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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Though 2013 was not the best year for auto sales, the industry witnessed some launches that can be easily termed as game changers.

These cars set the bar higher for quality, design and pricing, and helped automakers rake in a good moolah.

Let’s look at the 'golden products' that acted as 'saviour' not only for many automakers but also for the whole industry.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Honda Amaze

When it was announced that Honda is planning to introduce a mid-sized sedan, for the first time ever, in diesel fuel trim, people across the nation went berserk.

It was offered as the country's most fuel efficient vehicle with fuel economy of 25.8 kmpl in diesel fuel trim.

It turned the mid-sized segment upside down, which at that point of time, was ruled by the country's leading automaker, Maruti's glorious sedan, Swift DZire.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Initial advance bookings of 3-4 months made it emerge triumphant in this highly competitive segment.

Moreover, it proved to be a Swift DZire killer and till now, it is ruling this segment, unambiguously.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

It was an evolutionary product from Honda and a clear reflection of Honda's 'Man Maximum, Machine Minimum' philosophy; the enormous boot and interior spaciousness are cases in point.

It was the lightest vehicle in its class and the i-DTEC diesel engine delivered an impeccable power of around 100 bhp.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Ford EcoSport

Touted as a one-of-its-kind product, Ford EcoSport took the Indian auto industry by storm.

This was highly anticipated ever since it was announced that Ford is bringing the SUV to India.

It proved to be a game-changer for the company as it went on to record tremendous sales, leaving behind its contemporaries, Renault Duster and Maruti Ertiga.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Its aggressive pricing, sophisticated interiors, whopping space, top-notch safety features, class-leading fuel economy and numerous variants among others, contributed to its great success in India.

It lured many auto-enthusiasts back to Ford, which again tasted the same success that it tasted with the Figo.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

It is not only the best-selling vehicle in its own segment but is also is chipping away with buyers from the hatchback and sedan segments too.

The universally acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which weighs a mere 93kgs, produces 125 bhp and at the same time, delivers 19 kmpl which is just incredible.

This compact SUV really lived up to the people's expectations and can easily be termed the best product currently available in Ford's arsenal.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Hyundai Grand i10

Projected as the 'Next Big Thing', the Hyundai Grand i10 created a rage across the nation upon its arrival.

Hyundai, the country's second largest auto-maker, launched it with both petrol and diesel fuel trims and it acted superbly in its favour as piles of advance bookings made a beeline, even before its launch.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Rear A/C vents, height adjustable driver's seat, reversing camera, electronically adjustable ORVMs, etc. were some of the salient features that were noticed for the first time in such a budget-friendly car.

Hyundai's imperious legacy also worked wonders for it as it concealed the hatchback segment completely from its rival Maruti Swift, Ford Figo, Honda Brio and Chevrolet beat, leaving them way behind.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Also, the class leading fuel economy of 24 kmpl (for diesel variant) wooed the auto-freaks and they opted for this vehicle rather than its contemporaries.

Subsequently, Hyundai sales charts topped among all the manufacturers and it finally returned the much needed prestige and glory to the Indian auto-sector which was not faring well at that point of time.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Mercedes-Benz A Class

It is often said that, ‘risks pay off’, yet, very few are daring enough to take risks, fearing failure.

At a time when other luxury car makers were busy unveiling premium saloons, extravagant coupes, sturdy SUVs, Mercedes-Benz, the leading German auto-giant, gambled by launching the dynamic Mercedes-Benz A Class in India, to mark its presence in the entry-level hatchback segment, which was largely ignored by luxury auto-makers.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

Unbelievably, it gave new a recognition to Mercedes-Benz among car enthusiasts in India.

It launched the A Class at a decent price of Rs. 22 Lakhs, despite being a CBU and it resulted in making it the cheapest luxury car available in India.

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4 car launches of 2013 that drove buyers crazy

December 27, 2013 10:41 IST

It received more than 400 advance bookings prior to its launch, which is the highest till date, for any model of Mercedes.

The fuel economy of 20 kmpl also impressed the public a lot and with all those innovative and user-friendly gadgets inside the cabin, it became one of the most sought-after vehicles in India.

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