India's hottest selling passenger cars in December 2010

The Indian passenger car market is booming like never before. With almost every car major already present in the Indian car market with various models, India is one of the hottest automobile markets in the world.

And despite tough competition, the four car manufacturers who rule the roost in India continue to be Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai.

In the month of December 2010, the Indian car industry posted sales of over 150,000 units and the industry grew by an astounding 25 per cent. The Indian car industry is now the seventh largest car manufacturer in the world.

In the list of top 10 selling cars across segments in December 2010, there are five Maruti models, three Hyundai models, and one each from Mahindras and Tata Motors.

India's domestic passenger car sales jumped by 28.91 per cent to 1,48,681 units in December 2010, compared to 1,15,337 units in the same month in 2009.

According to the figures, released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on Tuesday, motorcycle sales in the country during December 2010 grew by 27.13 per cent to 7,53,358 units from 5,92,589 units in the same month previous year.

Total sale of vehicles across categories registered a growth of 30.51 per cent to 13,05,872 units in December 2010, as against 10,00,562 units in the same month of 2009, it added.

Total sales of commercial vehicles jumped by 27.3 per cent to 61,880 units from 48,611 units in the year-ago period, SIAM said.

Total two-wheeler sales in December 2010 increased by 31.1 per cent to 10,06,545 units from 7,67,789 units in the same period of previous year.

Percentage-wise, the top five carmakers in the country include Maruti with 45 per cent of the total market followed by Tata at 14.84 per cent, Hyundai at 14 per cent, Mahindra at 6.68 per cent and Ford at 3.88 per cent. Three out of the five are mostly India-based carmakers that have been around for several years.

Click on NEXT to check out which were the hottest selling cars in India in 2010. . .

Maruti Alto

In the month of December 2010, Maruti Alto sold 26,937 units and retained its number one spot as the best selling car in India.

According to report, Alto was also the biggest selling car in the world in year 2010. The Maruti Alto beat the sales of every other car model across the world. This is a first for the Indian automobile industry.

The Alto was launched in the Indian market on September 27, 2000.

Since 2006, it is India's largest selling car and crossed the 1 million production figure in February 2008 becoming the 3rd Maruti model to cross the million mark in India after Maruti 800 and Maruti Omni and 4th overall joining Hyundai Santro.

Until the introduction of the K10 Alto, it was powered by a three-cylinder 796 cc gasoline engine with 4 valves per cylinder, MPFI and a 32bit ECM.

All models have a five-speed manual transmission. There also used to be a VX/VXi model with a 4-cylinder 1,061 cc engine (64 bhp/80 Nm torque) launched in April 2001.

All sales figures: Courtesy, SIAM and Team BHP.com.

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Maruti WagonR

Maruti Suzuki launched its all-new Wagon R on April 23, 2010.

This all-new Wagon R is based on a new platform that currently underpins the Wagon R in the Japanese market.

The Wagon R is taller, wider and longer than before and sports new suspension componentry at both the front and the rear.

Power for the new Wagon R will come via the 1.0-litre K Series engine from the A-Star/Estilo with the same 67 bhp of peak power and nearly 10 kgm of peak torque.

It sold 14,434 units in December 2010.

The top three positions went to Maruti, which in total holds about 45 per cent of the total passenger car market in the country.

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Maruti Swift

In the category of B-segment cars, Maruti Swift delivers new quality of power, response and fuel efficiency.

Swift is currently available in three to five-way door opening options.

Maruti Swift not only poses great and stunning looks but the car is fully equipped with a world class technology and advanced features that makes the car a great performer and very economical to run on roads.

Maruti Swift comes in both petrol and diesel version.

The petrol version of the car is packed with 1.2 L, 1197 cc K series engine. The K series engine is packed with 5 Speed Manual Transmission Gearbox and BS IV emission and offers a great performance in terms of power, torque and acceleration.

The diesel version is packed with 1.3L, 1248 cc DDiS engine with % step multi point common rail fuel injection system which offers better combustion and fuel efficiency.

Maruti Swift is packed with many comfort features as well as safety features like power steering, tilt steering, power windows, air bags, electronic brake force distribution and even brake assist.

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Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10 is a premium hatchback segment model.

Equipped with standard features Hyundai i10 proves to be high class car, some standard features are also available on the instrumental panel.

Some of these include tachometer, electronic trip meter, electronic odometer, low fuel warning lamp, and digital clock.

All the variants boast of dual tone beige interiors.

Hyundai i10 is equipped with front power windows and air conditioner with heater in all variants.

It sold 10,794 units in December 2010.

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Maruti Swift Dzire

Maruti Swift Dzire is available in both petrol and diesel version.

The petrol version of the car is packed with 1.2 L, 1197 cc, K-12 series engine.

The K-12 series engine is packed with 5 Speed Manual Transmission and it meets to BS IV emission norms.

The highly powerful engine of Maruti Swift Dzire offers greater fuel efficiency and great performance in terms of power, torque and acceleration.

The diesel version is packed with 1.3L, 1248 cc DDiS engine with 5 step multi point common rail fuel injection system which offers better combustion and fuel efficiency.

This DDiS engine is also equipped with 5 Speed Manual Transmission that offers greater mileage and acceleration to the car.

Maruti Dzire sold 8,601 units in December 2010.

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Maruti Omni

The Maruti Omni is a multi utility van for both business and family.

The family version is available in 5 seater and 8 seater.

The cargo version is completely devoid of back seats. Both versions have sliding back doors and hatchbacks.

The Omni is also unique in a way that it uses a front mid engine rear wheel drive layout, as it helps in maximizing cabin and cargo space and provde maximum traction.

The Omni also has an LPG version.

Maruti Omni sold 7,685 units in December 2010.

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Mahindra Bolero

This utility car has a 2498cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4260(L) X 1815(W) X 1810(H) mm and weights 1615kg.

It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 200mm and 2680mm respectively, and a turning radius of 5.4 meters.

It also comes with a factory fitted air conditioner, heater and has additional features like power steering, wheel covers, tachometer, fog lamps, mud flaps, body colour bumpers, moulded trunk and floor carpets and is available in 5 colours.

The exterior look, especially the bold frontage, the extended bumpers, the two-tone ensemble on the bonnet, the curved tail lights and the innovative running boards is a definite class statement.

In the interior, all the new features - map pockets on the doors, the mobile charging socket, the relocated handbrake, the repositioned mp3/cd player, the huge glove compartment, the moulded lining on the roof, the bucket seats and the ergonomic styling of the drivers console as well as the disposition of the dials and instrumentation all adds up to the 'feel good' ambience this vehicle exudes.

It sold 7,525 units in December 2010.

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Hyundai Santro

Active intelligence technology delivers good mileage and power.

Suspension with stabilisers help in providing better control on the road.

Distributor less ignition System (DIS) provides better fuel efficiency, less emission and more power, with less maintainable cost required.

Hyundai Santro Xing is one of the most popular cars in its segment.

It sold 7,123 units in December 2010.

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Hyundai i20

In the hatchback category of cars Hyundai i20 is a new generation car with large headlamps and fog lamps.

This new Hyundai i20 is even more spacious, stylish having amazing eye catching features.

It is equipped with standard safety features it has ABS, seat belts with pre-tensioner, dual air-bags for the driver and front passanger, auto-unlocking doors.

Hyundai i20 is available in both petrol and diesel option with different variants.

Hyundai i20 is the first hatchback car in the Indian auto market which is packed with 6 Speed Manual Transmission Gearbox in its 1.4 L CRDI engine.

It sold 5,932 units in December 2010.

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Tata Indica

The Tata Indica V2 comes with 1396cc,4 Inline cylinder that develops a max power of 53.5 Ps at 5500 rpm and belts out highest torque of 85 Nm at 2500 rpm.

All the variants of the Tata Indica V2 are mated with 5 speed manual transmission.

The Tata Indica V2 comes with 13 inch of wheel.

The DLS variant of the new entrant, is equipped with 4 spoke powered steering wheel whereas the DLE sports a conventional one.

Tata Indica sold 5,923 units in December 2010.

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Maruti Eeco

All the variants of Maruti Eeco have been priced in the range of Rs 259,000 to Rs 275,000 (as ex-showroom prices in New Delhi).

The brand new Maruti Eeco is assimilated with 1196 cc, BS IV compliant engine that is supported by the new Engine Mangement System that poises fuel competency and execution which makes it powerful performer on Indian roads.

It is composed with a balanced look, bold design and stylish body graphics that makes it groovy too.

It is available in 6 appealing colors; metallic midnight balck, mettalic blue blaze, bright red, mettalic glistening grey, mettalic silky silver and superior white.

It sold 5,862 units in December 2010.

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Tata Nano

After Maruti, the second largest carmaker of the country is Tata Motors, which saw its tiny wonder Tata Nano selling 5,784 units to become the second-best selling Tata car.

Tata Nano has been launched with five variants with both BSII and BSIII norms compliant variants. Its base variant is available in three colors Racing Red, Ivory White and Summer Blue.

Tata Nano has a steel body, made to provide a strong passenger compartment with many safety features which includes crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass is attached to the body of the car.

The engine is a multi-fuel injection petrol type.

It is said that Tata Nano has pollution level lower than the two-wheelers which are manufactured in India.

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Tata Indigo

Tata Indigo is one of the most popular sedan model of the Indian auto market.

The car is available with six variants which are priced with the highly competitive price tag.

Tata Indigo sold 5,234 units to be in the top 10 list.

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Maruti Ritz

Maruti Ritz is available in both petrol and diesel version.

The petrol version of the car is packed with 1.2 L, 1197 cc K -12 series engine.

The K-12 series engine is packed with 5 Speed Manual Transmission Gearbox and BS IV emission.

The highly powerful engine of Maruti Ritz offers a maximum power of 85 PS at 6000 rpm and a torque of 113 Nm at 4500 rpm.

The diesel version of Maruti Ritz is packed with 1.3L, 1248 cc DDiS engine with 5 Manual Transmission Gearbox that offers greater mileage and acceleration to the car.

This DDiS engine is very fuel efficiency and offers an impressive power of 75 PS at 4000 rpm and a torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm.

It sold 5,188 units in December 2010.

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Honda City

The new Honda City comes with a 1.5L, 1497cc, i-VTEC engine with four cylinders and 16 valves.

Further the 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts offers much more convenience in handling the car.

The unique Paddle Shift gear transmission option make you able to switch gears without using the clutch pedal.

Honda City is available in three variants with both manual and automatic gear transmission and in six exciting colours.

It sold 4,380  units in December 2010.

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Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova is the most popular Multi Utility Vehicle in the Indian market.

It has an all-new body with a lean, stylish shape that offers more interior and luggage room, engines that are more powerful yet more fuel-efficient and an all-new chassis and suspension.

The petrol version of Toyota Innova comes with a 1998cc, 16-Valve DOHC WTi petrol engine that produces 132PS power at 5600rpm and 181NM torque at 4000rpm while the diesel version of Toyota Innova comes with a 2494cc, 16-Valve DOHC diesel engine that produces 102PS power at 3600rpm and 200NM torque at 1400-3400rpm.

The petrol variant of Toyota Innova is compatible with CNG.

It sold 4,077  units in December 2010.

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Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra Scorpio comes in diesel engine in four different variants.

It is packed with many advanced safety features that offers a very safe drive and can tackle the unexpected surprises that come in your way.

Some of the safety features are ABS (Anti lock Braking System), Dual Airbags, Cruise Control, EBD, collapsible steering column, etc.

The style and class of Mahindra Scorpio is outstanding.

The only way to know more about this extremely high performed car is to experience it.

It sold 4,036 units in December 2010.

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Maruti Zen Estilo

Maruti Zen Estilo has a look of miniaturised family van because of its smooth flowing, simple lines and the mono form design.

It comes with plush, premium interiors. It is available in four variants priced between Rs 320,201 and Rs 406,997 (for non-metallic shade-metallic shade price is a little higher).

Zen Estilo is roomier than the previous model Zen and sports 1.0L, 998cc, KB Series petrol engine.

Zen Estilo is longer and offers more boot space and superior air conditioning. It delivers 64 bhp and its low-end torque makes it ideal for Indian city conditions.

It sold 3,769 units in December 2010.

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Volkswagen Vento

German auto major Volkswagen launched its mid-sized sedan, Vento, priced between Rs 699,000 and Rs 923,000 in the Indian market in September.

The new Vento has been introduced in 1.6-litre petrol and diesel variants. This is the company's seventh model in India.

Volkswagen Vento is a car for the next generation that wants style, advanced technology, power, and comfort all in one package.

It sold 3,160 units in December 2010.

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Mahindra Xylo

Mahindra XYLO, from Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd which is the market leader in utility vehicles, is a complete car with luxury comforts to enter the Indian market with everything that today's sedans offer and much more.

Available at 57 select Mahindra dealerships in January and another 44 dealerships from February, the base model of XYLO is priced at Rs 655,500.

Xylo's unique features include flat bed front seats; digital drive assist system; foldable flight trays; surround cool dual ACs; captain seats, etc.

XYLO is available in four exciting variants and eight elegant shades including Fiery Black, Mist Silver, Mint Green, Lucky Lilac, Gold Shimmer, Toreador Red, Java Brown and Rocky Beige.

All XYLO variants conform to stringent BS III emission norms.

The Xylo sold 2,720 units in December 2010.

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Chevrolet Spark

General Motors India's Chevrolet Spark has been a tremendously popular car in India.

The Chevrolet Spark petrol version is available in one engine option that is a 1.0 Litre, 8 V, SOHC Smart-Tec engine which ; the mill is incorporated with several innovative technologies including Dual Distributor Less Ignition System (DDLI), Sequential MPFI, Advanced Optical Sensor and Motorized Throttle Intake System (MTIS).

The Smart-Tec powertrain increases the max engine power and toruqe that result in zippy pick-up and performance. It also ensures engine operation to be smooth, noiseless, fuel efficient, powerful, reliable and maintenance free.

GM sold 2,688 units of Chevrolet Spark in December 2010.

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Maruti A-Star

It is powered by a KB series 998cc, three-cylinder, 12 valve, DOHC unit that generates maximum power of 67 PS at 6200 rpm and a top torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm.

Recently, the company also launched the car's automatic transmission version in the market and with this it hinted towards a new trend developing in the automatic hatchback segment.

The car has a four-speed automatic transmission, which promises higher acceleration and performance whereas other variants of the car come with a manual five-speed gearbox.

The KB10 engine of the Maruti A Star is designed to get more power value and nimble acceleration.

Maruti A-Star sold 2,564 units in December 2010.

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Chevrolet Beat

Chevrolet Beat is a stylish premium hatchback car which will features stylish and funky exteriors with its large raked headlamps, body coloured bumper, body coloured door handles and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), bold and aggressive front grille.

The Chevrolet Beat is available in three variants. All three variants are powered by the same capacity engine but they differ in terms luxuries and other features.

All three variants of Chevrolet Beat are equipped with the 1.2L, 1199cc, 16Valve DOHC petrol engine that produces 80.5PS of maximum power with 108Nm of maximum torque and delivers excellent engine performance.

GM sold 2,517 units of Chevrolet Beat in December 2010.

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Volkswagen Polo

Following the successful debut of the 1.2-L Polo in March in India, the largest car European car manufacturer Volkswagen recently rolled out a higher variant of the hatchback with an initial price tag of Rs 616,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi).

The new 1.6 L Polo comes with a 4-cylinder petrol engine and is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box and is claimed to have a fuel efficiency of 15.96 km/litre.

The Polo sold 2,356 units in December 2010.

Manufactured at the company's Chakan (Pune) plant, the new Polo is available to customers immediately, the company said.

The company launched the 1.2-L Polo in March 2010 with a price tag of Rs 4.8 lakh. Besides the Polo, Volkswagen currently assembles (at the Aurangabad plant) Jetta and the Passat and offers the imported New Beetle, SUV Touareg, Phaeton, and Vento.

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Ford Figo

Its stylish look, exciting interior and exterior features and other advanced features with comparatively low price tag, woos the masses and even class.

The petrol version of Ford Figo is powered by the all new 1.2L petrol engine which produces 71Ps of maximum power and 102 Nm of peak torque while the diesel version of Ford Figo comes loaded with the company's popular 1.4L, Duratorq diesel engine.

Ford Figo comes in four variants, and it sold 1,881 units in December 2010.

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