2016 has seen a lot of interesting car launches, right from entry-level hatchbacks to supercars. Here’s a list of a few that were game changers this year
1.) Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza:
After a long wait, Maruti Suzuki finally entered the compact SUV segment with the launch of the Vitara Brezza. Although a bit late to join the party, the Manesar-based car maker seems to have the ingredients just right. The Brezza looks attractive, has good enough space and more importantly wearing the Maruti Suzuki badge, reliability is a given. At around 6000-7000 units a month, initial sales of the Brezza were average, but the car has now gained popularity among the masses and has been registering over 9,000 units for the last 5 months. The Brezza is on sale only with a diesel engine as of now, but Maruti is expected to being in a petrol avatar by March 2017. The compact SUV also been widely appreciated by journalists across the country and has recently been awarded the coveted 2017 Indian Car of the year title.
2.) Tata Tiago: Subsequent to a lot of controversy with regards to its name, Tata motors brought in the Indica replacement as Tiago. The hatchback is the huge leap forward from Tata in terms of quality thanks to which it has been fairly well received in the market. Good space, a long list of features, reasonably refined motors and aggressive makes the Tiago an interesting option in its space. Since its launch, the Tiago has been the best-selling model for Tata registering around 5,000-6,000 units each month. Interestingly, the Tiago makes about 40 per cent of the overall sales for the Sanand-based car maker.
3.) Toyota Innova Crysta / Fortuner: Getting into the MPV space is tricky business, but Toyota seems to have got the formula absolutely spot on. They hit the nail right on the head when they first launched the Innova, and they seem to have done it again with the new-generation Innova Crysta. Enhancing the luxury quotient, adding more features while packing more punch and offering a petrol engine option, has made the Innova Crysta an unbeatable package in the MPV space. Some might say that the Innova Crysta is an expensive proposition, but when you consider the comfort and peace of mind it offers, the additional sum surely seems worth it. Expectantly, since its launch, the Innova Crysta has been the best-selling model for Toyota. Aside from the Innova, Toyota also introduced the second-generation Fortuner. Progressing from the previous generation model, the new Fortuner is thoroughly modern, much more refined than its predecessor and is the only SUV in its class to come with a petrol engine option.
4.) Ford Endeavour / Mustang: Due to the absence of timely updates, the Ford Endeavour had lost a lot of steam in India. But with the launch of the new-generation model in January they have once again got the ball rolling. The Endeavour offers ample of space, is tech loaded and comes with two reasonable engine options. Not to mention the Terrain Management System giving it impressive off-roading capabilities. Quality, fit and finish of the interior is hugely improved too. And above all, its design is just what you’d expect from an American SUV – its big, brawny and has just enough chrome to give it intimidating presence. Aside from the Endeavour, Ford managed to raise a lot of eyebrows with the pricing of the Mustang. Priced at Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom) it is the most affordable V8 in the market currently and then of course this is the first time the Pony is officially being sold in India.
5.) Nissan GT-R: When talking about official debut, it is hard to leave the Nissan GT-R out of the conversation. Lunched at Rs 1.99 crore, the GT-R is indeed one of the most savage supercars in the market currently. Updated design, improved ride, more power and better refinement makes the GT-R more desirable than ever before. It is the kind of perfection that enthusiasts with deep pockets would willingly splurge on. A classic example of Japanese perfection, every GT-R motor is built by skilled craftsmen who have earned the nick name, Takumi masters. The Godzilla’s official arrival in India speaks volumes about the way the Indian automotive space is growing.
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