Top upcoming SUV car launches in 2023: Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Mahindra Thar 5-door and more

The year 2023 will witness some truly big SUV launches, and the list is expected to involve vehicles like Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Mahindra Thar 5-door, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos facelifts among others.

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The Indian automobile industry is expected to greet the year 2023 on a high note, with India's top auto show, the Auto Expo will return after three years in Noida. The Auto Expo 2023 will witness launches from high-end SUVs to cutting-edge EVs. Not just the Auto Expo, but the year 2023 will witness some truly big launches, riding on the success of 2022, one of the best years of the Indian automotive industry. The list of top SUV launches is expected to involve vehicles like Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Mahindra Thar 5-door, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos facelifts among others. To help you plan your purchase, here's a list of the top new SUVs, arriving in India in 2023.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Jimny off-roader will enter the lifestyle SUV segment of India in 2023. The 5-door Jimny will be unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo in January and is expected to be available through the NEXA premium dealership network. It will compete with the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha, both of which will receive 5-door models in the near future. The new 1.5-litre K15 naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a mild hybrid setup will power the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny. This engine has a power output of 101bhp and a torque output of 137Nm. A 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission will be available.

To compete against the soon-to-be-launched Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door SUV, Indian automaker Mahindra will also launch the 5-door iteration of the popular Thar SUV, which until now, was available in 3-door version. Now coming to the seating layout, the 5-door Thar will probably have a bench seat just like the three-door model. However, what will be in the third row is still a question that needs to be answered. Even if both versions have a similar seating arrangement, the second row of the 5-door version will offer much more legroom, all credit to the bigger size and the longer wheelbase. 

Hyundai Creta Facelift

During the GIIAS 2021 Motor Show in Indonesia, the updated Hyundai Creta made its debut. The updated SUV is expected to arrive in India in the first month of 2023. The new Creta was inspired by the next-generation Tucson, both of which feature the company's new parametric grille that runs along the length of the vehicle. In comparison to the previous generation, the new model appears to have more angular taillights and a reworked trunk. On either side of the tail light cluster, two vertical creases can be seen, and a plastic panel connects the two halves. The bumper in the back is new as well.

Kia Seltos Facelift

The upcoming 2023 Kia Seltos facelift breaks cover as a spicier-looking SUV with a revised interior and feature list. The 2023 Kia Seltos will come with updated styling, along with a revised interior, and will be based on the same body shell as earlier; therefore, changes largely remain superficial. The updated SUV gets new features like a 10.25-instrument cluster, new interior elements, etc. Furthermore, because its platform is highly localised for India, Kia could add more features to the India-specific model. The manufacturer could include features such as a panoramic sunroof, electronic tailgate, electric parking brake with auto-hold, and so on.

Mahindra XUV400 EV

On the eve of World EV Day, Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled the fun and fast XUV400 electric SUV. The XUV400 will be Mahindra's first EV to feature the twin peaks logo with a satin copper finish, giving it a distinct presence on the road. The XUV400 is a large-sized electric SUV with cutting-edge technology, powerful features, and exciting performance. The XUV400's stunning performance makes it the first Indian-made passenger vehicle with the fastest acceleration in the non-luxury segment, reaching 100 kmph from a standstill in 8.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 kmph. 

The French brand Citroen recently launched its smallest and mass product in India – the Citroen C3. The Citroen C3 is a sub-compact SUV with prices starting at Rs 5.70 lakh (Ex-showroom) and competes against the Tata Punch in the domestic market. However, the brand now wants to ride on the success of the C3 by launching multiple products based on the SUV. This includes a 7-seater SUV/ MPV and an electric vehicle as well. The 7-seater SUV will be the most affordable 3-row SUV in India and promises funky styling, spacious cabin and features, putting the hatchback-SUV in a good spot.