1. Tata Altroz competitor
The first car on the list is the Tata Altroz Racer, which is scheduled to be launched in June 2024. The company has released several teasers, each revealing design details and features. The Altroz Racer was first showcased at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo and later at this year’s Bharat Mobility Expo. The Altroz racer is essentially a much sportier version of the regular variant and will come with a powerful engine, cosmetic tweaks, an updated interior with fresh features and more.
The racer gets a fresh orange paint job with a contrasting black roof and twin white stripes running along the hood and roof. The roof, side mirrors, window line and A, B and C pillars, including the integrated spoiler, are painted black. It will also feature a shark fin antenna and a “Racer” badge. Other expected design features include redesigned front and rear bumpers with air intakes and a refreshed front end and radiator grille.
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The Altroz gets a more powerful engine compared to the regular Altroz. The racer is powered by a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates 120 HP and 170 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Tata is also expected to offer the Altroz with a DCA dual-clutch automatic transmission.
2. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Recently, Maruti Suzuki launched the much-awaited Swift hatchback Indian market. And now, the company is gearing up to launch the Swift-based Dzire sedan. The car was spotted testing for the first time a few days ago. And now, the company has been spotted testing again and from the previewed photos, it appears to be equipped with a segment-first electric sunroof. The sedan was spotted testing at high altitudes in Himachal Pradesh.
Fresh Maruti Dzire will be based on the fourth-generation Swift hatchback and will have a similar front-end design, the same dashboard layout and will be equipped with the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder NA petrol engine.
According to spy photos, the upright silhouette of the fresh Dzire looks similar to the existing model and the front end also looks similar to the next-gen Swift that was unveiled a few months ago. The front design will be similar to the fresh Swift, but it may get a different grille and a redesigned front bumper. The sides are expected to receive some minor tweaks in the form of piercing cuts and creases, and it will also get newly designed 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. As for the rear, it is expected to get a redesigned tailgate with LED lighting and an improved rear bumper.
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
The next car on the list is the Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG which is expected to be launched in the coming days. The CNG Swift will look identical to the petrol Swift and will be equipped with the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder NA petrol engine. It could achieve fuel consumption exceeding 27 km/kg. In comparison, the Swift petrol showed a fuel efficiency of 24.8 kmpl for the MT variants and 25.75 kmpl for the AMT. The fresh engine generates 82 HP and 112 Nm of torque in petrol mode, while in CNG mode it will have less power.
The CNG Swift is expected to be offered in three trim levels – VXi, VXi (O) and ZXI, and prices will start from Rs 7.8 lakh (ex-showroom). In terms of features, the CNG variant is expected to come with a stand-alone 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, Connected Car technology, over 40 Connected Car features, wireless charger, semi-digital instrument cluster with 4.2-inch MID system, steering wheel controls, automatic climate control, push-button start, rear parking camera with sensors and much more.
4. Mahindra Thar 5-door
Fourth on the list is the five-door Mahindra Thar. Mahindra is expected to launch the five-door Thar some time before August, but there is no official confirmation. The company rigorously tested the camouflage-covered SUV across the country. The five-door version of the SUV is likely to be offered only with a hardtop, unlike the 3-door version, which is also offered with a soft-top convertible option.
In terms of features, the 5-door Thar is expected to feature all-LED headlamps with tail lamps, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, automatic air conditioning, push-button start, wireless charging and much more. In terms of powertrain, the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door is also likely to be offered with the same 2.2-litre diesel (128PS) and 2.0-litre turbo petrol (150PS) engines, both with automatic and manual gearbox. Moreover, the 5-door version of the SUV is also likely to get an optional 4×2 setup along with 4×4 drive.
5. Citroen Basalt
The fifth car on the list is the Citroen Basalt, which will be launched in the second half of 2024. The SUV, previously known as C3X, will directly compete with the upcoming Tata Curvv. Citroen says the name “Basalt” is inspired by volcanic rock, embodying solidity and timeless tranquil. The basalt will be produced in India and will also be exported to South American markets.
In terms of design, the Basalt’s front end looks very similar to the existing C3 and C3 Aircross. It has a different finish for the grille inserts, as well as the same chrome Chevron logo on top and a two-piece faux silver grille and skid plate. The design of the LED daytime running lights and bonnet remains the same, but a step forward is that the Basalt comes with a projector for the headlights instead of the halogen units found on other C-Cubed models.
In terms of powertrain, the Basalt could get the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 110 PS and 190 Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic.
