The Indian automotive market has been full of energy right from the beginning of 2025, driven by the buzz around the Bharat Mobility Expo and a string of notable car launches. In the early months alone, a wide variety of new vehicles and model unveilings have kept car enthusiasts and prospective buyers eagerly anticipating what’s next. As we approach May 2025, the pace of innovation and excitement continues to accelerate without any signs of slowing down. Several major automakers, including Volkswagen, Kia and MG are preparing to introduce their latest offerings to the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the upcoming car launches in May 2025.
Kia Clavis
First on the list is the Kia Clavis which is scheduled to make its debut on May 8, 2025. The new Kia Clavis is essentially the updated Kia Carens with a new identity and features heavily updated exterior design, new interior, additional features, added safety and much more. The new Kia Clavis will be a more rugged, SUV-inspired version of the Carens and features a redesigned upright front facia with three pod LED headlights and updated LED Daytime Running Lights, now in line with Kia’s latest design language. The new model will also feature reworked front and rear bumpers, along with a fresh alloy wheel design, setting it apart from the existing Carens.
While there are no details yet on the interior design of the new Clavis, it is expected to adopt a layout similar to the Carens, albeit with a few changes. Expected features will include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats, premium audio system, wireless charger, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera and a lot more.
Mechanically, the Clavis is expected to retain the same engine options as the Carens. A 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 115 hp, 250 nm. A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol with 115 hp, 144 nm and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 160 hp power and 253Nm torque. Gearbox options will include a 6-speed MT, iMT and AT for diesel. 6-speed MT only with NA petrol and a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT with turbo petrol.
MG Windsor 50 kWh
Second on the list is MG Windsor with a bigger 50 kWh battery pack expected to launch sometime in May 2025. Since its debut in September 2024, Windsor has firmly established itself in India’s electric vehicle market, rapidly becoming the country’s top-selling EV for seven straight months. Remarkably, more than 20,000 units have already been sold, solidifying its position as a market leader.
The upcoming Windsor is expected to feature a 50.6 kWh battery pack, providing a claimed range of 460 km on a single charge. The electric motor, however, is anticipated to remain the same as the current version. Currently, the Windsor EV comes with a 38 kWh battery that offers a range of 332 km, paired with a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 134 BHP and 200 Nm of torque.
The new Windsor not only gets a bigger battery pack, it will also get added features. We recently spotted an undisguised test mule of the updated MG Windsor, and what stood out right away was the presence of an ADAS badge on the tailgate. Additionally, a radar module was visible on the front windshield, hinting at the inclusion of advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, among other safety and driver assistance technologies.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Next on the list is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. In terms of design, the Golf GTI looks like a typical Volkswagen with sleek lines and sharp looks. The front end features a sleeker LED light signature with a redesigned bumper and a more aggressive honeycomb grille with GTI badging. At the rear, subtle updates include a tweaked diffuser and refreshed taillights, maintaining the car’s dynamic stance. The overall silhouette stays true to the Golf’s timeless hatchback shape but with sharper lines and aerodynamic enhancements for a sportier look.
Other design highlights include matrix LED headlights, a streamlined grille with the iconic ‘VW’ emblem at the centre, a bold front bumper with a honeycomb mesh pattern, 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, a dynamic diffuser, and a dual exhaust system at the rear and GTI badges on the grille, fenders, and tailgate.
The Golf GTI features signature GTI elements, such as the classic tartan-patterned sport seats, red contrast stitching, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with GTI badging. Other key highlights include multi-colour ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, metal-finished pedals and a cabin that strikes a balance between modern technology and classic GTI heritage, ensuring both performance-oriented appeal and everyday comfort.
Features it gets a 12.9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, connected car tech, Chat GPT integration, connected car tech, automatic climate control, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking, Head-Up Display, VAQ Limited-Slip Differential, GTI-Specific Drive Modes and more.
The Golf GTi is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which puts out 265 hp of power and 370Nm torque. It comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends power to the front wheels only. VW claims the sporty hatchback can sprint from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kph.
Tata Altroz facelift
Next is the Tata Altroz facelift. This marks the first mid-cycle update for the popular premium hatchback since its launch in 2020. Although the engine lineup is expected to stay the same, the 2025 version will bring notable enhancements to both its exterior styling and interior features, aiming to keep the model fresh and competitive in its segment. The facelifted Altroz will receive a redesigned front end with a sleeker grille, new LED headlamps, and repositioned DRLs. Updated alloy wheels will be added, and while rear changes are expected to be minimal, they aim to refine the hatchback’s overall appearance.
Inside, the key update is a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo. A larger touchscreen with a new interface, redesigned dashboard, updated AC controls, and a revised centre console are also planned to improve functionality and cabin appeal. Feature additions may include ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and potentially six airbags as standard, enhancing safety and convenience.
The engine range remains the same: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel, along with a CNG variant using a twin-cylinder layout. Transmission options are expected to include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT, depending on the variant.