Rajesh Karkera and Hitesh Harisinghani set out to test drive the new CNG versions of Tata Tiago and Tigor, and come away impressed.
India is a market for low-priced cars with low running costs. The global majors don't have models that fit the bill; only Maruti and Hyundai have successful entry-level models, observes T N Ninan.
The Carens is a warning for cars such as the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova Crista and Mahindra XUV 700, because Kia punches much harder than others in its weight category.
Tata Motors recently announced the launch of 'Dark' edition models of the Harrier, the Nexon, the Nexon EV and its premium hatchback, the Altroz. The 'Dark' editions add a premium touch to its existing models. In 2019, Tata Motors launched the Harrier in its 'Dark' avatar to customers looking for a bold, sophisticated and stylish SUV.
The company had launched the Yaris in May 2018 at a price range of Rs 8.75 lakh and Rs 14.07 lakh (ex-showroom), competing with the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. However, it didn't have a robust response in the market, clocking a cumulative wholesales of around 19,800 units.
The list clearly shows the dominance of Maruti and Hyundai in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
While commercial vehicles are expected to benefit from strong replacement demand, the two-wheeler and tractor segments are expected to gain from a recovery in the rural economy.
While the latest, fourth-generation Swift makes no pretence of being a performance car or the last word in luxury, what it does stand for is amply evident, notes Pavan Lall.
The new 1.2 L turbocharged petrol BS6 engine, which is borrowed from the Tata Nexon, takes the petrol version of the Altroz from a mere 86PS of power to a much needed 110PS of power, finds Rajesh Karkera.
The Baleno is a runaway hit for Maruti Suzuki with delivery wait extending to six months.
Tata Motors on Wednesday forayed into the CNG segment with the launch of Tiago and Tigor trims, priced between Rs 6.09 lakh and Rs 8.41 lakh respectively (ex-showroom Delhi). The Tiago iCNG range is priced between Rs 6.09 lakh and Rs 7.64 lakh while the three variants of Tigor iCNG are tagged at Rs 7.69 lakh, Rs 8.29 lakh and Rs 8.41 lakh respectively. With the launch, the homegrown auto major plans to strengthen its position in the CNG market which has been growing at a fast pace. "It is very clear that the CNG segment is going to witness a steep growth over the next few years.
The compact dimensions, fuel efficiency and punchy diesel engine along with the spacious cabin makes the WR-V a perfect car those who want the practicality of a crossover and the freedom of a hatchback.
Maruti's Alto retained the best-selling model tag in January with 22,998 units as against 21,462 in January 2016.
Tata Motors, India's third largest passenger vehicle maker, took pole position in the competitive sport utility vehicle (SUV) market in October, reveals the data from industry sources. Riding high on the Punch - the sub-compact SUV offering launched on October 18 - the Tata group flagship sold a record 23,381 units in October, higher than 20,022 units sold by archrival Mahindra & Mahindra, 18,538 units sold by Hyundai Motor India, and 15,931 units sold by Kia Motors India. Utility vehicles - that include SUVs and multipurpose vehicles - accounted for almost one in every two passenger vehicles sold in India in the first seven months of the current financial year, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
The new tax regime has also been fuelling sale of SUVs, particularly the compact SUVs
High ground clearance, a wide cabin and tall stance all mean that the Carens glides over bad roads with ease and comfort and an engine performance that is adequate in terms of the power of this vehicle, says Pavan Lall.
It's a zippy, well-engineered ride that offers comfort, quality, low cost of ownership and fuel efficiency at affordable prices, says Pavan Lall.
Is it only about choosing the right model and manufacturer? No, there's more to it. Know how to select the ideal car.
Today, automatic cars are reliable, fuel-efficient and easy to maintain
Seven years after it announced Nexa, there's no mistaking the seriousness with which Maruti wants the segment to grow, says Pavan Lall.
The auto major has also invested Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore.
The company, which already has around 66 per cent market share in the hatchback segment and about 50 per cent in the overall domestic passenger vehicle segment, currently sells Vitara Brezza and S-Cross in the SUV segment. In an interaction with PTI, MSI managing director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa acknowledged that there was some lag in launching new products due to the pandemic but the company is now on track regarding new model launches.
Maruti's Alto retained the top position in June with 14,856 units, as against 15,750 units in June last year.
MSI sells a range of models from entry-level hatchback Alto to S-CROSS, priced between Rs 2.99 lakh and Rs 12.39 (ex-showroom prices Delhi) lakh, respectively.
Buying a used vehicle is a lot more complicated. Not only do you have to worry about its condition, you also have to think about whether the price you are offering is anywhere close to its true value, reveals Sanjay Kumar Singh.
How does the new i10 variant fare when pitted against Nissan Micra, Maruti Swift and Etios Liva?
Tata Motors plans to showcase over 20 passenger and commercial vehicles at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo.
Even as the semiconductor shortage has limited the demand for new cars, the pre-owned car segment is seeing a surge. A preference for personal mobility, availability of multiple organised online platforms, including e-commerce channels, aggregators, and classifieds, have been fuelling growth. The growth rate of the pre-owned car market is expected to be 1.5x that of the new car market over the next five years.
The first month of the new fiscal year saw a slight change in sales trends as market leader Maruti Suzuki saw a decline in sales of its popular models.
The promoter-brothers, distant cousins to IndiGo's Rahul Bhatia, are eyeing Air India's ground handling subsidiary to augment their aviation services business even as they make a big play in EVs.
First-time buyers of cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have made a comeback, shows last year's data from top passenger vehicle (PV) makers. If the trend persists, it may move the needle on the overall car penetration ratio. India's car penetration ratio is 32 per 1,000 people - one of the lowest, compared to mature car markets like the US and Europe.
The global semiconductor shortage hit passenger vehicle sales in September, with major manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Mahindra & Mahindra reporting a decline in sales on Friday. Kia India and Honda Cars also reported a dip in wholesales last month as compared with the year-ago period. Carmakers like Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Nissan and Skoda, however, reported an increase in passenger vehicle dispatches last month despite supply chain issues.
When a manufacturer launches the fifth generation of a product, it is given that earlier avatars hit the mark. Ditto for the new Honda City, the latest version of which also brings in sweeping changes to the carmaker's product strategy for the Indian market, says Pavan Lall.
What explains India's love affair with SUVs? They are not exactly "value for money" -- the watchword for brands across segments -- nor always practical. Is it for the badge value? Or the butch imagery associated with SUVs? Maybe both, says Alokananda Chakraborty.
The launch of Manchester United limited editions of Chevrolet Beat and SAIL hatchbacks comes at a time when the Chevrolet brand is making debut on the club's jersey.
Honda Car India is planning to increase prices of its vehicles by up to Rs 6,000 from April to offset the impact of adverse exchange rate that has resulted in higher input costs.
India, also referred as a hub for small cars, has umpteen hatchbacks running on its roads.
Sales of recently launched Grand i10 and Xcent jump even as those of competing models drop in past two months.
7 Maruti models among top 10 best selling passenger vehicles in April
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