments that witnessed innovation in 2023. Explore the sub-compact SUVs that captured attention, the versatile people-mover MPVs that redefined family travel, and the emergence of electric cars signaling a shift toward sustainable mobility.
Maruti’s Off-Roader: A New Trailblazer
Explore the off-road terrain with Maruti’s new off-roader, adding an adventurous touch to the Indian automotive scene.
Honda’s Debut Compact SUV: Redefining Urban Adventure
Witness the debut of Honda’s first compact SUV, a symbol of urban adventure.
Electric Revolution: Charting the Rise of EVs
Embark on a journey through the electric revolution in India. Explore the new electric vehicles that hit the market, analyzing their contributions to the growing shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Generational Updates: Elevating Legacy Models
Highlight the significance of generational updates, where iconic models receive a refresh. Discuss the improvements, technological advancements, and design tweaks that breathe new life into these automotive classics, ensuring they stay relevant in the ever-evolving market.
Upcoming Cars in 2024
Tease the excitement for the future by providing a sneak peek into the upcoming cars expected in 2024. Discuss the anticipation and expectations surrounding these models, setting the stage for the automotive trends that will shape the Indian market in the coming year.
Key Features
- Diverse Automotive Landscape: Segment-wise Exploration: Explore the innovation and diversity in various automotive segments, including sub-compact SUVs, people-mover MPVs, electric cars, off-roaders, and sports cars.
- Maruti’s Off-Roader: Trailblazing Adventure: Dive into the off-road terrain with Maruti’s new off-roader.
- Honda’s Debut Compact SUV: Urban Adventure Unleashed: Witness the debut of Honda’s first compact SUV, symbolizing urban adventure.
- Electric Revolution: Charting the Rise of EVs: Embark on a journey through the electric revolution in India.
- Generational Updates: Revitalizing Automotive Classics: Highlight the significance of generational updates for iconic models.
- Upcoming Cars in 2024: Tease the excitement for the future by providing a sneak peek into upcoming cars in 2024.
- Insightful Exclusion: Facelifts Not Included: Clarify the focus on debut models and generational updates, excluding facelifts.
1. Audi Q3 Sportback: The Audi Q3 Sportback is essentially the Q3 but with certain distinctive highlights, mainly limited to the exterior appearance. The Q3 Sportback is the coupe version of the standard SUV and is offered in a single variant. It comes with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that powers all the four wheels via a quattro all-wheel-drive system. Read more about the Audi Q3 Sportback here.
2. BMW M2: The second-generation BMW M2 was launched in India, not long after its global debut. The 2-door sports car features a turbocharged 3-litre inline-6 engine, shared with the M3 and M4, albeit in a lower state of tune. However, the main highlight of this M2 is the fact that you can order one with a 6-speed manual transmission.
3. Citroen C3 Aircross: The Citroen C3 Aircross comes with a segment first 3-row seat configuration in the compact SUV space. Furthermore, when not required, the last row seats can be removed for more boot space, or you can have it as just a 5-seater as well. Additionally, the French carmaker has positioned the C3 Aircross as the most affordable 3-row SUV in the market. For more details, head over to our detailed review on the C3 Aircross.
4. Mahindra XUV400: The XUV400 was the first long-range EV from the Indian carmaker. It goes up against the popular Tata Nexon EV. That said, unlike the Nexon EV, the XUV400 is slightly larger than the car it is based on (the XUV300). It also gets certain EV-specific changes to remain distinct from its combustion-engine sibling. For more details, head over to our launch report on the Mahindra XUV400.
5. Mercedes-Benz GLC: The Mercedes-Benz GLC received a generational update this year and was launched in August. The updated GLC received exterior and interior design changes including a larger grille, sleeker headlights, and a dashboard taken from the C-Class. It comes with both petrol and diesel engine options with mild-hybrid assist and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Read more about the Mercedes-Benz GLC in its launch report.
6. Mercedes-AMG SL55: The seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz SL comes to India as a completely built-up unit (CBU). The 2-door convertible gets a retractable fabric roof which can operate while on the move. In this AMG guise, the SL55 is powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which propels the car from 0-100 kmph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 295 kmph.
7. MG Comet EV: Talking about fresh approaches, one must applaud MG for introducing the quirky and off-beat EV on our shores. Measuring just 3 metres in length, the Comet EV has 2 large doors, seating for 4, and a claimed range of 230 km. The ultra-compact electric vehicle is aimed as a secondary vehicle for city usage. Read more about the MG Comet EV here.
8. Honda Elevate: Honda finally brought a new SUV to India in 2023. The Honda Elevate is based on the same platform as the Honda City. While a little late to the part, the Elevate is Honda’s entry into the popular compact SUV segment. Despite lacking any standout features, the reliable 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with the CVT automatic, ADAS tech, and spacious insides should be able to make the Elevate a popular offering.
9. Hyundai Exter: Aimed to compete with the popular Tata Punch, the Korean micro-SUV comes with segment-first features like 6 airbags, a sunroof, and a dual-camera dashcam. Hyundai has gauged the pulse of the target audience for the Exter and it shows – 75 percent of prospective Exter customers opted for variants with a sunroof.
10. Toyota Rumion: Another product of the Maruti-Toyota partnership, the Rumion is simply Toyota’s version of the highly popular Ertiga MPV. After seeing success with the Baleno-Glanza duo, it remains to be seen how successful the Ertiga-Rumion twins work out for the Japanese carmakers.
11. Volvo C40 Recharge: Volvo finally launched its next EV in India in the form of the C40 Recharge. It is an SUV-Coupe based on the all-electric XC40 Recharge, and the first EV-only model in the Swedish brand’s lineup. The C40 Recharge is a more stylish and feature-loaded alternative with updated battery chemistry that offers a lot more range from the same size.
2023-12-21 19:49:43
