Citroen Basalt To Thar Armada - 4 Hot Launches in August

August will be a super exciting month for the Indian car enthusiasts, as a wide range of new models will be launched. Nissan will introduce the X-Trail SUV on August 1, while the Lamborghini Urus SE will arrive on the 9th day of the same month. However, we will discuss the top 4 exciting launches of August 2024.

Citroen Basalt

The French automaker Citroen will finally introduce the Basalt SUV Coupe in production avatar on August 2, 2024 in India. The new model will be positioned against the soon-to-be-launched Tata Curvv SUV Coupe. It will come as a premium alternative to the likes of the Citroen C3 Aircross. 

The new Basalt will be the fourth model on the Stellantis CMP (Common Modular Platform). It will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 108bhp and 205Nm of torque. For gearbox duties, the Citroen Basalt will have a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. 

The Basalt will come with more features that are missing in the C3 Aircross. Not just features, the overall quality and fit & finish inside the cabin will be better compared to the SUV sibling. This 5-seater SUV Coupe is likely to get up to six airbags, electronic stability control, reverse camera and hill assist. In terms of features, the Citroen Basalt could get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver's display, cruise control, automatic AC and others. It will also get push-button engine start/stop, keyless entry, and wireless phone charging. 

Tata Curvv

Tata Motors will release the prices of the Curvv SUV Coupe in the country in August 2024. The new model will be offered with both ICE and EV powertrains. While the ICE version will be based on the brand's X1 platform, the EV will be the second model on Tata's new Acti.ev architecture. This is the same architecture that underpins the Punch EV. 

The Tata Curvv will be a different take on the crowded mid-sized SUV segment, which is currently dominated by Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and others. The electric model will challenge the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and the Maruti Suzuki eVX. 

Similar to the Harrier, the new Tata Curvv SUV Coupe will receive several high-end features. It will have a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument console, a larger touchscreen infotainment unit, a dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable driver's seat and ventilated front seats. The SUV will also come with Level 2 ADAS with features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and others. 

The ICE version will come with two powertrains - a 123bhp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 113bhp, 1.5-litre turbo diesel. For transmission duties, the SUV will have a 6-speed manual, an AMT with diesel and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with turbo petrol. The Curvv EV is expected to receive two battery pack options. The top-model could receive a battery pack of around 60kWh with a claimed range of up to 500km on a single charge. 

Mahindra Thar 5-door

The Thar 5-door will be the biggest launch of this year. Scheduled to make global debut on August 15, the new LWB Thar will come as a more practical lifestyle SUV. It will be based on the more sophisticated ladder-frame chassis that underpins the Scorpio N. 

Rumoured to be called the Mahindra Thar Armada, the new lifestyle SUV will offer more space in the second-row, bigger boot and more features. It will also receive design changes and Level 2 ADAS tech. This new model could also be exported to select international markets including Australia.

Some of the key features include dual-pane sunroof, push-button start, LED lighting system, front & rear parking sensors, armrests, digital instrument console, 60:40 split folding rear seats, 6 airbags and auto dimming IRVM. It will also get a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument console. 

The Thar 5-door will be offered in 3 engine options - a 117bhp, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, a 172bhp, 2.2L turbo diesel, and a 200bhp, 2.0-litre turbo petrol. While the Thar 5-door with 1.5L engine will come as a RWD model, the other two will come with 4x4 drivetrain. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. 

New Maruti Dzire

Maruti Suzuki will launch the new generation Dzire sub-4 meter sedan in the country in late August 2024. However, MSIL is yet to make an official announcement on the same. It will be based on the same architecture that underpins the new generation Maruti Suzuki Swift. 

The new Dzire will look significantly different from the new Swift hatchback. It will have a completely different front fascia with a bigger grille and new headlamp setup. The cabin layout is likely to be identical to the new Swift; however, it will have a new interior scheme and more features.

The new Dzire will have a dual-tone black and beige interior scheme. Feature list include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument console, automatic AC, powered ORVMs and power windows. It will also receive segment-first electric sunroof. The sedan could also receive a 360-degree surround view camera. 

The new Dzire compact sedan will receive the same Z12E, 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces 82PS and 112Nm of torque. Transmission choices could include a 5-speed manual or an AMT unit. 

Also See - Mahindra Thar 5 Door vs Scorpio N - Comparison