This week in October was full of excitement as we witnessed a series of launches, including the much-anticipated ones from Tata. But it wasn’t just Tata that made headlines; Audi and BMW also introduced new variants and editions in India. Moreover, we received crash test results for the facelifted Tata SUVs, and Maruti announced a significant sales milestone during the same period. Let’s dive into all the exciting developments of the week.
First off, Tata stole the show with the launch of the 2023 Tata Harrier and Safari. After their grand unveiling, the Indian automaker also revealed the full prices of these SUVs. The facelifted Harrier and Safari received comprehensive styling changes, updated interiors, a new center console, and enhanced safety features. However, it’s worth mentioning that these Tata SUVs still come with the same diesel engine as before. To give you a better perspective, we’ve compared the prices of the Harrier facelift and Safari facelift with their rivals.
In terms of safety, the facelifted Tata SUVs went through rigorous crash tests conducted by Global NCAP and passed with flying colors. Both the Harrier and Safari achieved a perfect 5-star safety rating, making them the safest cars made in India. It’s indeed a remarkable achievement for Tata, showcasing their commitment to providing secure vehicles for Indian consumers.
Shifting gears, Maruti Suzuki celebrated a significant milestone by selling over 10 lakh automatic cars in India. Although the automaker offers various automatic transmission options, including AMT, torque converter, and e-CVT, most of the sales came from the AMT versions. This achievement highlights the growing preference for automatic cars among Indian buyers and Maruti’s success in meeting their demands.
In the spy world, we caught glimpses of the Mahindra XUV300 facelift test mule. The new spy shots allowed us to closely examine the front, side, and rear ends of the upcoming SUV. With these images, we’ve analyzed and dissected the changes to give you an idea of what to expect from the facelifted XUV300.
Coming back to regular sightings, the Kia Sonet facelift was spotted completely undisguised in China. While this model was intended for the Chinese market, we anticipate that the India-spec version will receive similar design changes. The undisguised images give us a clear picture of what to expect from the refreshed Sonet.
Moving on to luxury car news, BMW made a significant splash by introducing the first-ever all-electric M Car in the form of the M70 xDrive. This arrival sets BMW apart in the electric vehicle segment and expands the powertrain options for the BMW 7 Series, now including petrol, diesel, and electric variants. Additionally, BMW also launched the M Sport diesel variant of its flagship sedan, the 7 Series. These new additions further cement BMW’s position as a leader in the luxury car market.
In the world of Audi, the S5 Sportback Platinum Edition made its grand entrance as the brand’s third special edition model. This limited-run version of the 4-door sports coupe receives cosmetic enhancements both inside and out. Audi enthusiasts can choose from two distinct exterior shades, giving the S5 Sportback a touch of exclusivity.
Last but certainly not least, Lamborghini delivered the first Huracan Sterrato in India almost a year after its global launch. The Huracan Sterrato is an off-road-focused version of the iconic Huracan, equipped with mechanical changes to conquer rough terrains. With only 1,499 units to be produced globally, owning the Huracan Sterrato is truly a privilege for the lucky few.
In conclusion, the mid-week of October witnessed an array of exciting launches, from Tata’s highly anticipated SUVs to the stunning developments from Audi and BMW. The crash test results for the Tata SUVs added another feather to their cap, making them the safest made in India cars. Maruti achieved an impressive sales milestone with their automatic cars, showing the Indian market’s increasing affinity towards automatic transmissions. Additionally, spy shots of the Mahindra XUV300 facelift and the undisguised Kia Sonet facelift teased us with what’s to come in the future. The BMW and Audi new launches demonstrated their commitment to innovation and luxury, while Lamborghini delivered the Huracan Sterrato, blending performance and off-road capabilities. This week truly showcased the progress and excitement in the Indian automotive industry.