The list of participants and upcoming cars/SUVs are yet to be announced, here is the list of much awaited expected cars that will be unveiled at the event.
1. Maruti Baleno Cross
Maruti baleno The Cross was recently spotted testing on the Indian roads. The vehicle has a distinctive sloping roof with a slightly more straight front fascia and higher ground clearance.
The vehicle has a distinctive sloping roof with a slightly more straight front fascia and higher ground clearance.
From the spy images, the front grille looks huge and wide and it also shows split headlamps with lower-set main headlights and streaks of daylight LEDs above them.
The test mule also gets black alloy wheels which are probably 16-in.
Square-off wheel arches and dark body cladding can also be seen. At the rear, key highlights include a raked windshield, chunky bumper and a boot-lid integrated spoiler.
The Cross also wears Baleno roof rails that give it an SUV stance and is also expected to come with front and rear skid plates and body cladding all around.
Talking about the powertrain, the Baleno Cross is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated K12C DualJet petrol engine from the Baleno. This engine produces 90 bhp power and 113 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT.
It is also expected that Maruti may bring back the turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cil, petrol engine that was available in the Baleno RS.
When launched, it will compete with Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Citroen C3.
2. Maruti Jimny 5-door
The Maruti Jimny was also recently spotted testing it on the Indian roads. The Jimny is basically available with a 3-door option overseas, but it is expected that Maruti may offer only a 5-door variant in the Indian market.
Image of 3-door Jimny for reference
The test mule was completely camouflaged and, as seen in spy shots, it has an extended wheelbase over the global 3-door model.
Coming to the powertrain, the Jimny is expected to get the same 1.5L K15C petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology that can be found on the new Brezza. This NA engine produces 103 bhp power and 135 Nm torque and will be mated to a 5-speed manual or torque converter automatic.
When launched, the SUV will compete with the Mahindra Thar and is expected to have a starting price of Rs 8 lakh.
3. Mahindra Thar 5-Door
Mahindra & Mahindra is currently consolidating the SUV portfolio in India. All three SUVs launched by Mahindra in a span of three years have been blockbuster hits (Thar, XUV 700 and Scorpio-N). After launching the new Scorpio-N Mahindra is now getting ready to showcase the 5-door version of the Thar at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2023.
Image of 3-door Thar for reference
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is expected to be based on the same platform as the new Scorpio-N and the Thar will get Mahindra’s PaintLink suspension system with Watt’s linkage at the rear, giving it better handling and comfort.
Talking about the powertrain, the upcoming Mahindra Thar 5-door will be powered by the same engine option as 3-door Thar. Engine options include 150 bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor and 130 bhp 2.2-litre turbo diesel.
Gearbox options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic along with four-wheel-drive options and a low-ratio transfer case.
Talking about the features, the Thar 5-door is expected to borrow the same features as the existing vehicle like touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, navigation, cruise control, follow-me-home headlamps, tire direction monitoring system, dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and more.
When launched, the Mahindra Thar 5-door will compete with the upcoming Force Gurkha 5-door and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
4. 2023 Kia Seltos
Recently, Kia launched the facelifted version of the Seltos overseas and Kia India is preparing to introduce the facelifted version in India.
The face-lifted Kia Seltos will come with notable exterior updates to differentiate itself from the current model. The front fascia composes of a revised LED headlight cluster, newly designed LED daytime running lights that extend across the grille section, redesigned front bumper and a prominent air intake covered with a faux aluminum skid plate Is.
Coming to the side, the SUV will also get redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels and sleek LED tail lamps at the rear.
On the interiors, the SUV will get a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Connected Car Tech and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features will include an electric sunroof, ventilated and electric seats, 360-degree camera, digital instrument cluster and many more.
Expected to remain unchanged mechanically, the SUV will be available in two petrol and one diesel engine options. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder NA petrol develops 115 bhp and 144 Nm, the 1.4-litre turbo petrol that produces 140 bhp and 242 Nm, and the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel that produces 115 bhp and 242 Nm of torque.
5. Toyota Innova Highcross
TKM recently issued an official statement that it has temporarily stopped taking orders for the diesel variant of its best-selling model Innova Crysta due to high demand. There are also some rumors that Toyota will permanently discontinue the production of the diesel Innova Crysta due to emission issues. But at the same time, Toyota India is also preparing to launch the new Innova Hyder in the Indian market soon.
The new Toyota Innova Crysta will sport the ‘Hycross’ suffix, removing the suffix. The new Innova is expected to be offered only with a 2.0-litre NA petrol engine with hybrid technology.
The Toyota Innova Hycross will be based on the TNGA-C monocoque architecture. It is expected to be lighter than the Innova Crysta and will have a FWD configuration.
In terms of features, the Toyota Innova Hycross is expected to come with an 8-inch infotainment system, 360 cameras, semi-digital instrument cluster and an electric sunroof.