Kia recently unveiled the facelifted Sonet and prices are expected to be announced really soon. This is the compact SUV’s first facelift since its launch and with it comes new styling, new interiors and updated tech. On the outside, the front features a revised fascia with L-shaped LED DRLs mounted inside a fresh new set of headlamps. There is a new bumper as well which features the fog lights now mounted horizontally on its flanks. At the rear, the new light bar connects a tweaked set of C-shaped tail lamps. On the inside, the highlight is the new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster borrowed from the Seltos. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen remains the same albeit housed in a new enclosure. On the features front, the biggest addition is the Level I ADAS suite. This brings with it some autonomous features such as forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and more. The powertrain options, however, remain unchanged. You still get the option between an 83 hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 120 hp turbo-petrol and a 116 hp 1.5-litre diesel.
2/8
Hyundai is all set to greet the New Year with the launch of the facelifted Creta on January 16. The company has also teased some of the interiors of the SUV when it announced the commencement of bookings. The images suggest a massive overhaul of the interiors including a new dashboard layout, a new driver’s display and infotainment screen in a single housing, a new centre console and a new gear lever. The changes are massive on the exteriors, too. To start off, we will see a new grille flanked by a new set of headlamps connected by a lightbar. The bumpers at the front and the rear have been tweaked as well while the silhouette remains largely the same. There will be a new set of alloys and at the rear you will see a new roof mounted spoiler and a fresh set of tail lamps. Powertrain options, however, will remain the same with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. A new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is also expected to make it to market later.
3/8
Mercedes-Benz is set to kick off its 2024 lineup in India with the launch of the revamped GLS, featuring striking exterior and interior upgrades. The SUV boasts a refreshed look, highlighted by a bold front grille with four horizontal Silver Shadow louvres, redesigned headlights, and a modernised front bumper. The rear is adorned with new LED tail lamps, and the vehicle rides on stylish 20-inch Himalayas Grey wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the GLS introduces a revamped MBUX infotainment system, positioned at the centre and the driver's instrument cluster. As for features, the GLS packs in a Parking Package with a 360-degree camera and an off-road mode, providing various camera angles around the vehicle. Under the hood, the GLS retains the old options. This includes a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine or a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, both mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Power is distributed to all four wheels through Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
4/8
The Tata Punch EV is perhaps one of the more anticipated vehicles on this list and we seem to be very close to launch now. The EV was spied testing again giving us a glimpse into what to expect from not just the exterior design, but new interior elements as well. Now, we say changes but that is in terms of the ICE version of the Punch that is already on the streets. This will be the first time the Punch will receive its electric powertrain. Speaking of which, we expect the Punch to be available in at least two battery sizes just like the Nexon EV. This means we will get a long-range and a standard-range variant. Details about the new powertrains, however, have yet to be announced. As far as other updates go, we will get to see some EV-specific changes to the exterior such as a blanked-out grille and new accents while on the inside, we could see a larger infotainment screen such as the one from the Nexon.
Ather is all set to launch the most powerful variant of their scooter lineup on January 6. Christened the Ather 450 Apex, the scooter will feature a more powerful motor in an almost similar body style. The company had just teased their scooter on social media revealing that the Apex will get the same kind of transparent side panels that were first featured on the Series 1 scooter. Now there aren’t any exact details about the motor itself, however, we do know that Ather will be using the same 3.7 kWh battery pack as the 450X. The company has confirmed that the Apex will feature a new Warp+ mode in addition to the standard Eco, Ride and Sport modes. We expect the new 450 Apex to have a top speed of around the 100 km/h mark and a 0-40 km/h sprint time of around three seconds.
6/8
Royal Enfield has officially introduced the Shotgun 650, the latest addition to its 650 Twins platform, which includes the Interceptor 650, Continental GT, and Super Meteor 650. Initially showcased as a limited edition at MotoVerse 2023 in Goa, the Shotgun 650 is now ready for global markets and is set to be launched in India soon. Built on the Super Meteor's platform, the Shotgun 650 shares similarities in design but introduces distinct features. Notable changes include mid-set footpegs, a flat handlebar for a more commanding riding position compared to the Super Meteor, and customisation options for a single seat, pillion seat, or luggage carrier. The bike sports a stubby bobber-style tail section, a less raked front fork at 25.3 degrees, and blacked out hardware, giving it a more aggressive look. The powertrain remains consistent with the 648cc air cooled parallel-twin engine found in the Interceptor, Continental GT, and Super Meteor, delivering 47 hp and 52.3 Nm of torque. While internal engine components remain unchanged, Royal Enfield has adjusted final drive ratios to match the Shotgun's character. The Shotgun 650 gets all the standard features from the Super Meteor 650 including LED lighting, a USB charging slot, a digi-analogue instrument and the option to add the Tripper Navigation system for Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Braking is managed by a 320 mm front disc and a 300 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS, and suspension features Showa USD forks at the front and pre-load adjustable dual shock absorbers at the back.
7/8
Honda has introduced the NX500, a new middleweight adventure tourer that essentially serves as a rebranded CB500X for 2024. The updated NX500 features several cosmetic enhancements while maintaining its tall stance. Notable changes include a larger fairing housing an LED headlamp and a windscreen. The bike also receives a fresh 5-inch digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. Under the hood, the NX500 is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47 hp and 43 Nm. Honda says that a new crank counterweight and balancer shaft coupled with an updated ECU will result in enhanced acceleration and improved engine refinement. Suspension comes from a 41 mm Showa upside-down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by dual 296 mm discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. Notably, the NX500 rides on lightweight wheels, contributing to a reduction in unsprung weight by 1.5 kg and an overall weight loss of 3 kg.
8/8
We know that Hero has been working on their own Harley-Davidson X440-based bike and recent teasers suggest an unveiling is around the corner. Hero’s recent string of teasers featuring letters coupled with a trademark leak suggests that the new bike could be called Mavrick 440. Being based on the HD X440, we know that the engine will be the same 440cc air cooled single-cylinder engine. While on the X440 we see 27 hp of power and 38 Nm of torque, it is possible that Hero’s version may have slightly tweaked numbers. On the design front, we can expect new panelling, but for all intents and purposes, the bike will be a roadster, so fairly similar styling to the X440.
