Maruti and Hyundai Cars to Get Expensive from January 2025

Several OEMs, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, have announced a price hike for their model lineup, effective 1st January 2025. The reasons behind this decision are said to be increased input costs, adverse exchange rates, and higher logistics costs. Maruti Suzuki cars will become up to four percent more expensive, while prices of Hyundai cars and SUVs will increase by up to Rs 25,000. The price hike will depend on the models and their variants.

Upcoming Maruti and Hyundai EVs

India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturers, Maruti and Hyundai, aim to tap into the growing EV (electric vehicle) market with their new offerings – the e Vitara and the Creta EV, respectively. Both electric SUVs will make their first public appearance at the Bharat Mobility Show in January 2025. Here’s a brief on these upcoming EVs:

Maruti e Vitara

Codenamed YY8, the e Vitara will be built on the all-new skateboard Heartect-e platform and come with two battery options – 49kWh and 61kWh. Both batteries will have a single motor setup as standard. The dual motor AWD (called AllGrip-e) will be reserved for the larger battery variants. Both batteries will be imported from BYD, renowned for its Blade technology.

The carmaker has revealed that the 49kWh battery with a single motor will offer power of 144bhp, while the 61kWh battery in single-motor guise will deliver 174bhp. The torque output of both setups will be 189Nm. The dual motor e-AllGrip AWD version will produce 184bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Hyundai Creta EV

The electric iteration of the Hyundai Creta will come with a 45kWh battery pack and a single, front-axle-mounted electric motor. It promises a maximum power of 138bhp and 255Nm of torque. Compared to the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Maruti e Vitara, which come with 50.3kWh, 49kWh, and 61kWh batteries, respectively, the Hyundai Creta EV will be less powerful.

Most of its design elements, interior layout, and features will remain similar to its ICE-powered counterpart. However, it will get a new three-spoke steering wheel, repositioned drive selector, and revised centre console. The exterior will look slightly different, featuring EV-specific elements such as a closed-off grille, new aero-optimized alloys, and redesigned front and rear bumpers.

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