Excitement ahead: Top anticipated cars and SUVs heading to India in 2024

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Excitement ahead: Top anticipated cars and SUVs heading to India in 2024 (Image: kia.com)
Excitement ahead: Top anticipated cars and SUVs heading to India in 2024 (Image: kia.com)

Delhi : Numerous automakers are gearing up to introduce and debut new vehicles in India in the new year. In 2023, there were numerous unveilings and debuts in the Indian automobile industry. Still, there's no stopping. There will be a lot going on in 2023 with numerous launches and unveilings scheduled. Let's examine the top incoming automobiles and SUVs for 2023 in this article.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift is the first item on the list. The SUV is scheduled to debut on January 8, 2024. The 2018 GLS will have updated powertrain options, a new interior, more features, more safety, and many other improvements. The new GLS will have some small visual improvements over the current model in terms of design.

The SUV will receive a new grille with four Silver Shadow-finished horizontal louvres and a redesigned bumper. The SUV also has high-gloss black surrounds and air intake grilles. The overall profile on the sides will not change, but a new alloy wheel design is anticipated. Redesigned skid plates, LED taillights, three horizontal block patterns, and a new theme are all added to the back of the vehicle.

Regarding the engine and transmission, the upcoming GLS is anticipated to be offered with two different configurations: a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine known as the GLS 450 and a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbodiesel engine known as the GLS 400d. A 9-speed automatic transmission with a 4-Matic AWD system will be standard on both engines. It is anticipated that the 2019 GLS facelift will start at Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). The Audi Q7, BMW X7, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, and Porsche Cayenne are still rivals of the premium SUV.

Kia Sonet facelift

The new Kia Sonet was just introduced to the Indian market by Kia India. New headlamp clusters in the front of the Kia Sonet facelift will have an L-shaped pattern for the DRLs and a boomerang-shaped design. According to the teaser, the trademark grille has gotten a little bit larger and sharper, and new LED fog lamps will be installed on the bumper's lower section. Its vertical tail lamps at the back are linked to an LED strip that spans the width.

The new Sonet will come with three engine options and a choice of gearboxes. a 1.2-liter NA gasoline engine with a maximum torque of 115 Nm and 82 horsepower. An automatic gearbox with five speeds is mated to the engine. The second engine is a 1.0-liter, 3-cyl turbocharged petrol engine with a peak torque of 172 Nm and 118 horsepower. Either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox is available for this powerplant. The 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 250 Nm of peak torque and 114 horsepower, is the third available engine. This engine will be offered with a torque converter automatic, 6-speed iMT, and 6-speed manual transmission.

Regarding features, the new Sonet has two 10.25-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. Additionally, it has wireless phone charging, an integrated air purifier, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear sun blinds, and other connected car technology. The 2024 Sonet boasts a sunroof, wireless phone charging, built-in air purification, two 10.25-inch displays (one for infotainment and the other for the new digital instrument cluster), ventilated front seats, and a host of additional goodies.

Three different categories—Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line—will be available for the Sonet. The X-line is equipped with a sporty alloy wheel design and a matte bodywork with numerous embellishments.

Hyundai Creta facelift

The Hyundai Creta facelift is the next item on the list. The date of the Creta facelift's debut is January 16, 2024. A fresh look, enhanced dynamics, increased safety, more amenities, updated powertrain options, and much more will be included in the 2019 Creta facelift. After more than 2.5 years, the second-generation Hyundai Creta is getting its first update. It was introduced back in 2020.

Recently, test drives of the new Creta were observed on Indian roadways. Although the SUV's basic shape will not change, the front and rear ends will receive significant modifications. The SUV is anticipated to have connected DRLs in addition to a new, wider radiator grille, LED tail lights, and a new headlight configuration. Hyundai's most recent "Parametric Dynamics" design language will be included into the overall style, and the front end will probably have a parametric jewel grille design. With the exception of freshly designed, larger diamond-cut alloy wheels, not much will change on the side.

Regarding the powertrain choices, the 1.5-liter MPi petrol engine with 113 horsepower and the 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine with 114 horsepower will continue to power the facelifted Creta. The updated edition of the Creta will retain these two engines, but it will also be available with a new 1.5-liter TGDi turbocharged petrol engine, which powers the new Seltos and Carens.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The eagerly awaited Maruti Suzuki Swift is listed next. The Tokyo Motor Show marked the release of the next generation Swift. The hatchback has a new grille with hefty black surrounds and a redesigned front bumper. It also has redesigned smoked LED headlights with DRLs. The updated fog lamp housing with splitter is located underneath it.

Along with new dual-tone alloy wheels, the Suzuki insignia is now located atop the bonnet. The blacked-out pillars, roofs, and ORVMs are some more striking features. Across the door panels, there are clearly noticeable character lines. It has a revised tailgate and a redesigned bumper with a skid plate underneath at the back. Additional characteristics include LED taillights with C-shaped DRLs and reflectors below, as well as an integrated rear spoiler with a stop lamp.

Moving inside, the new Swift's dashboard design is modeled after the Baleno, Fronx, and Brezza SUVs. A floating infotainment system with svelte AC vents and HVAC controls below is part of the updated dashboard design. Additional anticipated features include connected auto technology, steering-mounted controls, automated climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and other convenience features. Regarding the drivetrain, there are two engine options available for the new Swift worldwide: a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, non-aspirated gasoline engine and a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, mildly hybrid petrol engine. It comes with an automatic CVT gearbox exclusively. In reference to the India-spec model, the Maruti Swift is anticipated to come equipped with the same 1.2-liter, 3-cyl, NA Petrol engine mated to either an AMT or a 5-speed manual transmission.