The new SUVs will likely launch in the next 6 months
In the next few months, various carmakers are gearing up to launch and unveil some their latest SUVs. These include diverse options right from the Maruti Jimny to the Honda Elevate. While some are based on existing offerings, the rest have been developed grounds-up for the Indian market. Let’s have a look at five of the most popular ones-
1. Maruti Jimny
Maruti had previously showcased the Jimny at the Auto Expo 2023. It gets powered by a 1.5L K15B Petrol engine which will be mated to either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmissions. Additionally, 4×4 will come standard while other features will include Wireless Android Auto+Apple Carplay connectivity, LED Projector headlamps, Keyless entry and more. While it has not been officially confirmed, our sources tell us that the Jimny is scheduled to be launched in the first week of June.
You can read more about the Jimny by clicking here.
2. Honda Elevate
Honda is all set to unveil it’s latest SUV- the Elevate on June 6th. This will be the first new product from Honda in almost 3 years. Based on the same platform as the City sedan, it will get powered by a 1.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine mated to manual and CVT gearboxes. From the teasers, it also seems clear that Honda will be providing a regular sized sunroof and not a panoramic one, however it is expected to get ADAS functionality. The Elevate will compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara when it gets launched.
3. Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen has recently taken covers off the C3 Aircross. The SUV will feature a first-in-segment 7 seater layout along with 200mm of ground clearance. It will get powered by a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine which is also shared with the smaller C3 turbo hatchback. In terms of features, Citroen will give it electric folding ORVMs, cruise control and a digital instrument cluster among others. The car will be available with both manual and automatic gearbox options in a 5 or 7 seater layout. Citroen has not declared the launch timeline, however expect the C3 Aircross to hit our shores by the festive season this year. You can also click here to know more about the C3 Aircross.
4. Hyundai Exter
Hyundai has opened up the bookings for their upcoming SUV called the Exter few days back. The Exter will be offered with a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine which will come along with 5 speed manual and AMT transmissions. Further, Hyundai has also revealed that it will receive 6 airbags as standard across all variants. While details about the feature list are emerging slowly, we speculate that it will have many goodies such as an electric sunroof, projector LED headlamps, ventilated seats, 10.25 inch touchscreen and more. Hyundai will also be giving a CNG bi-fuel option at launch which will be available with a 5 speed manual gearbox. The Exter will sit below the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup and will go against options such as the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger and Maruti Ignis.
5. Mahindra Thar 5 door
After the massive success of the 3 door version, Mahindra is working to launch a 5 door version of its Thar SUV. Spy shots of camouflaged test mules have been surfacing for months and according to our sources, it will be launched on August 15. The 5 door Thar will be much more practical while retaining the off-road friendly nature of the 3 door. It will get powered by the same 2.2L diesel and 2.0L Petrol engines, however it might receive a higher state of tune to compensate for the extra weight and length. While the equipment list is not out yet, expect it to largely mirror the one on the 3 door version which includes tilt-adjustable steering wheel, roof mounted speakers, a shift-on-fly 4×4 system, height adjustable seats and more. It is also likely that Mahindra will debut a removable hardtop option with the Thar 5 door. The Thar 5 door will indirectly compete with the Maruti Jimny and upcoming Force Gurkha 5 door.
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