Yet another year comes to an end and as always we have seen a slew of car launches and some most expected launches, too. There’s always the good, bad and ugly about the launches and we list some of the good ones here in no specific order.
Tata Nexon
Tata Motors has had a very busy year with three all-new car launches in three very different segments. Tata started 2017 with a big bang by launching Tata Hexa in the SUV/MPV segment and followed it with an exciting Tata Tigor in the sub-compact sedan crowd. But it saved its best for the last. Tata Nexon found itself among the happening under-4-metre compact SUV segment and was able to stand on its own thanks to its design and performance figures.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Maruti Suzuki Dzire was one of the bestselling cars in India and the new generation not only brought in an all new design but created new sales records. The new Dzire has been selling more than 30,000 units every month since its launch and it doesn’t look like the stampede is going to stop anytime soon. The Dzire has turned a new leaf both inside and out, through a premium design and great features.
Jeep Compass
Jeep landed in India with the Grand Cherokee and the iconic Wrangler, but the brand got nationwide recognition and approval of the masses only with the help of its youngest SUV, Jeep Compass. It has proved to be a bestseller in the segment with over 10,000 bookings already. The incredible introductory pricing really helped the Compass get a jumpstart and it seems that the Compass is leading the right way for itself and for the brand.
Renault Captur
The tagline of 'capturing your senses' fits perfectly for Renault Captur, for that’s how it looks and appeals to you. The Captur doesn’t look like any SUV in its segment, despite being based on the same platform as Renault Duster. It’s funky in design both inside and out. Things like 17-inch wheels, 210 mm ground clearance and thick claddings highlight the SUV characteristics. You can also choose from personalisation packs, interior finishes, roof crowner designs and add-ons to make your Captur unique.
Honda WR-V
Even Honda wouldn’t have expected the success of WR-V to this extent. The WR-V has even beaten the Honda City in sales a couple of times. Unlike the other hatchback-in-crossover clothing, the WR-V has received significant changes and upgrades than the Jazz it is based upon. Honda has given the WR-V major design tweaks to make it look bulkier and has also retuned the suspension to suit the character.
Land Rover Discovery
The fifth generation Land Rover Discovery was launched with much fanfare and the British carmaker launched the SUV in a unique event. The new Disco is lighter by 480 kg and gets an all new sleeker design compared to the previous generation boxy car. Land Rover has been campaigning for its petrol-powered cars and here, too, the Discovery gets both petrol and diesel engine options.
BMW 5 Series
5 Series is an important product of BMW’s portfolio and the older car has been facing some stiff competition especially from the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. BMW brought the new generation 5 Series, pricing it competitively to make it a better deal. With features like remote control parking and gesture control, the 5 Series is high on both fun and practicality.
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen brought back the Passat in its sharpest ever avatar. The new Passat looks great and is the latest entrant to the not-so-hot premium segment. Space is on par with the likes of the E-Class and 5 Series while not as heavy on your wallet. German build quality and the best use of materials is what set apart the Passat from its competition.
Skoda Kodiaq
Kodiaq marked Skoda’s re-entry into the SUV game in India after the discontinued Yeti. It may not have the road presence of the likes of Toyota Fortuner or Ford Endeavour, but Kodiaq gets a more contemporary theme. Being the company’s first 7-seat SUV, the Big Czech has enough space to seat all the passengers in reasonable comfort. Skoda Kodiaq comes only in a diesel engine—automatic transmission combo—and that’s good enough for the customers it targets.
Hyundai Verna
Hyundai took away the Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) award this year for the fifth time thanks to the new gen Hyundai Verna. The Verna scored over many cars in this list to take away the ICOTY 2018 trophy. Verna has always been a bestseller but new iteration of City posed a threat, but the fifth generation Hyundai Verna has got over 26,000 bookings and has already become the segment leader.
