2023 has been a very eventful year in the Indian automotive industry, the year kicked off with several launches then it was followed up with the 2023 Indian Auto Expo and since then automakers have had a pretty busy year with new launches and facelifts.
It has been a positive year for the Indian automakers and they will like to close this year on high note with exciting new product launches next month.
Times Drive readers, we have researched and compiled a list of top 5 cars and bikes that are likely to be launched in December 2023. So if you are planning to get yourself a new car or two-wheeler hold up and check out this list as it might change your buying decision.
Simple Dot One
Earlier this week electric two-wheeler company Simple announced that their new electric scooter, the Simple Dot One will be making its debut on December 15th 2023. Simple has scheduled the launch date for the Dot One EV next month and has also announced that the deliveries of the same will commence from January 2023. The Simple Dot One is expected to be introduced in the price range of Rs 1 to 1.15 lakh, it is expected to compete with the likes of Bajaj Chetak and Ola S1 Air in the Indian market.
Kia Sonet Facelift
Kia first introduced its subcompact sub-4M SUV, Sonet in the Indian market back in 2020 since then most of its competitors like the Venue, Brezza and Nexon have received a generation change or facelift. Kia would like to tap into this market again by introducing the facelifted version of the Sonet next month. With this facelift the rivalry between Sonet, Venue, Brezza, Nexon and the XUV300 will witness a new peak. (Mahindra is also planning a facelift of the XUV300, but the tentative timeline isn’t confirmed. The facelifted version of the Kia Sonet is likely to debut in the second or third week of December and it is likely to retain its engine options.
Aprilia RS 457
Aprilia is expected to introduce the RS 457 motorcycle next month. Motoring enthusiasts across the country have been anticipating the arrival of this motorcycle for quite some time now and its arrival will bring a smile to their faces. The Aprilia RS 457 is expected to debut in the Indian market with a 450cc parallel-twin engine that is expected to have power output figures of 47 bhp and 48.8 Nm of torque. These aren’t official figures as the company has remained quite secretive with this launch and we will have to wait for the official launch for exact performance figures and pricing.
Yamaha R3
Yamaha has been present in the Indian two-wheeler market for a decent amount of time to understand the Indian market. Understanding the market and recognising the need for entry to mid-level sports motorcycles the company is planning to introduce the R3 motorcycle in the Indian market next month. The Yamaha R3 is likely to be introduced with a 321cc parallel-twin engine which produces 40.4 bhp and 29.4 Nm of torque. The Yamaha R3 is expected to compete with the likes of KTM RC390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Yamaha MT03
Yamaha isn’t just planning on introducing one motorcycle next month! The company is planning on introducing two and launching alongside the R3 will be the MT03. The Yamaha MT03 is a naked motorcycle powered by a 321cc parallel-twin engine that produces 42 bhp and 29.6 Nm of torque. The Yamaha MT03 is expected to compete with the likes of KTM Duke 390 and BMW G 310 R.
