No SUVs this time, but a new MPV, an electric sportscar and two new hatchbacks are in the pipeline.
04 May 2025 | 307 Views | By Saptarshi Mondal, Autocar India
New launches in the first month of FY2025 was all about keeping up with trends with new SUVs and Dark Edition models, but May 2025 is going to see launches of several other body styles. There’s an all-new MPV in the pipeline, two new hatchbacks and even an electric convertible ...
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New launches in the first month of FY2025 was all about keeping up with trends with new SUVs and Dark Edition models, but May 2025 is going to see launches of several other body styles. There’s an all-new MPV in the pipeline, two new hatchbacks and even an electric convertible sportscar. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at all the new car launches lined up for May 2025.
New Kia Carens – May 8
Will be sold alongside existing Carens
The first new model to arrive next month will be an updated Carens MPV. Interestingly, what is essentially a facelift for the Carens will be sold alongside the existing model, albeit at a premium, much like Honda does with the Amaze. It will be a comprehensive update, with spy shots hinting at a more SUV-esque stance and new lighting signatures inspired by Kia’s global EVs.
The interior is also expected to be more premium, and get a new dashboard and more features. It remains to be seen if all three engine options of the existing Carens – the 115hp, 1.5 petrol, the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel – are offered on the more premium MPV, or if its made available only with the turbo-petrol and diesel engines. It will also have a new name to set it apart from the existing Carens.
Tata Altroz facelift – late May
First cosmetic update for Altroz since launch in 2020
Next in line is a facelift for the Altroz hatchback. The Altroz has been periodically updated with new powertrain options and new features, but it hasn’t received a cosmetic makeover since it went on sale in January 2020. Spy shots have indicated revised lighting signatures and a new front bumper.
On the inside, we expect the 10.25-inch touchscreen to be made available across more variants which is currently exclusive to the Racer variant. Mechanically, however, it is expected to remain unchanged, which means it will continue to be the only hatchback on sale in India with a diesel engine.
Volkswagen Golf GTi – late May
Highly anticipated hot hatchback for enthusiasts
This one is highly awaited by enthusiasts. The Golf is one of VW’s most iconic nameplates globally, and it will be brought to India for the first time as a full import – in GTi spec no less. This will be VW’s second GTi-badged model in India; previously, it had brought the 3-door Polo GTI. Being a full import, it will be expensive, and prices are expected to cross the Rs 50 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
Powering the Golf GTi in India will be a 265hp, 370Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. As a performance hot hatchback, the Golf GTi will sit in a space of its own, with only the 204hp, Mini Cooper S coming relatively close in terms of price and performance.
MG Windsor with larger battery
New 50.6kWh battery option expected, along with ADAS
MG will be updating the Windsor with a larger battery option next month. The Windsor is currently sold here with a 38kWh battery pack, but it gets a larger 50.6kWh battery in Indonesia which is now expected to make it to the India-spec model.
This battery has a greater claimed range of 460km (CLTC cycle), but power and torque figures are expected to remain unchanged at 136hp and 200Nm. Our sources have also hinted at an updated features list, the highlight of which will be the inclusion of an ADAS suite. Expect a reasonable bump in its ex-showroom price, which currently ranges between Rs 14 lakh and Rs 16 lakh.
MG Cyberster
First electric convertible sportscar of its kind in India
Finally, the MG Cyberster is also expected to go on sale next month, although the company hasn’t announced a specific date yet. It will be the first electric convertible sportscar of its kind and will be available exclusively through the MG Select premium showrooms. The Cyberster will be offered in India in the higher-spec 77kWh variant with dual motor configuration.
This powertrain produces 510hp and 725Nm of peak torque, with a claimed 0-100kph sprint time of 3.2 seconds. MG claims a maximum range of 580km (CLTC cycle). At an expected price of about Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom), the Cyberster will be one of the most powerful vehicles in this price range. It also has the looks to compliment the performance with scissor doors and a quintessential two-seater, convertible profile.