Top News

Spy sightings often give us a good idea of what carmakers are planning to launch in the near future. Over the past few months, we have spotted several upcoming cars and SUVs undergoing testing on Indian roads. These include both internal combustion engine (ICE) models and new electric vehicles (EVs). Here are the important ones.

Toyota is working on a facelift to the Innova Hycross. It will have notable design changes. Test mules were seen with heavy camouflage. Going by these sightings, the facelift’s design will borrow heavily from the new Hilux’s styling.

Inside, the new model will get a larger touchscreen, an improved driver display, a better 360-degree camera, ventilated seats (front and rear likely) and other features. Mechanical changes are unlikely. The new Hycross will be powered by the same two engine options- 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid. The former will make 173 PS and 204 Nm while the latter will have a combined output of 184PS.

Image source: Auto x Jammu

Mahindra is already testing the next-generation Scorpio-N. From what we know, it will borrow many of its design cues from the Lifestyler pickup truck. The SUV will come with a revised interior design and even more features. It is likely to get the large portrait-styled infotainment touchscreen from the Lifestyler, along with other features. The engine options are likely to remain the same- 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L turbo-diesel.

Image source: The Car Show

Another vehicle that Mahindra is testing is the facelifted Thar. It will be the second facelift to the three-door Thar. Significant design improvements are expected. The design is likely to move closer to that of the ROXX. The vehicle will get ROXX-inspired headlamps, DRLs, and front grille (six-pack grille). The engine options are likely to be kept the same- 1.5L diesel, 2.2L diesel and 2.0L turbo-petrol.

Of late, spy sightings of Hyundai’s upcoming affordable EV (codenamed HE1i) have become more frequent. This product will become the carmaker’s second mass-market electric vehicle, and will sit below the Creta Electric. It will be based on Hyundai’s EGMP(K) platform and will likely be offered with two battery options- 42kWh and 49kWh. Spy shots indicate that the production form will have compact proportions and an upright, good-looking design.

Another upcoming launch from Hyundai is a Bayon-based SUV that will be positioned between the Venue and the Creta when launched. Currently codenamed BC4i, this product will be based on the second-generation Bayon and will thus have SUV-like styling. The first generation used to have a crossover-ish design. It will have a feature-loaded cabin and is likely to be offered with petrol engines- both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. Hyundai may introduce a CNG powertrain.

Maruti Suzuki is working on an electric MPV, which is currently codenamed YMC. It will be based on the same Heartect-e skateboard platform as the e-Vitara, and will likely use the same battery packs- 49kWh and 61.1kWh. It will have a three-row layout and a tech-heavy cabin. Recent spy sightings have indicated that the YMC will have a tall, upright stance and modern styling.

Tata Motors is expected to launch its first three-row electric SUV this festive season- the Safari.EV. It will be based on the same Acti.EV+ platform as the Harrier.EV and will likely use the same battery packs- 65kWh and 75kWh. Rumours also suggest that the higher variants could come with an 80kWh unit, possibly shared with future Avinya models. Spy sightings show that the EV will stand close to the internal combustion engine-powered Safari with its design.

Tata Motors is also testing the next-generation Nexon. Codenamed Garud, this vehicle is reportedly in its early stages of testing. Although not confirmed, the next generation may move to the ATLAS platform, and may grow in size. Heavy camouflage on spied test mules have limited our ability to get an idea of the design changes. Being a generational upgrade, we expect the model to come with significant visual updates. Inside, the next-generation Nexon could get more features and a revised interior design.

The powertrains are likely to remain the same on the next-generation model as well. There will be petrol, diesel and CNG powertrains on offer.

Renault is now testing the turbo-CNG version of the Triber. A test mule was recently spotted giving out key details. This model will be underpinned by the RGEP platform and will thus feature underbody CNG tanks.

The sighting reveals that this model uses the turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as the base. It could produce around 100PS and 160Nm- a massive jump over the naturally aspirated engine’s 72hp and 96Nm.

The first product from JSW’s independent car vertical, JSW Motors, is said to be a badge-engineered version of the T2 sold abroad. It has also been spied testing in India, several times. The company will bring the plug-in hybrid version of the T2 to our shores. Its powertrain will pair a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 26.7 kWh battery and two electric motors. The combined output is likely to be around 381 bhp and 610 Nm. In India, this vehicle will compete primarily with Fortuner and the likes.