January 2024 is set to be an exciting month in the automotive world, especially for SUV enthusiasts. We’re seeing a range of new launches, from high-end models to more budget-friendly options. Here’s a detailed look at the five new SUVs making their debut this month:
- Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift – Launch Date: January 8
Mercedes-Benz is refreshing its GLS model with notable exterior and interior upgrades. The exterior features four new horizontal louvres with a Silver Shadow finish in the grille, a revamped front bumper with stylish air inlet grilles, and high-gloss black surrounds, alongside tail-lamps with a unique three-horizontal-block pattern. Inside, the major highlight is the upgraded MBUX infotainment system, accompanied by glossy brown lime wood trim, a new low-speed 360-degree camera, and a range of new upholstery options. The engine lineup is expected to remain the same, with 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, coupled with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and the 4Matic AWD system.
- Hyundai Creta Facelift – Launch Date: January 16
The India-specific Hyundai Creta facelift is set to feature extensive design updates inspired by Hyundai’s global flagship, the Palisade. This includes a redesigned grille and new vertically positioned split projector headlamps with horizontal LED Daytime Running Lamps. Interior tweaks are minor, but the equipment list gets a significant boost with the addition of ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and an updated 10.25-inch infotainment system. A new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is joining the lineup, alongside the existing 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, all available with manual or automatic transmissions.
- Kia Sonet Facelift – Launch Date: Mid-January
Bookings for the updated Kia Sonet are open, promising several enhancements. Engine options remain the same, but the diesel-manual variant is making a return. Notable updates for 2024 include Level 1 ADAS, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and various interior and exterior tweaks. These improvements position the Sonet to better compete in the compact SUV segment, with a slight price increase expected over the previous model.
- Mahindra XUV300 Facelift – Launch Date: Late January
Mahindra’s XUV300 is undergoing a comprehensive redesign, featuring new front and rear ends with drop-down LED daytime running lamps and connected LED light bars. The interior revamp includes a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and potentially a panoramic sunroof. The existing engine options – a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel – will continue, but there’s an addition of a more powerful 131hp, 1.2 turbo-petrol engine with a new Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic transmission, in addition to the 6-speed manual.
- Mahindra XUV400 EV Facelift – Launch Date: Late January
Mahindra is giving the XUV400 EV its most significant update since its launch. The electric SUV will see a cabin enhancement with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, introducing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone climate control. While the dashboard will see a redesign, major exterior changes aren’t expected. Mechanically, the SUV will remain unchanged, though we might see some alterations in the variant lineup.
These upcoming launches indicate a promising start to 2024 for the SUV market, offering a mix of luxury, innovation, and practicality.
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