In the first five months of 2024, there were numerous unveilings and launches in the Indian automotive sector. Many manufacturers introduced brand-new items along with new generation updates for their current models. Still, there’s no stopping. There will be a lot of activity in the remaining months of 2024 as well. It is anticipated that leading automakers Mahindra, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and Citroen would introduce their models.
1. Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz Racer, which is scheduled for release in June 2024, is the first vehicle on the list. The business has been releasing a few teasers, each of which discloses specific design elements and characteristics. The Altroz Racer made its debut at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2023 and then again at the Bharat Mobility Expo this year. The Altroz racer will have a strong engine, visual changes, an improved interior with new features, and more. It is basically a much sportier version of the normal edition.
The Racer will get fresh orange paint that contrasts with a black roof and has two white lines that go all the way around the bonnet and roof. The roof, wing mirrors, window line, A, B and C pillars, as well as the integrated spoiler, are all blacked out. It will also include “Racer” badging and a shark-fin antenna. Additional anticipated design elements include updated radiator and front grilles, as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers with air intakes.
The engine of the Altroz is more potent than that of the standard Altroz. A 1.2-liter, 3-cyl, turbocharged petrol engine producing 170 Nm of torque and 120 horsepower of power powers the racer. There is a 6-speed manual gearbox that comes with the engine. Additionally, it is anticipated that Tata would provide the Altroz with a dual-clutch DCA automatic gearbox.
2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The eagerly awaited Swift hatch was just released by Maruti Suzuki in the Indian market. The business is currently preparing to introduce the Dzire sedan, which is based on the Swift. The vehicle was initially observed undergoing tests a few days ago. The business was recently discovered testing once more, and the observed photos show that it features an electric sunroof—the first in its class. The vehicle was observed undergoing testing in Himachal Pradesh’s highlands.
The next Maruti Dzire will share a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder NA petrol engine with the fourth-generation Swift hatchback, and it will have a similar front end and dashboard layout.
New Dzire’s upright design resembles that of the current model, and its front end also resembles the recently unveiled next-generation Swift. The front end will resemble the new Swift, but it may have a new grille and a redesigned front bumper. It is anticipated that the sides will receive small adjustments, such as clean cuts and creases, and that new 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels will be installed. Moving back, an updated rear bumper and a redesigned tailboard with LED lights are anticipated.
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
The Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG, which is scheduled for release in the next few days, is the next vehicle on the list. The 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, NA petrol engine of the Swift CNG will be the same as that of the Swift petrol. It is possible for its fuel efficiency to exceed 27 km/kg. For comparison, the gasoline-powered Swift boasts an MT variant’s fuel economy of 24.8 km/l and an AMT variant’s of 25.75 km/l. In gasoline mode, the new engine produces 82 horsepower and 112 nm of torque; in CNG mode, the output is reduced.
Prices for the CNG Swift are anticipated to start at Rs 7.8 lakh (ex-showroom) and be available in three trim levels: VXi, VXi (O), and ZXI. A 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, over 40 connected car features, a wireless charger, a semi-digital cluster with a 4.2-inch MID, steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, push-button start, a rear parking camera with sensors, and many other features are anticipated for the CNG variant.
4. Mahindra Thar 5-door
Mahindra Thar 5-door is ranked fourth on the list. It is anticipated that Mahindra will launch the Thar 5-door before to August, albeit there has been no formal confirmation. The SUV has been put through rigorous testing by the firm while disguised across the nation. Unlike the 3-door model, which also comes with a convertible soft-top option, the 5-door SUV is most likely only going to be available as a hard-top.
The larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, push-button start, wireless charging, and much more are anticipated features for the five-door Thar. In terms of the drivetrain, the next Mahindra Thar 5-door is probably going to come with the same 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (150 horsepower) and 2.2-liter fuel (128 hp) engine options, mated to both automatic and manual gearboxes.
5. Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt, which will go on sale in the second half of 2024, is the fifth vehicle on the list. The SUV, which was once known as the C3X, will face up against the incoming Tata Curvv. As per Citroen, the name ‘Basalt’ was inspired by volcanic rock, which symbolises strength and eternal calm. In addition to being produced in India, the basalt will be sold to markets in South America.
The Basalt’s front facia shares a lot of design cues with the current C3 and C3 Aircross. It has a two-part grille, a false silver skid plate, and the same chrome-lined Chevron emblem at the top, but the grille inserts have a different finish. The Basalt has a projector system for the headlamps rather than the halogen units found on other C-Cubed models, which is an improvement over the LED DRLs and bonnet design.
In terms of the drivetrain, the Basalt may have the same 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 horsepower and 190 torque. There are two gearbox options: a 6-speed torque converter automatic or a 6-speed manual.
