The festive season has always been the busiest time for the auto industry, but this year it’s looking even more buoyant. The rollout of GST 2.0 has triggered widespread price cuts across segments, putting more cars within reach and lifting buyer sentiment considerably. Showrooms are reporting a surge in footfalls, bookings are climbing, and carmakers are wasting no time in capitalising on the buzz.
To keep the momentum going, brands across the spectrum — from mainstream mass-market players to niche premium marques — are lining up a flurry of launches and unveilings through October. Some are crucial bread-and-butter models aimed at strengthening volumes, while others are headline-grabbing performance flagships designed to add glamour to the showroom floor.
Here’s a closer look at all the new cars and SUVs launched recently or arriving in the coming weeks.
Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift launched at Rs 9.99 lakh
Mahindra has launched its first of three model updates, the Thar facelift today with prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-spec Mahindra Thar is priced at Rs 16.99 lakh for the three-door model.
The facelift to the popular Mahindra Thar adds a more upmarket cabin, borrowing elements from its bigger sibling –soft-touch materials, a larger infotainment screen and better quality overall. Engine options remain unchanged, with the familiar 1.5 diesel, 2.2 diesel and 2.0 turbo-petrol continuing. Also, cosmetic tweaks on the outside are subtle for now, but the updates keep the Thar three-door fresh and give it a more upmarket feel, which is more or less similar to the Roxx.
Since the arrival of the second-gen Thar in October 2020, the SUV has sold more than 2.59 lakh units, cementing its status as a cult icon. Even this year, the three-door Thar has been the volume driver despite the launch of the larger Thar Roxx.
Citroen Aircross X prices start from Rs 8.29 lakh
Citroën has launched the new Aircross X in India at an introductory price of Rs8.29 lakh (ex-showroom), expanding its X-Series line-up alongside the Basalt X and C3X. Available in 5- and 7-seat layouts, the SUV is part of the brand’s “Citroën 2.0 – Shift Into the New” strategy.
Inside, the Aircross X gets key upgrades including ventilated leatherette seats, a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen with a 7-inch digital cluster, soft-touch leatherette trim with gold accents, and ambient as well as footwell lighting. A new Deep Forest Green paint option has also been added. The SUV retains its 200mm ground clearance, Advanced Comfort Suspension and 511 litres of boot space.
A big highlight is CARA (Citroën Assistant with Remote Access), claimed to be India’s first multilingual in-car voice assistant, capable of operating functions in 52 languages, including safety features like SOS and crash alerts. Other additions include a 360-degree camera with satellite view, passive entry with push start, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM and LED projector fog lamps.
Safety kit includes six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX. The 5-seat version recently earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult protection.
Powertrain options comprise a 1.2-litre NA petrol (82hp, MT), a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (110hp, MT), and the same engine with a 6-speed automatic. A CNG kit is also available as a dealer-fit. Prices top out at Rs 13.49 lakh for the MAX AT variant, with the 360-degree camera and dual-tone roof offered as optional packs.
Mahindra Bolero, Bolero Neo facelifts launch on October 6
Mahindra will roll out the updated Bolero Neo and the standard Bolero, originally launched as the TUV300 before being rebranded in 2021, gets its second facelift. Expect a new grille, reprofiled bumper and light tweaks inside the cabin. Dealers suggest Mahindra has also retuned the suspension for added comfort. The rugged 1.5-litre diesel remains, paired with a manual gearbox and RWD layout.
Meanwhile, the trusty workhorse Bolero – a mainstay in rural and semi-urban India for over two decades – will also get light cosmetic and feature updates to keep it relevant in Mahindra’s busy SUV portfolio.
Nissan C-SUV design debut on October 7
Nissan’s most important India launch in years will take its first big step on October 7, when the brand reveals the final design of its all-new C-segment SUV. Built on the CMF-B platform shared with the upcoming Renault Duster, the new Nissan SUV is expected to look distinctly different, with its own headlamp treatment, horizontal DRLs and wide, slatted grille. With the SUV segment hotter than ever, Nissan will have to go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate.
Mini Countryman JCW launch on October 14
Mini will add some serious spice to the month with the launch of the Countryman JCW All4. Bookings are already open, and under the hood sits a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol making 300hp and 400Nm. Power goes through a 7-speed DCT and all-wheel-drive system, with 0-100kph coming up in a claimed 5.4sec. A niche offering, but one that blends Mini charm with serious performance.
Skoda Octavia RS launch October 17
Skoda is celebrating 25 years in India by bringing back one of its most iconic badges – the Octavia RS. Limited to just 100 units, the RS will pack a 261hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, sending power to the front wheels. First showcased at Auto Expo earlier this year, the RS is expected to be priced at a premium, but will certainly appeal to enthusiasts who have long wanted its return.