We have a bunch of new SUV launches lined up this month at both ends of the price spectrum to kick things off in 2024. At the top-end, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the new GLS facelift while at the other end, the compact SUV class will see updates to the Mahindra XUV300 and Kia Sonet. The Hyundai Creta – a crowd favourite – will also receive its much-awaited first mid-lifecycle update. Let’s take a closer look at all new launches lined up this month.
Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift
Date: January 8
On the outside, the refreshed GLS SUV gets four new horizontal louvres in the grille that get a Silver Shadow finish, a new front bumper with air inlet grilles and high-gloss black surrounds, and new tail-lamps that get three horizontal block patterns, forming a new motif. There are more updates on the inside than on the outside – the biggest one is the upgraded MBUX infotainment system. Other changes include glossy brown lime wood trim, a permanent low-speed 360-degree camera, and new upholstery options. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are likely to continue, along with the 9-speed automatic gearbox and the 4Matic AWD system.
Hyundai Creta facelift
Date: January 16
Hyundai will unveil the India-spec Creta facelift that brings comprehensive changes both inside and out. Spy shots have hinted at a thoroughly updated design inspired by Hyundai’s global flagship, the Palisade. It’ll have a redesigned grille, new vertically positioned split projector headlamps and horizontal LED Daytime Running Lamps. While the interiors could see minor styling tweaks, the more notable updates will be to the equipment list, with the inclusion of ADAS, a 360-degree camera and an updated 10.25-inch infotainment. Also, the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol will join the range, filling the gap left by the discontinued 1.4-turbo. Other engine options include a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel, with both mated to either manual or automatic gearboxes.
Kia Sonet facelift
Date: Mid-January
Bookings for the Sonet facelift are already underway. While the three engine options continue unchanged – along with manual, iMT and automatic transmission options – the diesel-manual version has made a comeback. For 2024, the Sonet is better equipped to take on the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and other compact SUVs, with feature additions such as a Level 1 ADAS, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and minor interior and exterior changes. Expect Kia Sonet facelift prices to exceed the outgoing model by a decent amount.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift
Date: Late-January
The extensively redesigned XUV300 will get an all-new front and rear-end with new drop-down LED daytime running lamps and connected LED light bars, taking the design closer to the brand’s upcoming BE range. Mahindra will be overhauling the interior to make it more modern, and also add more features, such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. There’s even a possibility of a panoramic sunroof. The XUV300 facelift will continue with the same set of engines – a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. However, the more powerful 131hp, 1.2 turbo-petrol will also get a new Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic (torque converter), alongside the 6-speed manual.
Mahindra XUV400 EV facelift
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Date: Late-January
While Mahindra has already rolled out several small updates to the XUV400 in just a year since its launch, it has still been a slow-selling model. The upcoming update will be the most significant yet, bringing more features to the cabin of the electric SUV. Most notable will be a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen that will bring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control, among others. While these updates will necessitate a redesign of the dashboard, we do not expect significant exterior updates to the extent of the updated XUV300. It will also remain mechanically unchanged, but could see a rejigged variant lineup.
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