March 2024 was a thrilling month for car enthusiasts in India, witnessing a flurry of exciting launches and unveilings from established giants and new players alike. From sporty upgrades to luxurious MPVs and the promise of electric mobility, here’s a detailed breakdown of the hottest vehicles that grabbed everyone’s attention:
Grand Arrivals: Cars Officially Launched in March 2024
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Hyundai Creta N Line (Price: Rs 16.82 lakh to Rs 20.45 lakh): Building on the success of the Creta’s facelift in January, Hyundai unleashed its N Line variant in March. This sportier version boasts an aggressive makeover with red accents inside and out, exclusive alloy wheels, and a N Line steering wheel. It packs a punch under the hood with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a thrill.
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BYD Seal (Price: Rs 41 lakh to Rs 53 lakh): BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) major, made a strong statement with the Seal, an upscale electric sedan. This feature-rich offering caters to the growing demand for premium EVs in India. With two battery pack options and three powertrain configurations, including rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, the Seal promises an impressive driving range of up to 650 km. The top-of-the-line model boasts a staggering 0-100kmph acceleration time of less than 4 seconds, making it a true performance machine.
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Tata Nexon/Nexon EV Dark Edition (Nexon Dark Edition Price: Rs 11.45 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh, Nexon EV Dark Edition Price: Rs 19.49 lakh): Following the successful facelift in September 2023, Tata Motors brought back the popular Dark editions for both the Nexon (internal combustion engine) and Nexon EV in March. This cosmetic upgrade adds a touch of mystery with darkened elements, catering to those who prefer a bolder aesthetic. The Dark treatment is available on mid-spec and top-spec variants, giving buyers more options.
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Lexus LM MPV (Price: Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.5 crore): Epitomizing luxury on wheels, the Lexus LM MPV arrived in India in March. This opulent offering is based on the Toyota Vellfire but elevates the experience with premium finishes and advanced features. Available in two variants, a 7-seater and a 4-seater, the LM caters to those seeking the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity.
A Glimpse into the Future: Exciting Unveils in March 2024
While established players like Hyundai and Tata Motors dominated the launch scene, March also saw some exciting unveilings that promise to shake things up in the coming months:
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New GT Variants of the Volkswagen Taigun & Virtus: Volkswagen took its sporty GT range a step further by showcasing new GT Plus Sport and GT Line variants for the Taigun SUV. These sportier versions ooze a more aggressive stance with darkened design elements and exclusive alloy wheels. Additionally, the Virtus is also getting a new GT Plus Sport variant, hinting at a potential launch later in 2024.
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Volkswagen ID.4: Foraying into the electric vehicle segment, Volkswagen showcased the ID.4 electric SUV. This globally acclaimed EV is expected to be launched in India as a completely built unit (CBU). With a claimed driving range exceeding 500 km, the ID.4 presents a compelling option for those considering an electric future.
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Citroen Basalt Vision Coupe SUV Concept: French automaker Citroen unveiled the Basalt Vision, a captivating coupe SUV concept designed specifically for the Indian and South American markets. This stylish offering shares design cues with the existing C3 but promises a more dynamic silhouette. While details are still under wraps, the Basalt Vision is expected to launch in India sometime in the second half of 2024.
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Audi Q6 e-tron: Audi stole the global spotlight with the unveiling of its all-new electric SUV, the Q6 e-tron. Sitting below the flagship Q8 e-tron, this premium EV boasts a spacious interior and impressive performance. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s advanced PPE platform, the Q6 e-tron offers a claimed driving range of up to 625 km. While an official launch date for India is yet to be announced, it’s expected to arrive sometime in 2025.
