The Indian car market is quite diverse in terms of consumer choice, operating firms and type of vehicles. Almost all top companies of the global car market are selling vehicles in India, which includes the likes of Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and Fiat. Not only firms producing vehicles for masses but luxury car makers like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW also consider India a critical operating centre. However, there are certain factors that are almost compulsory for a vehicle to have, in order to come up as a successful model. A majority of buyers in India fall in the mass segment, which has some definite pre-requisites. Affordability and fuel efficiency are two of the most critical factors, which influence the choice of a buyer. If one was to list down cars that have performed exceptionally well in the Indian car market, all of them would be highly fuel efficient. Another interesting fact is that most of these vehicles are hatchbacks, which is also said to be the dominant segment of the Indian car market.
Ford, the American auto giant, according to claims, produces the country's most fuel efficient car, the Classic sedan. The Ford Classic is a redesigned version of the Fiesta sedan, which performed exceptionally well in the Indian car market. Powered by 1.6-litre diesel engine, the Ford Classic Titanium generates a power of around 99 bhp and according to company claims, renders a mileage of 32.38 kmpl. Critics have praised the performance of the Ford Classic, describing it as a combination of performance orientation and efficiency.
Next in the line is Tata Motors, considered to be the country's largest vehicle manufacturer, in 2009, launched the Nano hatchback amidst a lot of hype and buzz. The Tata Nano is said to be the cheapest production car in the world and has a superb mileage of 25.35 kmpl (ARAI certified). Nano hatchback is equipped with a 624 cc engine, which generates a maximum power of 36 bhp along with 51 Nm of highest torque. Despite the low price and fuel economy of the Nano hatchback, it was not able to generate the anticipated sales.
Maruti Suzuki, for a long time now, has remained at the top of the passenger car market by fair distance. It is considered by many as the most popular and trusted car brand in the country, which is loved by consumers. One of the biggest reasons for the success of cars from Maruti Suzuki is their high fuel efficiency. The Alto 800 is a hatchback that has achieved an iconic status in the Indian car market, clocking huge sales since its introduction in the market. Brought in as a replacement for the legendary M800 hatchback, Alto 800 has managed to live up to the expectations of its manufacturer. It is powered by a 796 cc F8D engine that is controlled by a 32-bit computer. Capable of generating an output of around 46 bhp at 6000 rpm, the Alto 800 can produce a peak torque of 69 Nm. Critics and consumers have praised the Alto 800 for its easy driveability, compactness and amazing fuel economy of 22.74 kmpl (as per the company claims).
Another vehicle from Maruti Suzuki that has enjoyed high levels of success is the WagonR, which is also a hatchback like Alto 800. The WagonR hatchback, in comparison to other cars in the segment, offers great headroom, owing to its tall-boy design. This car from the country's largest passenger vehicle maker comes equipped with an all-aluminium lightweight K series engine that has a capacity of 998 cc. The K series powertrain is capable of churning out around 66 bhp and peak torque of 90 Nm. Incredibly, the WagonR car renders a mileage of approximately 20 kmpl, which is considered to be impressive by several industry experts. Over the years, the WagonR hatchback has been one of the most successful cars in its segment, giving all its rivals a run for their money.
