March 2024 was a thrilling month for car enthusiasts in India, witnessing a flurry of new car launches and exciting unveilings from prominent automakers. From Hyundai’s sporty Creta N Line to the luxurious Lexus LM MPV, let’s delve into the details of these remarkable vehicles that set the Indian automotive scene ablaze.
Launched in March 2024
Hyundai Creta N Line: Performance Packed Punch for the Compact SUV Segment
The Hyundai Creta, a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment, received a performance upgrade in March with the launch of the much-anticipated Creta N Line. This sportier variant joins the i20 N Line and Venue N Line in Hyundai’s exciting N Line portfolio in India.
Key features of the Hyundai Creta N Line:
Aggressive Design: The Creta N Line boasts a dynamic exterior featuring an updated fascia, red accents on the grille and side skirts, and N Line-specific alloy wheels.
Thrilling Performance: Under the hood, the Creta N Line packs a punch with a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine churning out 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Sporty Interiors: The cabin gets a sporty makeover with red highlights on the seats, steering wheel, and gear knob. The N Line steering wheel adds to the driving experience.
Price: The Hyundai Creta N Line starts at Rs 16.82 lakh and goes up to Rs 20.45 lakh (ex-showroom).
BYD Seal: A Game Changer in the Electric Sedan Segment
BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant, made a significant entry into the Indian market with the launch of the Seal, a premium electric sedan. The Seal promises to be a game-changer, offering a compelling combination of performance, range, and technology.
Key features of the BYD Seal:
Futuristic Design: The Seal features a sleek and futuristic design language, setting it apart from conventional sedans.
Multiple Battery and Powertrain Options: The Seal comes in three variants with two battery pack options (61.44 kWh and 82.56 kWh) and three powertrain options, including both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants.
Impressive Range: The Seal boasts a claimed driving range of up to 650 km, making it a practical choice for long journeys.
Thrilling Acceleration: The top-of-the-line variant boasts a claimed 0-100 km/h time of less than 4 seconds, offering exhilarating performance.
Price: The BYD Seal starts at Rs 41 lakh and goes up to Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Nexon and Nexon EV Dark Edition: A Touch of Mystery Returns
Tata Motors, known for its stylish Dark editions, reintroduced these special editions for both the Nexon and Nexon EV in March 2024. The Dark treatment adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to these popular SUVs.
Key features of the Tata Nexon and Nexon EV Dark Edition:
Bold Aesthetics: The Dark editions come with a stealthy blacked-out exterior, including the grille, roof rails, and alloy wheels, contrasting with the car’s body color.
Enhanced Appeal: The Dark editions offer a more premium and exclusive feel to the Nexon and Nexon EV.
Price:
- The Tata Nexon Dark Edition starts at Rs 11.45 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
- The Tata Nexon EV Dark Edition is priced at Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Lexus LM MPV: Epitome of Luxury and Opulence
Those seeking the ultimate in luxury transportation were treated to the launch of the Lexus LM MPV in March 2024. This opulent MPV, based on the Toyota Vellfire, elevates the concept of luxury travel to new heights.
Key features of the Lexus LM MPV:
Unmatched Comfort: The LM offers unparalleled comfort with spacious interiors, plush seats, and advanced climate control.
Exquisite Design: The LM boasts a majestic design with a large spindle grille, sharp LED headlights, and a chrome finish, exuding an aura of sophistication.
Powerful Engine: The India-spec LM is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid petrol engine delivering a combined output of 250 PS.
Volkswagen Expands GT Variants and Showcases Electric Potential
Volkswagen used March to showcase its commitment to both performance and electrification in the Indian market.
New GT Variants for Taigun and Virtus: Volkswagen unveiled new GT Plus Sport and GT Line variants for the Taigun compact SUV, featuring a sportier aesthetic with blacked-out elements and red accents. The Virtus sedan will also receive a new GT Plus Sport variant, promising a more exhilarating driving experience.
Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV Unveiling: Volkswagen took the wraps off its ID.4 electric SUV, marking the brand’s foray into the electric vehicle segment in India. The ID.4 is expected to be launched as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and boasts a claimed driving range of over 500 km, making it a compelling option for eco-conscious drivers.
Citroen Basalt Vision Coupe SUV Concept: A Bold New Entry
French automaker Citroen unveiled the Basalt Vision Coupe SUV concept, a bold new entry that promises to shake up the Indian SUV landscape.
Unique Design Language: The Basalt Vision features a distinctive design language, blending elements from the existing C3 range with a coupe-like silhouette.
Platform Sharing: This concept car is likely to be based on the same platform as the C3 Aircross, suggesting potential production feasibility.
Expected Launch: The Basalt Vision is expected to be launched in India sometime in the second half of 2024.
Audi Q6 e-tron: A Pioneering Electric SUV Unveiled Globally
While not specifically targeted at the Indian market yet, the global unveiling of the Audi Q6 e-tron in March 2024 generated significant interest among Indian Audi enthusiasts.
Premium Electric Offering: The Q6 e-tron slots below the flagship Q8 e-tron and boasts a luxurious electric SUV experience.
Advanced Platform: Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture, the Q6 e-tron promises superior performance and efficiency.
Impressive Range: With a global-spec battery pack offering a claimed range of up to 625 km, the Q6 e-tron caters to long-distance journeys.
Expected India Launch: Although not officially confirmed, an India launch for the Q6 e-tron is a possibility sometime in 2025.
FAQs
Q: Which car launched in March 2024 offers the best performance?
A: The BYD Seal and the Hyundai Creta N Line both offer impressive performance. The BYD Seal boasts a claimed 0-100 km/h time of less than 4 seconds, while the Creta N Line packs a punch with its 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine.
Q: Which electric vehicle was unveiled in March 2024?
A: Volkswagen unveiled the ID.4 electric SUV in March 2024, signifying the brand’s entry into the Indian EV market.
Q: When is the expected launch of the Citroen Basalt Vision?
A: The Citroen Basalt Vision is expected to be launched in India sometime in the second half of 2024.
Q: What is the price range of the Lexus LM MPV?
A: The Lexus LM MPV starts at Rs 2 crore and goes up to Rs 2.5 crore (ex-showroom).
