The Indian auto industry has seen a significant number of launches this year, and the industry is kicking off the new year with Asia's largest motor show Auto Expo 2023. Several auto manufacturers are preparing to launch and premiere their new SUVs.
Here is the list of SUVs expected to make their Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2023
Maruti Jimny 5-door
Maruti has been spotted testing five-door Jimny several times and was recently seen testing at Leh. When launched, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny will compete with Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha.
The five-door Jimny will retain most of the styling elements from the three-door version. The five-door version features a five-spoke alloy wheel design, a large bumper with a honeycomb mesh pattern, fog lights at both ends, and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate.
Talking about the interior, the SUV's cabin layout is expected to remain the same, but the Jimny could get a larger touchscreen system with connected car tech. The list of wireless features will include Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, steering wheel-mounted controls and much more.
Mechanically, the Maruti Jimny is expected to retain the same NA 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that also powers the recently launched Grand Vitara and Brezza 2022. This engine produces 100 horsepower and 130 Nm of torque.
Maruti Jimny offers a worldwide 4X4 system that also comes with a low range transfer case. In India, we can expect to offer the same all-wheel drive system with a 5-door version.
Kia Seltos facelift
Kia Seltos was the first car launched by Kia in India. The SUV was launched in the Indian market in 2019 and is due to get a facelift.
The updated Kia Seltos is expected to debut at the Auto Expo 2023. The car was recently seen testing on Indian roads. Since the SUV was so widely covered, it is difficult to say anything about its new design. But its vertical shape is similar to the current one.
As mentioned above, the vertical silhouette is similar to the current model.
We don't expect any changes in terms of dimensions, but since this will be the first facelift for the Seltos, what we can confirm is that the model will get redesigned front and rear bumpers, new headlamp setup, revised taillights, redesigned alloy wheels and some additional features such as Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, head-up display and ADAS technology.
As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Seltos will get redesigned alloys, however the spy test mule carries over the existing Seltos alloys.
Moving on to the interior, the styling is expected to remain the same as the previous generation, but Kia could tweak the materials inside the cabin to make it feel modern and luxurious.
Kia is expected to offer additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, larger touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, head-up display, and ADAS technology.
Speaking of the engine and transmission, we expect the 2023 Seltos to continue with the same engine and transmission options, including a 1.4-liter turbo petrol with 6-speed MT and 7-speed DCT, and a 1.5-liter NA petrol with 6-speed MT and CVT and iMT and a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Overseas models may get mild hybrid technology, but in India, it may be seen a little later.
The outgoing model is priced from Rs 10.19 lakh to Rs 18.45 lakh (ex showroom in Delhi), and we expect the new Seltos to be at least Rs 50,000 more expensive. When launched, the Kia Seltos will go on to compete with the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor and the mid-size SUV developed by Maruti-Toyota.
Hyundai Creta facelift
The updated Hyundai Creta is expected to debut at the Delhi Auto expo 2023.
Speaking of changes made to the 2022 Creta, the SUV now sports a redesigned front fascia inspired by Tucson with Hyundai's border jewel grille with LED DRLs integrated into the interior. The main headlight unit is positioned slightly lower in the bumper, which has also been renewed. Moving to the rear, the updated Creta facelift has a slightly redesigned tailgate, and the tailgates are no longer connected.
Speaking of the interior, the cabin has a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, an 8-inch touchscreen head unit, an electric parking brake, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, BOSE speakers, an air purifier, and ventilated seats.
Speaking of safety features, the updated Hyundai Creta will have safety features such as 6 airbags, Forward Collision Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, and Rear View Assist Show.
2023 Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier SUV debuted in the year 2019 and when it was launched, the vehicle garnered a lot of attention from the Indian consumers because of its premium design and looks. Since its launch, the car has also received several color and trim options and is expected to undergo a major facelift.
For the first time, the 2023 Tata Harrier has been spied testing in India. Since the SUV was so widely covered, it is difficult to say anything about its new design. But its vertical shape is similar to the current one.
The spotted vehicle also has a radar on the front that indicates all important ADAS features. The night in the ADAS Suite includes features such as. adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and other advanced driver assistance systems.
Talking about the engine and transmission, we expect the 2023 Harrier to continue with the same engine and transmission options, including a confident 2.0-liter turbodiesel mated to a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. It is also expected that Tata will be able to power the Harrier with the new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
When launched, the Harrier will continue to compete with the likes of MG Hector, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, newly launched Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Maruti Baleno Cross
Maruti Baleno Cross has also been tested on Indian roads many times.
The car has a distinctive sloping roofline with a slightly upright front end and increased ground clearance.
From the spied images, the front grille appears to be much larger and wider and features such as the split headlights with the dipped headlights and LED daytime running light strips above it also appear.
The test mule also wears black
Colored alloy wheels, possibly 16 inches.
The boxy wheel arches and dark body cladding. At the rear, highlights include a raked windshield, oversized bumper, and integrated decklid spoiler.
The Baleno Cross also uses roof rails, giving it an SUV look and is also expected to come with front and rear skid plates and body cladding all around.
Talking about the powertrain, the Baleno cross is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-liter K12C Dualjet 4-cylinder petrol engine as the Baleno. This engine produces 90 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or AMT.
Maruti is also expected to bring back the 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that was available in the Baleno RS.
It is said that the Baleno Cross will debut at the Auto Expo 2023 and when it is launched, it will compete with the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnet, Renault Kiger and Citroen C3.
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