Small Cars To Launch In India – Report
This year will see some significant new product debuts, electric mobility options, and technical developments in the Indian automobile sector. While there will be a flood of new Utility Vehicles (SUVs/MPVs), carmakers will also debut several new compact car models. Let’s have a look at the new compact automobiles that are about to hit the market.
Facelifted Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The South Korean carmaker has stated that prices for the redesigned Grand i10 Nios hatchback will be announced on January 20, 2023. On the same day, the new Hyundai Aura facelift will be on sale. The 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios makeover has a new bigger grille, new triangular-shaped LED DRLs, updated bumpers, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and new LED taillamps. The hatchback’s interior has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, voice recognition, and automated temperature control. The upgraded model will be available with 1.2L petrol and CNG engines.
eC3 Citroen
The Citroen eC3 electric hatchback will be available in February, with pre-orders beginning on January 22nd, 2023. The EV’s powertrain configuration features a 29.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor positioned on the front axle. The motor has a peak output of 57bhp and a torque of 143Nm. The eC3 is said to have a 320km ARAI-certified range. It has two driving modes, Standard and Eco, as well as a regenerative brake system. According to the manufacturer, the Citroen eC3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a peak speed of 107 mph. It accepts both the normal charger and the DC fast charger.
The MG Air EV
MG Motor India announced the introduction of a new compact electric vehicle in early 2023. The MG Air EV will be the British automaker’s second electric offering and the smallest car in India. It will be around 2.9 metres long. The MG EV will be powered by an LFP-cell battery supplied by Tata AutoComp. The battery capacity is projected to be between 200 and 300 kilometres. It will most likely feature a single front-axle motor producing roughly 68bhp. The MG Air EV will include a dual-screen infotainment system with two 10.25-inch panels, a sunroof, linked car technology, voice commands, and other amenities.
CNG Tata Punch/CNG Altroz
This year, Tata Motors will launch the Punch CNG and Altroz CNG vehicles. Both have a 1.2L Revotron petrol engine with Dyna-pro technology. While in CNG mode, the system produces a maximum power of 77bhp and a peak torque of 97Nm. The Tata Punch CNG and Altroz CNG are equipped with two CNG tanks, each having a capacity of 60 litres. The tanks are said to be built with cutting-edge technology that prevents leaks and heat problems. According to the manufacturer, the CNG variants of the tiny automobiles would have a mileage of more than 25km/kg. A microswitch is included in the CNG variants.