The festive season is fast approaching, and with half the year already behind us, the automobile industry is gearing up for new launches. As SUVs maintain their market dominance, attention turns to the forthcoming models that are worth the anticipation.
1. Nissan X-Trail
Nissan India is finally expanding its portfolio beyond the Magnite and its various editions. The X-Trail will enter the Indian market via the direct import route. In the global market, the Nissan SUV is available as a 5-and-7 seater, but India will get the latter model. The X-Trail version for India will only be available in petrol with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo with a 12V mild-hybrid system. The total output is 161 bhp and 300 Nm and is mated to a CVT automatic transmission.
2. Mahindra Thar 5-door
A lot has been said about the Thar 5-door or Thar Armada and it will finally make its debut on August 15. The 5-door Thar will receive minor exterior updates, but the cabin is expected to be completely revamped. It will get a twin 10.25-inch infotainment system and driver’s console. It is expected to get Level 2 ADAS safety like the XUV700 and 3X0, a 360-degree camera and new HVAC controls. It will retain the 2-litre petrol and the 2.2-litre diesel engines. Both powertrains will be available in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic torque converter.
3. Tata Curvv
The new coupe SUV from Tata Motors is expected to make its debut on August 7. Like announced earlier, the Curvv EV will be launched ahead of its internal combustion engine version on August 7. Sticking to its new desing language, the Curvv EV sports a split headlight cluster with a wide front fascia and a bold front bumper. It will also get Tata Motors’ signature LED DRLs running across the front grille. Tata Motors has not yet revealed the specs of th Curvv EV but the company has stated that it will offer a driving range of up to 500 km and a charging capability of 50kW DC.
4. Citroen Basalt
Citroen will officially unveil the Basalt on August 2 but the prices are expected to be revealed later in the month. The Basalt will be the third vehicle based on the CMP after the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV. This coupe SUV has an aggressive design with a massive lower air dam. With a stylish sloping roofline, the coupe SUV will get new wrap-around LED tail lights. It will be powered by the 1.2-litre turbo petrol with an output of 109 bhp but the manual version has a torque of 190 Nm and the automatic gets 205 Nm.
5. Tata Nexon iCNG
Tata Motors is focused on the CNG market and is gearing up to launch the Nexon iCNG. It was earlier showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 The Nexon is one of the most popular compact SUVs and will continue to come with the twin-cylinder CNG tank. Tata Motors has not revealed the specifications, but it will have a single ECU for an effortless shift between the two fuels, petrol to CNG and vice versa. The Nexon iCNG can be directly started in CNG mode.
