Weekend Rewind: Toyota Innova Hycross Launched, Range Rover Got PHEV Option And More

With 2022 ending, there’s a lot happening in the Indian car scene. Despite this being the final week of the year, two carmakers managed to squeeze in launches, while the others prepare for the upcoming Auto Expo 2023. For that and all the other news that you should know about at the start of 2023, here’s our weekly round-up of car news: 

Toyota Innova prices announced 

The biggest story from last week was the Innova Hycross MPV’s price announcement. It’s available in two petrol-only and three strong-hybrid variants, with the base-spec hybrid variant starting at Rs 24.01 lakh (ex-showroom). Find the full price list in our Innova Hycross launch story. 

Range Rover got a plug-in hybrid powertrain 

The current-generation Range Rover already offered mild-hybrid powertrains since its launch, but Land Rover quietly added plug-in hybrid variants to its flagship SUV’s variant lineup. The PHEV is offered in both Standard Wheelbase and Long Wheelbase versions, powered by a 3-litre petrol engine and a plug-in powertrain that offers electric-only driving range of over 100km. 

New Mahindra Scorpio N variants added 

Mahindra rejigged the Scorpio N’s variant lineup to include two new lower-spec variants, Z2 E and Z4 E. These variants offer enhanced safety over the standard Z2 and Z4 manual variants, with stability control (ESP), hill start assist and hill descent control. 

• Base-spec Jeep Compass Sport Petrol MT Discontinued, Petrol Engine Now Automatic Only

Maruti S-Presso Xtra Edition launched

Maruti introduced a dealership-level accessory pack for the S-Presso, called the Xtra Edition. It adds several exterior trim bits that lend the hatchback even more of a quasi-mini-SUV aesthetic. You can only get the Xtra Edition for the top-spec VXI+ trim but with both manual and automatic variants. 

• Tata Electric To Become Official Owner Of Ford’s Sanand Plant On January 10, 2023

Less expensive Mahindra Thar coming soon 

By now, you might already know that the Thar will soon get a two-wheel drive variant. It’ll draw power from a downsized 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine with 118PS and 300Nm. In addition, the 152PS 2-litre petrol engine will also be present. Here are the full details about the RWD Thar. 

Auto Expo 2023 updates 

With the Auto Expo less than a fortnight away, we have a grasp on what carmakers can be expected to exhibit at the show: 

• BYD At Auto Expo 2023: E6 MPV, Atto 3 SUV, Blade Battery Pack Tech And Our Wishlist

• Tata At Auto Expo 2023: Facelifted Harrier And Safari, More Evolved Versions Of Sierra And Curvv Concepts, Punch And Harrier EVs, And More CNG Models

• MG’s Possible 2023 Auto Expo Lineup: Hector/Hector Plus And Gloster Facelifts, Air EV, ZS EV Facelift And MG4 EV

• Kia India At Auto Expo 2023: Facelifted Seltos, Next-gen Carnival, Performance-focussed Kia EV6 GT, EV9 Electric SUV Concept And More

• Hyundai At Auto Expo 2023: Ioniq 5 To Be Launched, Ioniq 6 EV and Nexo Fuel Cell Car To Be Showcased