AATISH MISHRA
Aatish talks about the cars he is most excited for in 2023!
Lambo has been launching models in India very quickly after their global launches and this one should be no different
NEW YEAR, NEW CARS. THERE’S SO MUCH to be excited about at the start of 2023. Plenty of fresh metal is around the corner, and I can’t wait to jump into the driver’s seat of so many of them. Which ones, you ask? Hold on tight!
I think I’m most excited about the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. I’ve seen one in the flesh years ago in Japan. It was 2018 and even back then, we were talking about Maruti possibly bringing it to India soon. 2018 to 2023 — you do the math? But Maruti Suzuki is supposed to be unveiling the India-bound 5-door Jimny at the Auto Expo. It’s an exciting car — such lovable styling, incredible capability, the petrol engine should keep things refined and I’m sure it’ll be more practical than the Thar. I also have great memories of the Gypsy — rallying in the Dakshin Dare in one — and I’d love to build on that.
On the EV front, I’m actually really keen on driving the MG Air EV. It’s a small EV — just 2.9m long, but should pack a big punch. Details are scarce at the moment as this will also be an Auto Expo unveil but the idea of an urban EV with a small footprint is hugely exciting. I just drove the Tata Tiago EV and came away hugely impressed, but I do believe that there is space for an even smaller EV in our market. Whether MG will position it under the Tata or over it, as a more premium urban offering, is something we’ll have to wait and see. The upcoming Tata Sierra EV is another. It is very likely that we’ll see a production, or close to production Sierra EV at Auto Expo this year. And I’m hoping it’ll be on our roads before the year is out. The previous concept was hugely exciting and if this one resembles that in any way, we’re going to be in for a treat. It’s an emotional car — one that tugs at your heartstrings. That it’s happening is no secret. I just hope it happens soon!
2023 should also be the year that Skoda-VW get into the EV space in India. The Enyaq has been around for a while and should make it to India later this year. So should the Volkswagen ID.4. But what I’m salivating at the thought of is the Octavia RS. Skoda hasn’t confirmed it yet. They’re doing the usual “we’re evaluating, we’re considering” nonsense, but there’s surely a market for it. That badge has provenance and people are willing to fork up a fair bit of money for one. I just hope they bring in a press car as well.
Shooting straight to the stratosphere, 2023 should be the year that Lamborghini unveils their Aventador successor. Who knows whether it will go on sale before the year goes out, but if it does, there’s a proper chance we will see it in India. Lambo has been launching models in India very quickly after their global launches and this one should be no different. I’m going to have to keep my fingers crossed for this one, but hey, dreaming ain’t hurting anybody.
Then there’s the stuff I wish for, but is very unlikely to happen. I wish Hyundai would bring down a full blown N car. Something like the Hyundai Kona N makes so much sense for India. The Kona EV is already expensive so that model line has always had a premium positioning, and the pricing of a Kona N won’t hit as hard as something like an i20 N. Same goes for Toyota — a GR car to build some excitement in the range. The heart says GR Yaris, but I know it is only the GR Supra that will actually sell in any meaningful numbers.
Oh well, it is only January. I’m sure more and more stuff is going to get added to this wishlist every day. I’m going to try and check as much off this wishlist as I can, and I hope you do the same for your wishlist / bucket list / resolution list / whatever you guys call it nowadays. Here’s to a great 2023! ⌧