After a four-year hiatus, the NADA Auto Show roared back to life in 2023, and this year’s spectacle was truly electrifying – quite literally, as the show was abuzz with electric vehicles (EVs). From compact family cars to sporty models, lightweight electric scooters to classic petrol-powered bikes, the 2023 auto-expo had something for everyone.
In a noticeable departure from previous editions, electric vehicles dominated the scene, though the familiar rumble of traditional engines could still be sensed in the corners.
What was unusual, however, was the absence of major brands like Hero, Yamaha, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Renault, Jeep, Honda, Volkswagen, Skoda, Isuzu, Subaru, Peugeot, Mazda, and BMW, who chose not to participate in the NADA Auto Show 2023.
Nevertheless, the event showcased a plethora of exciting new vehicles that demand attention. Here are some of the standout attractions from the NADA Auto Show 2023:
| Sn | Model |
| 1 | TATA Tiago EV and TATA Punch |
| 2 | Mahindra Scorpio N |
| 3 | Hyundai Exter |
| 4 | Seres Mini EV and Seres 3 |
| 5 | Citroen C3 and Citroen EC3 |
| 6 | Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Fronx |
| 7 | Maxus MIFA 9 |
| 8 | Nissan Magnite AMT, Nissan Navara Pro 4X and Nissan Leaf |
| 9 | Kia Sportage X-Line |
| 10 | Wuling Air EV |
| 11 | GWM Ora 03 EV |
| 12 | MG4 EV, MG ZS EV and the MG Comet EV |
| 13 | Ford Next Gen Everest, Ford Next Gen Ranger and Ford Next Gen Raptor Ranger |
| 14 | BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal |
| 15 | Neta S, Neta U Pro and Neta GT |
TATA Tiago EV and TATA Punch
TATA took center stage by unveiling two remarkable cars – the TATA Tiago EV and the TATA Punch. The Tiago EV, much-anticipated for its affordability, has already made a splash in Nepal with the TATA Nexon. Priced competitively within its segment, the Tiago EV offers five variants ranging from Rs 2.199 million to Rs 2.799 million. Its impressive range spans from 250 to 320 kilometers, depending on battery and motor capacity.
The TATA Punch, a sub-compact SUV, made its debut at the show and offers a stylish and rugged alternative in the category. Available in four variants, its price range starts at Rs 3.399 million and goes up to Rs 4.349 million.
Mahindra Scorpio N
The legendary Mahindra Scorpio, a ubiquitous presence on Nepali roads, introduced its new model, the Scorpio N, at the NADA Auto Show 2023. Launched in March with price details unveiled in July, the Scorpio N boasts a modern design featuring a striking front grille, sharp LED headlamps, and a robust body. This SUV has garnered significant attention and can already be spotted on the streets alongside the older Scorpio versions and the Mahindra XUV700, both on display at the show.
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Nepal provided a sneak peek of its upcoming vehicle, the Hyundai Exter, set to launch during the festive season. The Exter, a sub-compact SUV introduced in India in July 2023, boasts Hyundai’s fresh design and is based on the Hyundai Venue platform. Offering various variants and expected to fit within the mid-range price category, the Exter represents an exciting addition to Hyundai’s lineup.
Other noteworthy Hyundai models showcased at the event include the Hyundai Grand i10, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, and the 2022 World Car of the Year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Seres Mini EV and Seres 3
A new player, Seres, entered the Nepali market with two distinct electric models – the Seres 3 and the Seres Mini EV, both popular choices in Europe. The Seres Mini EV, a compact electric hatchback launched in China in 2020, offers an affordable city car option with ranges of 180 to 220 kilometers, depending on the variant. Prices range from Rs 1.399 million to Rs 1.799 million.
The Seres 3, an SUV, comes in two options priced at Rs 4.799 million and Rs 4.99 million. Both options provide an NEDC range of 405 kilometers and differ in premium features and safety offerings.
Citroen C3 and EC3
Citroen Nepal showcased three models at the NADA Auto Show 2023: the Citroen C5 Aircross, the Citroen C3, and the electric version, the Citroen eC3. The Citroen eC3 attracted significant attention for being an EV at an attractive price point. This all-electric subcompact hatchback offers two options priced at Rs 3.299 million and Rs 3.499 million.
The luxurious C5 Aircross, available in a single model in Nepal, is priced at Rs 13.5 million.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki made waves at the NADA Auto Show 2023 with the introduction of the Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Fronx. The spotlight was on the Suzuki Jimny, which has garnered mixed reactions in Nepal and India. Pricing for the Suzuki Jimny starts from Rs 5.999 million and varies by variant.
The Suzuki Fronx, a compact SUV, ranges in price from Rs 3.999 million to Rs 4.299 million, while the Brezza starts at Rs 4.499 million and goes up to Rs 5.729 million. The Grand Vitara, another offering from Suzuki, ranges from Rs 5.999 million to Rs 9.729 million in Nepal.
Maxus MIFA 9
Maxus MIFA 9, a spacious 7-seater electric MPV, graced the NADA Auto Show 2023. Originally unveiled in China in 2022, it’s the first vehicle constructed on Maxus’s innovative MIFA platform. This electric MPV boasts an impressive claimed range of around 500 kilometers on a single charge and features sleek, sharp edges that exude a cool aesthetic.
Maxus also displayed the T60 pickup truck, available in Nepal for Rs 7.799 million.
Nissan Magnite AMT, Nissan Navara Pro 4X, and Nissan Leaf
Nissan introduced the automatic manual transmission version of the popular Nissan Magnite at the NADA Auto Show 2023. The Magnite is a sporty SUV gaining traction in Nepal. Another highlight was the Nissan Navara Pro 4X, a pickup truck slowly attracting attention, priced at Rs 12.5 million. Nissan also showcased its electric hatchback, the Nissan Leaf, with a range of about 311 kilometers and a price tag of Rs 6.499 million. The Nissan Kicks was also on display.
Kia Sportage X-Line
Kia launched the 5th-generation Sportage X-Line in Nepal at the NADA Auto Show 2023. This model features a muscular design characterized by a distinctive grille and futuristic lighting elements. Inside, the Sportage X-Line blends luxury and tech innovation. It offers a 2.0L petrol engine, advanced features, and ample space with 466 liters of boot space. Kia also exhibited the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sorento alongside the Sportage X-Line.
Wuling Air EV
Another compact electric car showcased at the NADA Auto Show 2023 was the Wuling Air EV. It comes in two options: standard range and long range, offering ranges of 200 kilometers and 300 kilometers, respectively. Prices start at Rs 2.499 million and go up to Rs 3.099 million, depending on the variant. The Wuling Air EV, launched in December 2022, has received a positive response.
GWM Ora 03 EV
GWM (Great Wall Motors) presented three cars at the NADA Auto Show 2023: the Haval 6, the Haval Jolion, and the GWM Ora 03 EV. The star of the show was undoubtedly the GWM Ora 03 EV, a hatchback electric car loved for its dual-tone color scheme both inside and out. Priced at Rs 4.749 million, it offers a maximum range of about 400 kilometers.
MG4 EV, MG ZS EV, and MG Comet EV
MG introduced its new electric car, the MG4 EV, in Nepal. After undergoing testing, it made its official debut at the NADA Auto Show 2023. This electric hatchback is based on MG’s modular, scalable platform (MSP) and comes in two variants: Comfort and Luxury, priced at Rs 4.149 million and Rs 5.899 million, respectively.
The MG ZS EV, available in three variants with five color options, was another highlight. Additionally, the MG Comet EV, essentially the Wuling Air EV with MG badges, offers varying battery capacity and motor power.
Ford Next Gen Everest, Ford Next Gen Ranger, and Ford Next Gen Raptor Ranger
Ford showcased its popular SUVs and pickup trucks, including the Next-Gen Ford Everest, Next-Gen Ford Ranger, and Next-Gen Ranger Raptor, at the NADA Auto Show 2023.
The next-generation Everest boasts improved space and comfort, priced at Rs 24 million. The next-generation Ford Ranger, a beloved pickup truck, features a new design and specs. With three variants, its pricing ranges from Rs 11.090 million to Rs 15.29 million. The ultimate pickup truck, the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, is available in one variant for Rs 22.1 million.
BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal
One of the most anticipated cars at the NADA Auto Show 2023 was the BYD Dolphin. Priced at Rs 3.980 million, it offers impressive specifications and comes in four different color options.
Another offering from BYD was the sleek BYD Seal, an electric car with multiple variants and a range spanning from 500 to 700 kilometers.
Neta S, Neta U Pro, and Neta GT
Neta showcased some of the most exciting cars at the NADA Auto Show 2023. The Neta S, Neta U Pro, and Neta GT were standout attractions. The Neta S, making its debut in the sedan segment, offers three variants, an impressive range of up to 715 kilometers, and a power output of 340 kW. However, it won’t be available in the Nepal market immediately.
The sporty electric coupe, the Neta GT, offers a range of up to 580 kilometers. It comes in both RWD and 4WD versions with power outputs ranging from 170 kW to 340 kW.
The Neta U Pro, an electric SUV, stood out as a significant highlight and is expected to debut in Nepal soon.
Neta V
Neta’s currently available model in Nepal, the Neta V, was also on display at the show, completing the impressive lineup at the NADA Auto Show 2023.