Brands like Hyundai, Kia and Tata aim to equip their models with essential and nice features. Often, these additional niceties become key reasons why consumers choose a particular model over the one they had initially considered, even forcing them to stretch their budget in a few cases.

In this report, we highlight ten recently launched cars that have remarkable features, making them unique in their segment.

MG Windsor EV

When MG launched the Windsor VEit created a lot of buzz due to its unique pricing model and premium interior. The most notable feature of its cabin is the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, which is the largest in the segment. This unit not only offers the usual smartphone connectivity, but also integrates important vehicle functions such as climate control, drive mode settings and brake regeneration.

Additionally, the MG Windsor EV offers excellent reclining functionality for rear passengers and has a panoramic glass roof, further setting it apart in the sub-Rs 15 lakh price segment.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Mahindra has launched the larger version of its lifestyle SUV, the Thar Roxxequipped with a panoramic sunroof. This is a first for a mainstream off-roader, making it stand out even among compact SUVs like the Honda Elevate and VW Taigun. The Thar Roxx’s panoramic sunroof enhances the ambience of the cabin, sometimes eliminating the need for a convertible top, which leads to additional hassle in maintaining it.

Tata Curvv EV

Tata’s highly anticipated model, the EV curvehad already attracted attention during its spy photos due to its SUV coupe body style. It became the first mainstream offering in its segment to feature a coupe-like sloping roofline, making for a unique proposition in the mass market segment, helping it stand out (literally) from the myriad of existing compact SUVs. Its design is further accentuated by elements such as flush door handles and aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels, while the roof-mounted twin spoiler adds a touch of sportiness to its sloping roofline.

Mahindra XUV3XO

The Mahindra XUV 3XO became the first subcompact SUV to be available with a panoramic sunroof. However, it is limited to the top-end variants, while lower-spec variants are offered with the option of a single-pane sunroof. Before the 3XO had this feature, only the segment above compact SUVs had this feature.

Apart from this, the XUV 3XO has also received a major design overhaul with a revised fascia and connected LED taillights. The interior also features new additions, such as a 10.25-inch infotainment unit and a digital driver display.

Hyundai Creta

We all, sometimes, prefer performance-oriented upgrades for our cars, and if you’re looking for one in a larger family SUV, then the Hyundai Creta N Line is your best bet.

For the uninitiated, the Line N is the sportiest iteration of the standard Creta and is the only car in its segment to offer treatment like this. The Creta N Line’s standout features are its mechanical changes, which include a stiffer suspension, a quicker steering rack and a dual-tip exhaust system that delivers a throatier exhaust note. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 160 PS/253 Nm, with an optional 6-speed manual gearbox along with the 7-speed DCT transmission, which enhances the sporty upgrades of the Creta N Line.

Hyundai Alcazar

With its 2024 facelift, the Hyundai Alcazar is now equipped with a digital key function. This advanced connected car technology not only allows you to lock and unlock the car without a physical key, but also allows you to drive it. All you need to do is register your smartphone with the Hyundai Bluelink app. Then, by simply pressing your smartphone on the door handle, it unlocks your car, and by placing it on the wireless charging pad, it allows you to start the engine. This is a handy feature of the 2024 Alcazar for those times when you forget your keys but have your smartphone to drive the vehicle.

Tata Nexon CNG

Tata Motors launched the Nexon CNG with dual-cylinder CNG technology, starting at Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The unique aspect of the Nexon CNG is that it is the first car in India to combine a turbo-petrol engine with a factory-fitted CNG kit. Typically, these kits are offered with naturally aspirated petrol units, however, the Nexon CNG is equipped with a 1.2 liter turbo-petrol engine that develops 100 hp and 170 Nm in CNG mode, and 120 hp and 170 Nm in gasoline mode. The transmission option is limited to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

BYD eMAX7

BYD launched the eMAX7essentially the facelifted e6, at Rs 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The notable feature of the eMAX 7 is that it is the only fully electric MPV in India to offer three-row seating at a budget of Rs 40 lakh (on-road). It is available in two variants, Premium and Superior, both offered with 6 and 7 seater layout options. The eMAX 7 offers two battery choices: a 55.4 kWh battery that offers a claimed range of 420 km and a larger 71.8 kWh battery that offers a claimed range of 530 km.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Recently, Mercedes launched the new generation Class E 2024 in India, priced at Rs 78.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Like other models from the German automaker, it features a premium interior, but its most notable feature is the MBUX Hyperscreen setup, which integrates three screens: a 12.3-inch digital driver display, an infotainment system with a 14.4-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. front passenger entertainment screen. This makes the 2024 E-Class the only car under Rs 1 crore to come with a triple-screen setup. Additional amenities include four-zone climate control, a 17-speaker Burmester audio system, and power seats with massage function.

Citroen Basalt

To compete with the Tata Curvv, Citroën launched the Basalt aggressively priced at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Although it shares a similar interior layout with other C3 models, it stands out by offering better under-thigh support, which is not only better than the Citroën offerings mentioned above, but also better than other models offered in the same price segment. Indeed, it benefits from a unique adjustable under-thigh support (the tip of the seat base has a vertical travel of 87 mm), which can be extended according to your needs. To further increase the comfort quotient, it also comes with winged headrests.

Its feature set also includes features like a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch digital driver display.

This concludes the list of cars with great features available in India. While some of these may not be unique in the larger scheme of things, the features listed are unique or are firsts in their respective classes. Let us know in the comments section below which standout feature of the model you liked the most.