ICOTY 2025 Contenders Announced: Mahindra Thar Roxx, Maruti Suzuki Swift, MG Windsor and More

The contenders for the 20th edition of the ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) award have been announced, showcasing a diverse range of vehicles from leading automakers. Among the prominent names are the Mahindra Thar Roxx, an exciting new variant of the popular SUV, and the Maruti Suzuki Swift, a perennial favourite in the compact hatchback segment. Additionally, the MG Windsor, an anticipated MPV, has garnered attention with its spacious design and modern features. These models, along with other contenders, represent the latest advancements in automotive technology, design, and performance, making the upcoming ICOTY 2025 award race an exciting one. 

The finalists have been selected by 20 esteemed judges from prominent publications, including Dhruv Behl, Chairman of ICOTY, and Ishan Raghava, Secretary of ICOTY, involved in the process. The winners will be announced next month. Meanwhile, here’s an overview of the selected contenders.

Also Read: ICOTY 2025 Premium Car Contenders Announced: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Maybach EQS, BYD Seal and More

Mahindra Thar Roxx (Rs 12.99 Lakh to Rs 22.49 Lakh, ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Thar Roxx went on sale in India in August this year. The design elements include LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), a body-coloured six-slat grille, sturdy bumpers, rear door-mounted handles, 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a spare tyre mounted on the tailgate, circular fog lights, and rectangular LED taillights.

It can be had either with a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol or a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel. The transmission choices include a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed torque converter automatic. While the petrol models are only available with rear-wheel drive, the diesel version also offers a 4x4 drivetrain with a low-range transfer case for improved off-road capability. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift (Rs 6.49 Lakh to Rs 9.59 Lakh, ex-showroom)

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift arrived on the market in May and is available in five variants – LXi, VXi, VXi (O) ZXi, and ZXi+. The redesigned model retains its classic Swift appeal while featuring several notable upgrades. These include LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, a glossy black grille, diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen, and cruise control. Although the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,450mm, the 2024 model is 15mm longer, 40mm narrower, and 30mm taller than its predecessor.

Under the hood, the Swift offers a Z-series 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 80bhp at 5,700rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4,300rpm, slightly less than the previous K-Series engine. The engine comes with two transmission options: a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. Claimed fuel efficiency stands at 25.75km/l for the automatic and 24.80km/l for the manual.

MG Windsor (Rs 13.50 Lakh to Rs 15.50 Lakh, ex-showroom)

Available in Excite, Essence, and Exclusive variants, the model houses an IP67-rated 38kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a 332-kilometre claimed range. The battery sends power to a permanent magnet synchronous motor and can be charged in 55 minutes using a DC fast charger with a capacity of up to 45kW. The motor is tuned to develop 134bhp and 220Nm of peak torque.

Under BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service), the MG Windsor EV is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 11.99 lakh, with Rs 3.5/km. The car as a whole can be had at a starting price of Rs 13.50 lakh. The prices are ex-showroom.

BYD eMAX 7 (Rs 26.90 Lakh to Rs 29.90 Lakh, ex-showroom)

The BYD eMAX 7 comes with two battery options: a 55.4kWh unit and a 71.8kWh unit. Both battery packs are paired with a single motor but deliver different power outputs—160bhp for the smaller battery and 201bhp for the larger one. Despite the difference in power, torque remains consistent at 310Nm for both variants.

The 55.4kWh battery provides a driving range of 420 kilometers, while the 71.8kWh version extends the range to 530 kilometers. The smaller battery is offered with the Premium variant, whereas the larger battery is reserved for the higher-end Superior variant.

Citroen Basalt (Rs 7.99 Lakh to Rs 13.83 Lakh, ex-showroom)

The Citroen Basalt, built on the Stellantis Smart Car Platform, is the brand’s fourth offering in our market under the C-Cubed programme and sits above its platform sibling, the C3. It offers two engine options: a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine. The turbo-petrol unit generates 108bhp and 205Nm of torque, while the NA engine delivers 81bhp and 115Nm. The NA variant comes exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, whereas the turbo-petrol version is available with both a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Additionally, the Basalt features a fully independent suspension system and offers three ride modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – for a versatile driving experience.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire (Rs 6.79 Lakh to Rs 10.14 Lakh, ex-showroom)

Out of all the models in this list, the new-gen Dzire is the most recent one to debut in our market. The sedan can be had in four variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. The VXi and ZXi trims also come with a CNG option. Propelling the 2024 model is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z-series engine, the same unit found in the Swift.

The petrol version generates 80bhp and 112Nm of peak torque, while the CNG variant produces 69bhp and 101.8Nm. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT.

Tata Curvv/Curvv EV (Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 21.99 Lakh, ex-showroom)

The Tata Curvv ICE offers three engine options: the new 1.2-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol (Hyperion), the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (Revotron), and the 1.5-litre diesel. The Hyperion engine produces 123bhp at 5,000rpm and 225Nm of torque between 1,700 and 3,500rpm.

The other two engines, already seen in the Nexon, generate 118bhp and 170Nm (turbo-petrol) and 116bhp and 260Nm (diesel). All engines are paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Also Read: ICOTY 2025 Green Car Contenders Revealed: BYD Seal, BMW i5, Tata Curvv EV and More

The EV version offers two battery options: a 40.5kWh pack for lower trims and a 55kWh pack for higher variants. Both configurations feature a 165bhp electric motor, enabling the Curvv EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 160km/h.

Tata Punch EV (Rs 9.99 Lakh to Rs 14.29 Lakh, ex-showroom)

Tata's second electric SUV, the Punch EV, is available in five main variants: Smart, Smart +, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+. It offers two powertrain options: Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR). The MR variant is equipped with a 25kWh battery, providing a range of 315km (MIDC), while the LR variant comes with a larger 35kWh battery that offers a range of 421km (MIDC) on a single charge.

Both variants are powered by permanent magnet synchronous motors, but the MR version produces less power (81bhp) compared to the LR variant (120bhp). The Punch EV MR accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 13.5 seconds, while the LR variant achieves the same in 9.5 seconds.