The Indian automobile sector has been in for a thrilling second quarter of 2023. There have been several new SUVs, electric cars, new versions as well as facelifts. Between April and July, almost every manufacturer had a debut or a launch planned. Now, with the onset of June, we're surely going to witness a number of significant launches and debuts from the most prominent brands as 2023 nears its halfway mark. For those unaware, in June, Maruti Suzuki, India's leading auto manufacturer, will finally roll out its most eagerly anticipated model in recent years, the Jimny 5-door off-roader, along with two all-new SUVs from Hyundai and Honda. Further, in the premium segment, a legendary Mercedes-Benz marque is marking its return in our home market. Here are our top 3 picks for the most-anticipated model debuts and launches for June 2023.
Also Read: Upcoming Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh in India: Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift, New Hyundai Exter SUV & More
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
After about four years, the Gypsy's successor is officially launching in the country soon. At the 2023 Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Jimny in a five-door version for the Indian market. It will be sold in India through the company's high-end Nexa dealerships. The brand-new off-roader is powered by a single 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) K15B petrol engine, producing 103bhp and 134Nm of peak torque. This vehicle is available with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The ladder-frame-supported Jimny also comes with the Suzuki AllGrip Pro 4WD system, which has a manual transfer case and a low-range transmission with "2WD-high," "4WD-high," and "4WD-low" modes.
Six airbags, ESP with hill hold assist and hill descent control, LSD (Limited Slip Differential), ABS with EDB, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear view camera, projector headlamps with washers, and cruise control are among the features included in the new Jimny. In addition, the Jimny will be available in two trim levels: Zeta and Alpha.
The model will be offered in seven colour schemes, including five monotone options: Bluish Black, Granite Grey, Pearl Arctic White, Sizzling Red, and Nexa Blue, as well as two dual-tone options: Kinetic Yellow with Black Roof and Sizzling Red with Black Roof. When utilising the manual transmission, the Jimny has an ARAI-certified 16.94km/l rating. However, the AT model reportedly has a fuel efficiency of 16.39km/l. The SUV's fuel tank has a 40-litre capacity, and estimates for fuel efficiency indicate that the manual and automatic versions can go 678-kilometre and 656-kilometre, respectively, on a full tank.
Honda Elevate
Due to their growing appeal among buyers from different walks of life, SUVs have completely changed the game for many auto manufacturers. Given their expanding prominence in India, many carmakers are attempting to diversify their four-wheeler lineup by including a range of SUV options. Honda Cars India is one such car manufacturer. The company is getting ready for the debut of the Elevate on June 6. It is a small SUV that competes with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the MG Astor, the Volkswagen Taigun, and the Skoda Kushaq.
The teaser image shared by the company a few days back shows off the upcoming SUV's striking design cues. Honda will not provide a panoramic sunroof with the Elevate, in contrast to other of its market rivals like the Hyundai Creta. As with the Kia Seltos, there is an electronic sunroof instead. The teaser image clearly showed the shark-fin antenna, body-coloured ORVMs, roof rails, and other elements. Elevate badging will be present, and an LED strip will connect the SUV's taillights.
A 360-degree camera, connected car technology, up to 6 airbags, and the Honda Sensing safety suite are likely to be included in the Honda Elevate's feature set, which also boasts a panoramic sunroof, a sizable touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, electric seats for the driver, and automatic climate control.
The Honda Elevate's 1.5-litre VTEC DOHC petrol engine can produce a maximum of 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. The Honda City is propelled by the same engine. Both a 7-speed CVT and a 6-speed manual gearbox will be offered. Furthermore, we predict that the SUV will get a strong hybrid drivetrain from the Honda City e:HEV. There won't likely be a diesel engine option for the Elevate.
Also Read: Honda Elevate All Set to Debut on June 6; Here's Our Wishlist from the Upcoming SUV
Mercedes Benz AMG SL55
The famous 'SL' nameplate is returning to India after twelve years. The AMG 55 4MATIC+ version of the seventh-generation Mercedes Benz SL, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, will make its debut in India in June. The car has a massive 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine under its bonnet that can accelerate it from a stop to 100km/h in under 3.9 seconds. Speaking of the drivetrain, the car will probably be powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with a 471bhp and 700Nm output. Several Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles worldwide come with this unit.
The S-Class cabriolet, the AMG GT Roadster, and the sixth-generation SL are all replaced by the seventh-generation SL in the worldwide lineup. Both four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering are standard on the model. The SL roadster will arrive in our market via the CBU route.
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