Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle division, which launched some new models and variants and had a strong run in the market in CY2023 with best-ever annual sales of 550,838 cars and SUVs including 69,153 EVs, is gearing up to introduce a trio of new models in India.
For 2024, the Indian carmaker plans to launch at least three models, which should help it continue its stellar run. The Nexon SUV range is slated to expand with the addition of CNG-powered variants, while the premium Altroz hatchback line-up will have a sportier variant. Tata Motors will also bring its first all-new model in three years – the Curvv. Read on to know what to expect in the coming months.
TATA NEXON iCNG
When it comes to CNG-powered vehicles, Tata Motors already has an industry-first – it introduced India’s first CNG-automatic models with the Tiago and Tigor iCNG getting AMTs. With the launch of the Nexon iCNG, which Tata had showcased at this year’s Bharat Mobility Expo, the brand will bring out another industry-first: a factory-made turbocharged CNG-powered car.
The Nexon iCNG will use the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine as the standard petrol model. While a manual gearbox will be standard, we expect Tata to offer an AMT option as well. Prices for the Nexon iCNG are expected to be about Rs 100,000 higher than the equivalent petrol variant.
TATA ALTROZ RACER
The launch of Tata’s answer to the Hyundai i20 N Line, the Altroz Racer, is imminent. The sportier Altroz has been spied on test as well, confirming details about the model that was first showcased at the Auto Expo a few years ago.
The Tata Altroz Racer, slated for launch in June 2024, was spotted fully undisguised on public roads for the first time in May. SOURCE
Compared to the Altroz iTurbo, with which the Racer shares the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, the go-faster model gets 120hp (10hp more) and a 6-speed manual gearbox (compared to the 5-speed on the iTurbo). The model spied sports the same dual-tone orange and black paint scheme as the vehicle displayed at the expo. However, the model being tested had the same alloy wheels as the standard Altroz, while the model at the expo had dark chrome/black alloy wheels.
Other differences between the Altroz Racer and the standard hatchback include twin racing stripes on the bonnet and the roof, ‘Racer’ badges, and a slightly revised grille. In terms of features and safety kit, the Racer will be equipped with a new 10.25-inch touchscreen, segment-first ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, ESC, a heads-up display and a voice-assisted sunroof.
TATA CURVV
Tata Motors’ much-anticipated midsize SUV will finally launch in the coming months. The Curvv’s launch has been deferred by a few months but it will arrive this year around the festive season.
The Curvv EV is on the docket first, and while technical details are still unknown, what’s known is that it will use Tata’s Gen 2 Acti.ev architecture and have a range of around 450-500 kilometres on a single charge. This means that Tata’s all-electric Curvv will precede its rivals – the Creta EV, Maruti eVX and Toyota’s derivative of Maruti’s EV.
The petrol and diesel variants are expected to enter production around September and be launched either in the last quarter of 2024 or early-2025. The Curvv petrol will be powered by Tata’s new 125hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, and come with manual and automatic gearbox options. Meanwhile, the Curvv diesel is expected to share the Nexon’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel unit paired to 6-speed manual and AMT gearboxes. A CNG-powered Curvv is also expected to arrive later.
However, it remains to be seen whether its unique coupe-like roofline will resonate with the Indian audience. Tata will equip the Curvv with segment-rivalling features and tech. We expect a 360-degree camera, 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver display duties, cooled seats and more. Whether ADAS is part of the equation is still unknown.
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