5 Mass Market Cars Launching This Month
In India, the festive season is considered an auspicious time to buy high-value goods like gold and cars. The automotive market witnesses strong traction during the period. This year, a bunch of interesting mass market cars and SUVs are set to launch during the festive season. As many as five launches are to be expected in September. These include all-new models and facelifts of existing ones, from various manufacturers.
Vinfast VF6
Vinfast is a Vietnamese electric carmaker which is set to enter the Indian market. It will launch two products initially- the VF6 and VF7- both electric SUVs. The VF6 will be a C-segment EV SUV and will compete with the Hyundai Creta Electric when launched. It will likely be priced in the range of Rs 20-25 lakh, ex-showroom.
Designed by Italy’s Torino Design house, the VF6 will be a good-looking SUV. It will be available in six colour and two trims- Earth and Wind.
Inside, it will come packed with technology and features. It will have the likes of a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driver assist systems, a head-up display (HUD), air purifier, and a 360° camera.
On the powertrain front, the VF6 will have a 59.6kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The vehicle is expected to come with the highest power output in its segment- 204 hp. For perspective, the Creta Electric has 170hp on offer on its Long Range version.
Expected Launch: September 6, 2025
Vinfast VF7
The VF7 will become the company’s flagship when launched. It will be larger than the VF6 in dimensions. In the Indian market, it will compete with the like of Mahindra XEV 9e and the Tata Harrier.EV. It will likely have its price in the range of Rs 25-30 lakh rupees, ex-showroom. Three trims will be offered- Earth, Wind and Sky.
The VF7 will have both 2WD and 4WD versions on offer when launched. The battery pack will be a 70.8kWh unit. The 4WD version will have a dual motor setup with a combined output of 350hp and 500Nm while the 2WD version will continue with the VF6-sourced electric motor that produces 204 hp. The electric vehicle will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 5.8 seconds.
Expected Launch: September 6, 2025
Thar Facelift
The Thar is an extremely popular nameplate. It is currently available in two forms- the three-door version and the five-door ROXX. The three-door Thar was launched in 2020, and is now due for a mid-cycle update. Mahindra is known to be working on a significant facelift, which will bring major changes and updates to the model.
The facelift will have subtle visual updates. It will take inspiration from the larger ROXX. Spy shots point at the facelift getting design elements like the Six-pack grille and new bumpers. Inside, it will get more features like a free-standing 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.
No changes are expected in the powertrain options- the new model will come with the same (petrol and diesel) engines and transmissions as the outgoing model. The new SUV is also expected to get major reworks in its suspension. These will likely bring about major improvements in the ride quality and handling.
Expected launch: September First Week
Citroen Basalt X
Citroen India has sent out invites for an upcoming launch event scheduled for September 5, 2025. It is for a new edition of the Basalt called the ‘Basalt X’. Citroen has already started accepting pre-bookings for the vehicle. Buyers can now pay Rs 11,000 and make reservations. The new launch is part of the ‘Citroen 2.0’ strategy.
Previously, the carmaker had launched the C3X, and the Basalt X will likely take a similar approach. The ‘Basalt X’ badge will likely be the only cosmetic change. The new variant is expected to sit above the current Basalt as a more premium offering.
The feature list will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch color TFT digital display, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger. The Basalt X will also feature cruise control and an engine start/stop button.
Expected Launch: September 5, 2025
Escudo
Maruti Suzuki will launch a new SUV on September 3, 2025. It will reportedly be called ‘Escudo’ when launched. In Maruti Suzuki’s Indian portfolio, the Escudo will in between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. It will be sold through Arena showrooms, and will likely become its most expensive product when launched. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 9-18 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Escudo will have a stylish design. Maruti Suzuki recently released a teaser image showing the LED tail lamps of the vehicle. Maruti Suzuki will package the Escudo well.
The vehicle will come with features like level 2 ADAS, powered tailgate, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, premium audio system with Dolby Atmos, wireless charger, Head Up Display (HUD), digital instrument cluster, cruise control, 360-degree camera, rear AC vents and connected car features.
The Escudo will use the same powertrain options as the Grand Vitara. A 1.5L K15C naturally aspirated petrol mild hybrid, 1.5L Atkinson cycle petrol strong hybrid and CNG engines are expected. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be available.
Expected Launch: September 3, 2025