Auto Expo 2023 witnessed the launch of a few key models and manufacturers also showcased some of their upcoming models that are expected to make their market debut later this year. We take a look at some of the top models that have been announced.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Built on Hyundai’s dedicated BEV platform E-GMP, Ioniq 5 has been created along the company’s global design identity of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’. The large electric SUV is assembled at Hyundai Motor India’s Chennai facility and in this has helped bring down costs. Ioniq 5 is currently available at an introductory price of INR 44.95 lakh, however this is only for the first 500 customers, post which the price will go up. As a product, Ioniq 5 is a low slung sporty looking SUV that is rather futuristic with its chiselled looks. The all-electric SUV comes fitted with 21 Hyundai Smartsense features. Ioniq 5 boasts of a 631 km range per charge and the 72.6 kWh battery can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes using a DC fast charger. The cabin is spacious and done up in sustainable materials including eco friendly fabric. Ioniq 5 offers a very neat vehicle-to-load feature where you can plug in appliances to the port and use the battery to power them. This is especially great for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and would like to have a little power while camping.
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Jimny is an iconic lifestyle SUV that will be sold through NEXA dealerships across the country. Bookings for Jimny are already open, however deliveries will only commence in May 2023. It is a 5-door compact SUV that boasts of a ladder frame chassis, squared off body design, clamshell bonnet and neat 15-inch alloy wheels. Jimny is powered by the tried and tested 1.5 litre K Series petrol engine from Suzuki and it delivers 100 PS of power. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Jimny will be offered in two variants, namely, Zeta and Alpha, however both variants get the legendary Suzuki AllGrip Pro 4x4 capability.
Expected Launch: May 2023
Expected Price: INR 12- 15 lakh
Kia KA4
Kia KA4 is essentially the 4th generation Carnival that is sold in global markets. It is larger in size as compared to the current Carnival model on sale in India and comes across as a more premium package as well. KA4 boasts of Kia’s latest styling which includes a SUV-like profile with a flatter bonnet, more upright windshield and larger wheels. KA4 gets three rows of seats and they are fitted on rails so this allows for a certain level of flexibility in how the cabin can by laid out. Being an upmarket product, it is extremely feature rich and comes with a host of creature comforts including a large touchscreen infotainment system, three-row air-conditioning, high definition screens for the 2nd row passengers and a high-end audio system. As far as engine options are concerned, KA4 is sold with a 2.2 litre diesel engine that develops 200 PS of power in global markets and this is probably the version that will be brought to India later this year, however a hybrid version could also be on the cards.
Expected launch: August 2023
Expected Price: INR 35-40 lakh
Lexus RX500h
With RX 500h F Sport Performance, Lexus is looking at ushering in a higher-performance version of the popular RX Series of SUVs as it gets a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine that is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Along with a strong-hybrid system on board, RX500h delivers 366 hp and 460 Nm of torque and is capable of going from 0-100km/h in just 6.2 seconds. The hybrid system ensures that it remains rather frugal despite its ability to offer such an engaging drive experience.
Expected launch: March 2023
Expected Price: INR 80 lakh – 1 Crore
Tata Curvv
Tata Curvv is a modern take on the SUV Coupe format and it boasts of a rather sleek yet sporty design language. The bonnet has multiple surfaces and the front end has a three-layered look that gives it a futuristic appeal. Despite the sloping roof line, Curvv offers an abundance of space on board. Front passengers get sport car inspired seats with ample lumbar support, while rear passengers get a spacious bench seat. Curvv also offers enough boot space to pack 3-4 large suitcases in with ease. Under the hood, Tata Motors has plugged in their 1.2 litre turbo GDI petrol engine that is known for its peppy characteristics while remaining rather frugal. This is a near production ready concept and the changes to final version will be rather subtle, if any.
Expected Launch: August 2023
Expected Price: INR 12-15 lakh
