The year 2023 has been exceedingly triumphant for auto manufacturers, as they have witnessed a remarkable surge in sales due to the healthy demand from the market. Electric vehicles have also seen positive growth, registering around 114 per cent growth with over 81 thousand units sold. The year 2024 holds great potential, with numerous exciting lunch options. We have curated a list of the top 10 picks you must pay attention to in 2024.
India's one of the most cherished hot-hatches is set to receive a generational update, which Maruti Suzuki has already showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show. It will come with a new design language and updated interiors and will now feature the latest Z-Series engines, replacing the current K-Series engine. The mild-hybrid option is also expected to come in India. The launch is expected to occur in the year's second half.
Renault has established itself in the Indian market with the brand name Duster, yet the manufacturer discontinued the product in 2022 because of poor sales. Now, they intend to bring it back to the Indian market to capitalize on their strength. Renault's sub-brand Dacia recently revealed the next-gen Duster at the global market, which is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's modular CMF-B platform. Renault-Nissan alliance has also announced an investment of around 5300 crores to develop new products. The new Duster now gets a more muscular look, a fresh new interior layout, and multiple powertrain options. The launch is expected to be later in 2024.
Thar! The trademark for lifestyle vehicles is finally expected to come in a 5-door guise. Ever since the 3-door Thar was launched, it was a blockbuster in the market, with the demand skyrocketing; however, few buyers wished for more practicality and space. And here it is. Finally, we see the 5-door Thar being spied testing. There would be no change in the powertrain option. The launch is expected to take place in August 2024.
Tata has been transforming its image with its product portfolio. The brand's most anticipated launch for 2024 would be the SUV coupe that would position itself above Nexon. Initially, Tata would launch its EV avatar and later launch the ICE version of it, which shall feature a 1.2-l turbo-petrol engine. The launch is expected to take place later this year.
Nissan X-Trail will make its comeback in the Indian market soon in 2024. In its fourth-gen version, it will compete against the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan. X-Trail is expected to come equipped with a 1.5-l petrol and hybrid engine option. There would be significant improvement in interior layout and features. Whether the X-Trail will be a CBU or a CKD model is still speculative.
The French automaker is entering the sedan space with the C3X in the first quarter of 2024. It will be the brand's fourth product to be built on the common modular platform (CMP). The sedan might come with the same interior layout as that of the C3 Aircross. Moreover, the powertrain units will be the same as we get in C3 and C3 Aircross.
Skoda has launched the fourth-gen Superb in the global market, and it is a matter of time that we shall get it in the Indian market soon. It will be re-introduced as a CBU. It also might be the last all-new ICE car from Skoda. Skoda will most probably bring Superb with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine option only.
VW will make a green entry into the Indian market with the launch of ID.4 by the second half of 2024. VW ID.4 has been in the global market for quite a time now. In India, it will launch a GTX version, which gets a 77kWh battery with a claimed range of up to 480km on a single charge.
The testing of an electric version of XUV700, christened as XUV.e8, has been spied multiple times. It is expected to make its entry by the end of 2024. It will be based on the Mahindra's INGLO platform. XUV.e8 will get an 80KW battery pack with a single or dual-motor setup, which could generate power in the range of around 225-345 bhp.
Kia launched the fourth-gen Carnival in the global market in 2020, and they have also showcased it at the Indian Auto Expo 2023. The launch timeline is expected to be around mid-2024. The product might come as a CKD unit. It might come equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel unit that produces 197 bhp and 440 Nm of peak torque.
