Here’s why May 2025 will be an action-packed month for auto enthusiasts in India, as quite a few automakers are readying some big launches. From luxury MPVs, to updated hatchbacks and even a looooong range electric car, there’s something for every taste in this month’s car calendar. Let’s do a deep dive into the hot new offerings reaching showrooms for May.
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Kia Clavis: The new definition of the premium MPV segment
Among those to be launched later in the month, one of the most awaited is from Kia India, which is readying to launch that Clavis on May 8, 2025. Meanwhile, the 2025 Kia Carens (extensively mid-life refreshed) will get named Clavis. It will boast a significantly updated exterior and interior. Significantly, it will be sold alongside the existing Carens. This business strategy of Kia is similar to Toyota’s, wherein it has two versions of essentially the same model selling at different ends of the price spectrum, the Innova Crysta and Hycross.
What’s most interesting with the Clavis is that its a more upscale offering from Kia. The company recently showed off the vehicle a little bit, whetting the appetite for those who just can’t wait to see what it’ll look like. According to the teaser video from Kia, Clavis is set to leap forward in terms of design and features. It also shows off a brave and new design direction with a more robust SUV-friendly look, not that unlike the Syros SUV.
The new Clavis is expected to be left unchanged in the mechanically with the existing Carens range. Under the hood, the Clavis is expected to share engine choices with the Carens – a 1.5L natural petrol engine, a 1.5L turbo-petrol, a 1.5L diesel. Correspondingly, these engines are expected to come mated with some transmission choices such as manual, iMT and dual clutch Transmission (DCT), among others to offer buyers more options.
Features The Clavis is really going for broke on the inside, and there are a few high-end features promised. A new interior design with dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system is among the expected offerings, as well as Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a 360-degree surround-view camera and a panoramic sunroof.
While interestingly named, the Clavis (which translates to “key” in Latin) points to Kia’s intention to unlock a new level of MPV. Having said that, with prices set to open above the current Carens’ price range of Rs 10.60 lakh to Rs 19.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Clavis is being pitched at buyers who want their premium features but have no intention of pushing the budget to where full-size SUV money sits.
Tata Altroz Facelift – First Major Update For The Hatch
Tata Altroz refreshed Too scheduled to launch in May 22, 2025 Tata will be also launching the Altro on May 22, 2025. Tata Altroz facelift to be introduced in India on May 22, 2025. This is the premium hatchback’s first significant update since it debuted in January 2020.
The Altroz has managed to find its own space in the market as the only premium hatchback with a diesel engine on offer. But it has been battling it out with competitors such as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Hyundai i20. The cosmetic update is expected to revive interest in the model and improve its market position.
Lockdown: A ‘spyshot session’ with the new Tata Altroz faceliftSpy shots of the Altroz facelift have emerged showing some key changes in its design. On the outside up front, the changes will be relatively minor and include minor changes to the front grille, updated10 headlight clusters with white LED light technology, and a re-profiled front bumper. The latest images show an LED strip that runs through from end to end at the front, linking the headlights. At the rear, we expect some refreshed LED tail lights and a revised bumper. More can be said about side profile changes, and that’s the new alloy designs.
Among the interesting changes we could observe on test mules are the new door handles. According to the spy shots, the changes on the updated Tata Altroz will be minor and will be aimed at reducing the premium-ness that the hatchback carries on its shoulders. It will get segment-first flush type door handles on the front doors and the rear doors would have door handles on the C-pillar.
In the cabin, larger upgrades will be seen in order to improve the premium perception. The feature list is expected to remain the same as the current-spec model with the 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, single pane sunroof, wireless phone charger, auto AC with rear vents and the 8-speaker sound system. There could also be new upholstery options and door trim treatments to take away the musty interior air.
The Altroz facelift is likely to continue with the same set of engines under the hood. The Altroz is currently on sale with a 88hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine that comes with 5-speed manual and 6-speed dual-clutch auto options. There is also 73.5hp factory-fit, CNG version and 1.5-litre diesel (90hp) on offer. Meanwhile, Altroz Racer, the race-ready version of the hatchback, will retain its 120hp, 1.2-liter turbo-petrol mill.
With pricing anticipated to be in the vicinity of Rs 7.00 lakh Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the facelifted Altroz could bring more value to the table and uphold its safety and driving characteristics.
MG Windsor EV: The range Extender.true
And then, MG Motor India will further bolster its electric vehicle offering with the launch of the upgraded Windsor EV featuring more powerful batteries, also in May. It plans to introduce a more long-range, 50.6 kWh version of the Windsor EV in May.
Current Windsor EV: The current Windsor EV has been well received since its introduction and features 38 kWh battery pack providing a decent range. But the new, big-battery edition looks poised to drastically extend that range. Combined with the identical 136 PS e-motor, the configuration delivers a claimed range of 460 km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Windsor ElectricNow, the existing Windsor Electric with its 38kWh battery pack is claimed to deliver 332 km as per MIDC test.
The Windsor EV could potentially be MG’s way in solidifying its presence in India’s burgeoning electric car segment. Apart from better range, the newer itineration could also be given added feature to make it more attractive. Current version lacks some key features like ADAS. Like the Cloud EV it, the 2025 MG Windsor EV with a larger battery pack may also receive the ADAS tech. This could range from technologies such as pseudo self-driving keys to dynamic cruise control and lane assist.
Although exact prices aren’t known yet, market scuttlebutt indicates that the long-range version could be launched at a price point ranging from Rs 16 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom) – a tempting proposition for green-friendly customers seeking practical electric mobility.
Volkswagen Golf GTI: The Hot Hatch Is Here
Concluding this month will be the much anticipated Volkswagen Golf GTI that will also arrive in India at the end of May. It’s not been announced yet, but it is expected that Volkswagen’s fans will be able to bring the Golf GTI back to their garage before the end of May.
The Golf GTI will be imported as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) to India and according to earlier reports, only 250 units will be offered initially. The hot hatch has also started unofficial bookings at some Volkswagen dealerships.
On the performance-oriented side of things, the Golf GTI won’t have performance fans disappointed. The Golf GTI features a 265 PS / 370 Nm 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This potent package enables the hatchback to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
The Golf GTI is expected to offer a more unique design compared to regular hatchbacks. The tartan seat upholstery, red-accented steering wheel with GTI badge, fully digital instrument cluster complete with GTI-specific graphics and large infotainment system that comes with the latest Volkswagen software interface are all included with the VW Gold GTI as well as ChatGPT-enabled voice assistant.
Volkswagen has announced that the Golf GTI will be offered in one of four paint finishes: Grenadila Black Metallic, Oryx White Premium, Moonstone Grey, and Kings Red Premium Metallic. Three of these colours will be in dual tone finishes, enhancing the overall look of the vehicle.
The Golf GTI won’t have any direct rivals in the country and will come priced at around Rs 52 lakh (ex-showroom). It’ll be wrong-wheel drive, sure, but it’ll also be a step up in performance from the MINI Cooper S.
Looking Forward
May 2025 will be a busy month for the Indian automobile industry as four major launches are on the cards for car buyers across multiple segments. Whether you’re after an affordable family MPV in the mould of the Kia Clavis, a premium hatchback like the upcoming Tata Altroz facelift, an electric vehicle with a long range like the MG Windsor EV or a high-performance hot hatch like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, there’s plenty of exciting stuff on the way.
These launches are a testimony to the changing preferences of Indian car customers who want vehicles that are stylish, cutting-edge, performant and sustainable. The higher degree of innovation among automakers is leading to an increasingly exciting automotive space in India.
