Introduction
The standout event of the year thus far has been the inaugural Bharat Mobility Expo held in Delhi offering a glimpse into the exciting developments expected in the Indian automotive sector. Now let's examine the main points of the occasion.
Tata Curvv Diesel
Leading the charge is the unveiling of the Tata Curvv, now featuring a diesel variant. The refined design, evident in its front fascia, profile, and taillights, reflects its readiness for production. Drawing inspiration from models like the Nexon and the Harrier, the Curvv's cabin is anticipated to combine elements from both. Notably, Tata confirms the availability of a 1.5-liter diesel engine alongside the existing 1.2-liter GDi turbo petrol. Generating 113bhp and 260Nm of torque, this diesel powertrain is likely to be offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed AMT. Considering its positioning in the market, an optional six-speed torque converter AT from the Harrier could also be on the cards. With an expected price range of Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs, the Curvv is set to launch in Q1 for the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) variant and Q2 for the Electric Vehicle (EV) variant.
Tata Nexon CNG
Another significant announcement from Tata is the introduction of the CNG variant for the Nexon. This development comes after anticipation, especially considering its absence in the previous model, unlike its competitor, the Brezza. From the visuals, it's evident that the CNG Nexon will be offered in a high-spec trim, incorporating Tata's signature features. It will mark Tata's foray into the turbo petrol CNG segment offering a competitive edge over both turbo CNG and automatic CNG options. The powertrain will be Tata's 1.2-liter petrol engine, producing 118bhp/170Nm in petrol mode and approximately 100bhp/150Nm in CNG mode. Expected to hit the market in the first half of the next fiscal year, estimated price differences from the basic petrol model are between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 1 lakh.
Skoda Enyaq EV
Skoda makes a significant entry into the Indian electric vehicle market with the Enyaq EV, showcased at the Mobility Show. It is anticipated that the Indian market will receive a fully equipped variant of the Enyaq, featuring Skoda's top-notch amenities. With an expected range of around 500km and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, it will be accompanied by its counterpart, the Volkswagen iD4 GTX. The Enyaq EV is slated for launch in the latter half of 2024, with an estimated price tag of Rs. 60 lakhs. Depending on demand, the transition from Completely Built-Up (CBU) to Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly is expected, with assembly operations likely to take place at Skoda's Aurangabad plant, geared up for MEB production.
Maruti Brezza CBG
Continuing the trend of alternative fuels, Maruti showcased a biogas-compatible version of the Brezza compact SUV. Utilizing the same CNG system with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, it produces 87bhp/121Nm when operating on biogas, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Maruti's significant investment in biogas technology suggests minimal adjustments required for its integration with existing CNG infrastructure.
Mahindra XUV300 Flex-Fuel
Rounding up the lineup is Mahindra's flex-fuel variant of the XUV300. Powered by a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine delivering 109bhp and over 200Nm of torque, it is currently offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. However, an automatic option is expected to be introduced upon launch. While the showcased model is based on the existing design, the market-ready version is anticipated to feature design elements from the facelifted model.
By embracing alternative fuels and electric mobility, the automotive industry in India is poised for a transformative shift as showcased by the Bharat Mobility Expo.