Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Mercedes-Benz GLC and More

SUVs are a popular choice among Indians owing to the maximum space, smooth long-distance expeditions, and better performance on rough terrain. People with different income backgrounds in India prefer these large body-sized vehicles over others in the four-wheeler category because they offer several luxury features, such as larger touchscreen infotainment systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and more, under an affordable price bracket. In India, carmakers are strengthening the SUV segment by offering improved high-ground clearance, larger brakes, and better handling features to boost sales. Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and more are gearing up to broaden their SUV segment with the addition of new models. Let’s have a look at some of the upcoming SUVs in 2023. Bookings of a few models in the list are currently underway in India. 

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Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Maruti Suzuki will launch the highly-awaited Jimny in a 5-door version in the country shortly. If we go by market rumours, the price announcement of the new Jimny will take place in May this year. Mechanically, a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with 104bhp and 134Nm will power the upcoming Jimny. It will have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed torque-converter automatic. The Jimny-5 door off-road vehicle will sport a ladder frame chassis instead of the monocoque structure. Bookings of the new Jimny are underway at Rs 25,000 and so far the SUV has gathered over 23,000 pre-orders in India. The price structure of the SUV is expected to be between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

The much-anticipated Fronx will reportedly launch in April 2023. It will be sold via Nexa Outlets in India. Bookings of the model are currently underway at Rs 11,000 in our market and have crossed over the 13,500 mark. The price announcement of the Fronx is yet to happen, but market expectations reveal that it could be priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 11 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. Under the hood, the Fronx will have a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, capable of churning out 99bhp and 147Nm, and a 1.2-litre petrol unit, capable of generating 89bhp of maximum power and 113Nm of peak torque. For transmission, buyers can pick from an AMT, a 6-speed automatic, and a 5-speed manual options. 

Honda Midsize SUV

The upcoming Honda Midsize SUV will reportedly enter our market by mid-2023. Dimensionally, the new SUV will be approximately 4200mm long. It will expectedly have a five-seat configuration and a sizable boot. Coming to the engine, the brand-new SUV is expected to come equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid and a 1.5-litre petrol naturally-aspirated engine. Due to the new emissions laws, Honda ceased manufacturing diesel engines in February 2023, thus it is clear that this new SUV will not have a diesel engine option. Honda has not yet revealed any details regarding the forthcoming SUV. However, according to the market buzz, the entry-level model might be priced at Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-end model might cost Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Force Gurkha 5-door

The Force Gurkha 5-door will expectedly have its official launch in mid-2023. Price-wise, the model could cost Rs 15 lakh. In terms of exterior, interior, and structure, the Force Gurkha 5-door will mirror its three-door counterpart. The modified C in C chassis with a 400mm longer wheelbase from the three-door version will probably be used by the five-door Gurkha. On the mechanical front, the model will presumably come with a 2.6-litre diesel engine from Mercedes, along with a 5-speed transmission, locking differentials, and a low-range gearbox. Further, it is anticipated to be available in 4X4 and 4X2 versions.

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross is expected to debut in late 2023. In terms of appearance, the bigger C3 Aircross seems to be a standard C3 version up until the B-pillar. The larger rear overhang of the seven-seater SUV suggests that it may be longer than four metres. For the seven-seater C3, the rear quarter panel and glass section also appears to be new. Mechanically, it will likely be powered by the same engine and transmission as the standard C3 – a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Further, the company might also offer the C3 Aircross with a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine to lower the price. After the launch, the Citroen C3 Aircross will compete with the Hyundai Creta and the Alcazar, and other models in India.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The GLC’s second-generation model will have a big grille, updated headlight design, and smaller taillamps. Dimensions-wise, the upcoming model has grown slightly in size. Inside, the new C-Class has been followed for the design, which features a 12.3-inch digital cluster, an 11.9-inch central screen in portrait orientation, freshly styled air vents, and higher-quality materials. Further, a new head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and a 710W Burmester sound system with 15 speakers will also be included.

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The GLC is available with two petrol and one diesel engine units: the GLC200, the GLC300, and the GLC220d in the international market, all of which have a 48V mild-hybrid system with an integrated starting motor. As an alternative, these engines, are also offered in the GLC300e, GLC400e, and GLC300de models as plug-in hybrids with 120 kilometre of pure electric range.