By scoring a full-fat 5 Star crash rating in Global NCAP crash tests, Dzire became the 1st Maruti Suzuki vehicle to do so
As a year, 2024 has been very productive for the automotive industry. There were many new car launches in this calendar year ranging from affordable mass market offerings to downright exclusives for the uber rich. Some of the launches in 2024 stood as testaments that could potentially rewrite the automotive rulebooks.
At the fag end of 2024, we have formulated a list of top 10 car launches that impacted the mainstream market the most. These car launches are mainstream offerings and made (or will make) a significant impact on Indian car buyers. Note – The list is in no particular order.
1. Mahindra BE 6 & XEV 9e
Yes, BE 6 and XEV 9e are not fully launched and are yet to commence bookings, but they were technically launched in 2024. They defy the generic formula of a monocoque FWD high-riding vehicle and truly appeal to enthusiasts. Not to mention the futuristic looks, ludicrous technology, comfort, ride quality and performance.
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
India’s favourite hatchback, Swift, entered the 4th Gen avatar in 2024. This is easily one of the biggest and most prominent car launches that took place in 2024. It also debuted the company’s new Z-Series 1.2L 3-cylinder engine and improved itself in terms of features, equipment, safety and fuel efficiency.
3. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The sedan counterpart of Swift hatchback, the Dzire, also entered its 4th gen avatar in 2024. The main highlight of Dzire is that it was crash tested by Global NCAP and it was awarded full-fat 5 Stars, defying all expectations. Making it the first-ever vehicle bearing Maruti Suzuki name to get 5 Stars in crash tests.
4. Mahindra Thar Roxx
The much anticipated 5-Door version of Mahindra Thar lifestyle vehicle, Thar Roxx, was launched on August 15th, 2024. It was easily among the most exciting launches in 2024 and saw a major overhaul in cabin quality as well. There was a major leap in features, creature comforts and even safety, packing Level-2 ADAS.
5. MG Windsor EV
From the house of MG, we saw the launch of Windsor EV, which was probably the most important EV launch in India in 2024. Windsor EV rewrites the automotive pricing rulebook with the introduction of BaaS plans (Battery as a Service), thus significantly reducing purchasing costs to boost sales.
6. Hyundai Creta & Creta N Line
Hyundai’s darling of the sales charts, Creta, and its sporty counterpart, Creta N Line were both launched this year. This is the first facelift of 2nd Gen model and is of significant importance as it featured a brand new interior and new exterior design language. The 1.4L Turbo Petrol was replaced by 1.5L Turbo Petrol with best-in-segment performance.
7. Tata Punch EV
Punch has emerged as Tata Motors’ most important vehicle along with Nexon. The electric counterpart of Punch featured a bold fascia and debuted Tata’s Acti.ev platform. It is surprisingly feature loaded for its size and it emerges as a rounded and tech-loaded city vehicle. Not to mention the excellent 5 Star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
8. Kia Sonet Facelift
Ever since it was launched, Kia Sonet has emerged as a good-looking sub 4m SUV. Probably the best-looking, if we may. The facelift brought out an even sportier personality along with vastly better and premium interior experience. It even offered Level-1 ADAS as an extra layer of safety which this segment lacked at the time of launch.
9. Mahindra XUV3XO
XUV3XO is the fourth Mahindra offering that has made it to this list, showing just how much Mahindra has been improving itself. With XUV3XO, Mahindra offers the most premium in-cabin experience by a long margin. Also, the powertrains under XUV3XO’s bonnet quote best-in-segment performance figures.
10. Tata Curvv & Curvv EV
This is the first time Tata Motors has entered the compact SUV space which is India’s most competitive and overcrowded segment. Also, this is the first mainstream coupe SUV in India with a unique blend of style and sophistication. Offered in both ICE and EV guises, Tata aims to offer versatility and style in one package.
There are many more mainstream vehicles launched in 2024 too. Stark examples include Skoda Kylaq, SAVWIPL’s first sub 4m SUV bringing the company into a whole new price bracket, There’s Tata Altroz Racer that aced hot hatch segment in India and the new Gen Honda Amaze that brought ADAS safety net to a much more affordable price point, among others.
