We witnessed several discontinuations, new launches, and crash test scores over the last three months.

The second quarter of 2023 was both hectic and exciting, especially considering the Auto Expo 2023 that took place earlier, where many cars were unveiled. This quarter saw a mix of highly anticipated launches and disappointing discontinuations in the Indian auto industry. Here’s a detailed recap of all the key headlines over the past three months:

Discontinuations

Several cars were discontinued due to the implementation of the BS6 Phase 2 norms. Here’s a list of models that are no longer available:

1. Honda Jazz, WR-V, and fourth-generation City: These models were already outdated compared to their rivals, especially the Jazz and WR-V.

2. Maruti Alto 800: After being on sale for over a decade, Maruti has discontinued its entry-level model with the sub-litre engine. However, the Alto nameplate still exists in the form of the K10, which has a 1-litre petrol unit.

3. Skoda Octavia and Superb: The new emission norms also affected the Skoda Octavia and Superb, leading to their discontinuation. The Superb might make a comeback in a new avatar, while the Octavia is rumored to return as an imported version at a higher price.

4. Other discontinuations include the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Nissan Kicks, and Kia Carnival. The Mahindra and Nissan offerings were axed due to poor sales, while the Kia MPV was outdated compared to the global model.

Launches

MARUTI JIMNY

The highlight of this quarter was the long-awaited launch of the Maruti Jimny. This compact SUV was announced for the Indian market three years ago and is now priced between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in two trims – Zeta and Alpha – and offers features such as LED headlamps, a 9-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, six airbags, and a rear camera. The Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options, and it comes with 4X4 as standard.

MARUTI FRONX

Prior to the Jimny, Maruti launched the all-new Maruti Fronx, a compact SUV based on the Baleno. The Fronx has a unique SUV-crossover design inspired by the Grand Vitara and is priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1-litre turbo-petrol, both offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

MG COMET EV

The most affordable electric vehicle in India, the MG Comet EV, was launched this quarter. It is a small two-door EV with a four-seat capacity, equipped with a 17.3kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 230 kilometers. The Comet EV features LED headlamps, dual 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and digital instrument cluster, dual airbags, and a rear camera. The prices for the Comet range from Rs 7.98 lakh to Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom).

TATA ALTROZ CNG

Tata introduced the CNG variant of its premium hatchback, the Altroz. The Altroz CNG is available in six variants, priced from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The highlight of the Altroz CNG is its dual-cylinder setup, which frees up more boot space. It offers features such as an electric sunroof, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, and dual front airbags.

Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun Updates

Volkswagen introduced new variants in the Taigun lineup – GT MT and GT Plus DSG. The Virtus also received an update with the introduction of the GT Plus MT variant, which features a 150PS turbo-petrol engine with a manual transmission. Additionally, two new limited-edition colors – Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte – were added to both models.

BS6 PHASE 2 Launches

All the cars were updated with BS6 phase 2 emission norms by April, resulting in a price hike. These updates also led to changes in power figures and fuel economy for several cars.

Crash Test Scores

Maruti Wagon R

The Maruti Wagon R received a one-star safety rating in the global NCAP crash tests. It scored one star for adult occupants’ protection and zero stars for child occupants’ protection.

Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia emerged as the safest cars in India, scoring a full five stars for adult and child occupants’ protection.

Maruti Alto K10

The updated global NCAP crash tests awarded the Maruti Alto K10 a two-star safety rating. Although its body shell integrity was rated stable, the overall safety score was not impressive.

Unveilings And Teasers

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen showcased the C3 Aircross, its entry into the compact SUV segment in India. Expected to go on sale in August, this three-row SUV features a 10-inch touchscreen system, a 7-inch digital display, dual airbags, and TPMS. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and may offer an automatic transmission. The expected price of the C3 Aircross is around Rs 10 lakh.

Honda Elevate

Honda unveiled the Elevate compact SUV, which is set to launch in India soon. It is a petrol-only SUV powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine from the City, available with manual and CVT transmissions. The Elevate features a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Elevate is around Rs 12 lakh.

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter, a micro SUV based on the Grand i10 Nios, was unveiled. It comes equipped with an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, automatic AC, six airbags, TPMS, and a rear camera. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT transmissions, and it also offers a CNG option. The expected price of the Exter is around Rs 6 lakh.

Maruti Invicto

Maruti is set to launch the Invicto MPV, which is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross. The Invicto MPV will be powered by the Hycross’ 2-litre petrol-hybrid engine, claiming a mileage of up to 23.24kmpl. It will offer features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, a wireless charger, up to six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh.

Events That Would Impact The Auto Industry

New Lithium Reserves

In February, India discovered its first lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, and even larger reserves were found in Rajasthan in May 2023. These reserves position India as one of the world’s largest lithium producers, which will support the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Tesla India Launch Confirmed

Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s entry into the Indian market during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore investment opportunities in India, including setting up factories for local production of EVs.

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