Improved performance and redesigned looks of new vehicles have increased satisfaction among the owners with Maruti Wagon R, Esteem, Honda City, Toyota Corolla and Tata Safari leading JD Power's automotive performance, execution and layout study.

Owner's delight with new vehicles in domestic automobile industry has improved for the sixth consecutive year largely due to new models, extra features and improved performance.

"With more than one-third of all models included in the study being new or redesigned, consumers are responding with high levels of satisfaction with the vehicles they purchased," JD Power Asia-Pacific manager Mohit Arora said in a statement.

A steady flow of new and redesigned model launches had a positive impact on consumer appeal, he added.

In the premium compact car category, Wagon R topped the chart followed by Hyundai Santro and Maruti's Zen.

Esteem stood first in the entry-level mid-size car while Ford's Ikon, and Tata Indigo trailed behind at the number two and three slots respectively.

In the mid-size segment, Honda City was followed by Maruti Baleno and Hyundai's Accent.

Toyota's Corolla was followed by Chevrolet Optra, and Skoda Octavia in the premium mid-size segment.