The last week of March brought a flurry of exciting car news, with major announcements from both domestic and international manufacturers. From the much-anticipated unveilings of the Mahindra Thar 5-door and the Force Gurkha 5-door to updates on popular models like the Tata Nexon and the Toyota Innova Hycross, there was something for every car enthusiast. Let’s delve deeper into the week’s most significant headlines.
Mahindra Thar 5-door Finally Gets a Release Date
The off-roading community rejoiced last week as Mahindra finally confirmed the much-awaited debut of the Thar 5-door. This larger version of the iconic Thar has been in development for over two years, and spy shots have been generating a lot of buzz. The wait is finally over, with the official unveiling scheduled for this Independence Day! Recent spy shots also offered a sneak peek at the interior of the lower-spec variant, further fueling the excitement.
Force Gurkha 5-door Prepares to Challenge the King
Not to be outdone, Force dropped the first teaser for their answer to the Mahindra Thar 5-door – the Force Gurkha 5-door. This larger version of the rugged Gurkha is expected to arrive by the end of 2024, giving off-road enthusiasts another exciting option. The teaser image provides a glimpse of the Gurkha 5-door’s side profile, hinting at a bold and imposing design.
Maruti Suzuki Recalls Wagon R and Baleno for Potential Issue
Maruti Suzuki issued a voluntary recall for two of its popular hatchbacks, the Wagon R and the Baleno, due to a potential issue. Over 11,800 units of the Wagon R and more than 4,000 units of the Baleno manufactured between July 2018 and November 2019 are affected. Maruti advises owners of these vehicles to visit authorized service centers for a free inspection and rectification, if necessary.
Tata Nexon Expands AMT Options for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Catering to the growing demand for affordable automatic options in the subcompact SUV segment, Tata introduced five new AMT variants for the lower-spec trims of the Nexon. These new variants are available with both petrol and diesel engine choices, providing a wider range of options for budget-minded buyers seeking the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Toyota Innova Hycross Gears Up for a Premium Petrol Variant
The popular Toyota Innova Hycross is set to receive a new top-spec trim for its petrol-only version. This new variant will be positioned above the GX trim and will be offered in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations. This addition caters to customers seeking a more luxurious experience in the petrol-powered Innova Hycross.
Skoda Kodiaq Gets a Streamlined Variant Lineup
Skoda India revamped the variant options for their flagship SUV, the Kodiaq. The Style and Sportline variants have been discontinued, with the focus now solely on a single, fully-loaded top-spec L&K variant. This move simplifies the buying process and makes the Kodiaq even more premium by offering all the bells and whistles in the L&K trim. Additionally, Skoda has significantly reduced the price of the L&K variant, making it a more attractive proposition for luxury SUV buyers.
New-Generation Suzuki Swift Debuts in the UK
Following its successful launch in Japan, Suzuki unveiled the new-generation Swift hatchback for the UK market. This update retains the same powertrain options as the Japan-spec Swift, which includes a 1.2-liter DualJet gasoline engine with a mild-hybrid system. While the exact specifications for the Indian market are yet to be confirmed, the UK launch gives us a good idea of what to expect when the new Swift arrives on our shores.
Citroen Unveils a Bold New Vision with the Basalt Coupe SUV
Citroen took the wraps off the Basalt Vision, a captivating coupe SUV concept that was previously known as the C3X. This stylish SUV shares its platform with the C3 Aircross and is slated for launch in both the Indian and South American markets. The Basalt Vision boasts a sleek and head-turning design, marking a bold new direction for Citroen.
Safety First: Maruti Suzuki Recalls Wagon R and Baleno
Maruti Suzuki issued a voluntary recall for two of its popular hatchbacks, the Wagon R and the Baleno, due to a potential issue. This prioritizes safety for owners and highlights the brand’s commitment to quality. Over 11,800 units of the Wagon R and more than 4,000 units of the Baleno manufactured between July 2018 and November 2019 are affected. Maruti advises owners of these vehicles to visit authorized service centers for a free inspection and rectification, if necessary.
Tata Nexon Expands Choices for Budget-Minded Drivers
Catering to the growing demand for affordable automatic options in the subcompact SUV segment, Tata introduced five new AMT variants for the lower-spec trims of the Nexon. These new variants are available with both petrol and diesel engine choices, providing a wider range of options for budget-conscious buyers seeking the convenience of an automatic transmission. This move by Tata acknowledges the growing preference for automatic transmissions and makes the popular Nexon even more attractive to a wider range of drivers.
Toyota Innova Hycross Ups the Luxury Quotient
The popular Toyota Innova Hycross is set to receive a new top-spec trim for its petrol-only version. This new variant will be positioned above the GX trim and will be offered in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations. This addition caters to customers seeking a more luxurious experience in the petrol-powered Innova Hycross. Drivers who prioritize comfort and premium features on their journeys will likely find this new variant highly appealing.
Skoda Kodiaq Streamlines Variants, Offers More Value
Skoda India revamped the variant options for their flagship SUV, the Kodiaq. The Style and Sportline variants have been discontinued, with the focus now solely on a single, fully-loaded top-spec L&K variant. This move simplifies the buying process by offering a well-equipped option without overwhelming customers with multiple choices. Additionally, Skoda has significantly reduced the price of the L&K variant, making it a more attractive proposition for luxury SUV buyers seeking a feature-rich package at a competitive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Mahindra Thar 5-door be unveiled?
A: The Mahindra Thar 5-door is scheduled to be unveiled on Independence Day 2024.
Q: What are the new features of the Force Gurkha 5-door?
A: Specific details about the Force Gurkha 5-door features haven’t been revealed yet, but the teaser image suggests a bold and imposing design. We’ll likely learn more about its features closer to the launch date.
Q: Why did Maruti Suzuki recall the Wagon R and Baleno?
A: Maruti Suzuki issued a voluntary recall for the Wagon R and Baleno due to a potential issue. The exact nature of the issue hasn’t been made public, but the recall prioritizes safety and ensures owners can get a free inspection and rectification if necessary.
Q: What are the benefits of the new AMT variants in the Tata Nexon?
A: The new AMT variants in the Tata Nexon offer a more affordable automatic transmission option for budget-conscious buyers seeking added convenience.
Q: How will the new top-spec trim for the Toyota Innova Hycross be different?
A: The new top-spec trim for the Toyota Innova Hycross will offer a more luxurious experience with additional features compared to the GX trim. It will be available in both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations.
