With the commencement of the financial year 2024-2025 today, several new cars are anticipated to be launched in India, beginning with a few expected releases in April itself. Many new models, including the fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift and Toyota Taisor (Toyota’s version of the Maruti Fronx), are set to debut this month. Let's examine each in more detail:
Toyota Taisor
- Launch On: April 3
- Expected Price: Rs 8 lakh
Another sub-4 m crossover SUV, the Toyota Taisor, is soon to hit the market, based on the Maruti Fronx. It is expected to feature slight exterior design changes over the donor vehicle, with the Toyota logo. Toyota is likely to equip it with the same features as the Fronx, including a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera. Powertrain options may include a 1.2-litre petrol engine (90 PS/113 Nm), a 1-litre turbo petrol engine (100 PS/148 Nm), and possibly a CNG powertrain (77.5 PS/ 98.5 Nm), all with manual gearboxes. Transmission options are expected to include a 5-speed MT for both, a 5-speed AMT for the 1.2-litre unit, and a 6-speed AT for the turbo petrol option.
2024 Mahindra XUV300
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 8.5 lakh
The facelifted Mahindra XUV300, a long-awaited update, has been spotted multiple times, revealing updated design details such as new LED DRLs and headlights, new alloy wheels, and connected LED taillights. Spy shots of the cabin suggest a dual 10.25-inch display setup, similar to the XUV400. The facelifted XUV300 is expected to offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. It is likely to retain the current powertrain options, including two turbo-petrol engines – 1.2-litre MPFi (multi-point fuel injection) and 1.2-litre T-GDi (gasoline direct injection) – and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
New Maruti Swift
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 6 lakh
The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift, launched in Japan, features a redesigned interior and evolutionary exterior changes, maintaining its recognizable look. It is powered by a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z series petrol engine (82 PS / 108 Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. In Japan, the Swift is available in petrol and hybrid versions, with optional all-wheel-drive (AWD). However, in India, these specifications may vary, with no hybrid or AWD versions expected. The new Swift offers a 9-inch touchscreen, auto AC, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and blind spot detection.
Force Gurkha 5-door
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 16 lakh
The Force Gurkha 5-door, a highly anticipated off-roader SUV, has been spied on numerous times over the past few years, suggesting an imminent launch. It features a longer wheelbase and an extra set of doors compared to the existing Gurkha, with design revisions. The 3-row seating layout is expected to offer bench seats for the second row and captain seats for the third row. It is likely to offer the same features as the 3-door model, including a 7-inch touchscreen, manual AC, and dual front airbags. The engine is expected to be the same 2.6-litre diesel unit (90 PS / 250 Nm) as the current Gurkha, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Skoda Superb
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 40 lakh
After temporarily discontinuing the Superb in the first half of 2023, Skoda plans to reintroduce it through the completely built-up (CBU) route. The sedan, previously available only in petrol, was equipped with a 2-litre turbo-petrol unit (190 PS/320 Nm), mated to a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is expected to offer the same features as before, with additional creature comforts to enhance its value proposition. Skoda may limit it to a fully loaded offering after reintroducing it as a fully imported model.
Tata Altroz Racer
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 10 lakh
The Tata Altroz Racer showcased at the Auto Expo 2023 and more recently at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, is a sportier version of the standard hatchback. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver display, ventilated seats, and a sunroof. Safety features include six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera. Powered by the 120 PS/170 Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon, it is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and will offer an automatic transmission option.
Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport
- Launch On: To Be Confirmed
- Expected Price: Rs 11.80 lakh
At a recent event, Volkswagen showcased sportier variants of the Taigun SUV, including the GT Plus Sport and GT Line Sport. These variants feature cosmetic tweaks inside and out, with the GT Plus Sport having black alloy wheels and grille, red ‘GT’ badges, red brake calipers, and red highlights in the cabin. The GT Plus Sport is expected to be offered with the larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT options.
These are some of the models expected to launch in India in April 2024.