The Indian Auto Industry is never short of action and the year 2023 too promises to have its fair share of launches lined up across segments. It will begin with the return of the latest edition of the Auto Expo that will be organised in 2nd week of January. The show will see the biggest names in the Indian sector in attendance, though many prominent names are also giving it a miss this time around, specially the luxury carmakers. Here we list for the top 10 cars that are likely to make their way to the Indian market in 2023.
Maruti Suzuki
Country’s largest car maker is expected to unveil 2 new SUVs at the Auto Expo. After years of speculation, the everpopular Jimmy is set to be launched in India though the SUV could be launched in a 5-door avatar to appeal more to the Indian buyers. It is also likely to get the All-wheel drive tech most recently seen on the Grand Vitara. Apart from this the brand will also unveil a crossover SUV based on its popular hatchback Baleno. The car could come with a powerful 1.0 litre turbo Petrol engine and is expected to be priced between Rs. 5.80 and Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai
Next up will be Korean carmaker Hyundai who will launch a host of models in India starting from the Auto Expo. First will be the Ioniq 5 electric, a car that was shown recently for the first time in India. It comes with an ARAI certified range of as much as 631 kms depending on the variant you choose to buy. The EV can be charged up to 80 per cent in 18 minutes via a 350 kW DC charger. Another much awaited car from Hyundai this year will be the Creta facelift. The SUV will get added features and luxury and will come with a fresh look reminiscent of the new Hyundai Tucson. The car is likely to be priced between Rs. 9.99 lakh and 17.45 lakh, ex-showroom.
Mahindra & Mahindra
Homegrown giant Mahindra too will not be far behind be it electrics or Internal combustion engine cars. It has already kick-started the new year by launching a more fuel efficient and affordable version of its lifestyle SUV, Thar. The car is similar to the 4WD model when it comes to features inside the cabin or exterior looks. This will be followed by the launch of the XUV400, which is the electric version of the XUV300. It can be powered by a 39.4 kW battery pack which promises a range of 456 kms on a single charge. The electric motor makes 145 bhp and 310 Nm and reaches a top-speed of 150 kmph. The car could be priced between Rs. 14 lakh and Rs. 17.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
Mahindra’s rival Tata Motors is also getting ready to unveil a slew of vehicles at the Auto Expo. But the one that could make the maximum noise, despite being silent is the Punch EV. Little is known about the car as of now but it could very well be another budget electric offering from India’s leading EV brand. Also getting ready to launch an affordable EV in India is Citroen. The French carmaker will launch the eC3 is the market, a car that could boast of a range of over 220 kms on a single charge. The hatch could be priced at around Rs. 12 lakh, ex-showroom.
2023 MG Hector is also expected to make its debut at the Auto Expo. In terms of styling and features the car will be vastly different from its predecessor. The cabin will come with a 14- inch touchscreen which will be the largest in its segment. The 2.0-litre diesel and 1.5-litre petrol engine options are likely to remain unchanged. Another SUV that will be seen in a new avatar in India this year is the Nissan X-Trail.
The Japanese carmaker has confirmed that its testing will begin soon and it will be teh brands’ next launch in India after the popular Magnite.