Monthly, quarterly and annual sales reports rolled out by auto companies invariably show the performance of respective ranges of vehicles that are sold in the Indian automobile market. Curious car enthusiasts are always keen to find out which car models have put up a good show in the market. So, it is imperative that some thought should be given to the top 5 launches in the country till date.
Though with such a topic being discussed, one can surely recall a number of car models that have reaped a good market response or are currently getting rewards of good sales and increasing popularity. Here, just like the real life - many make the cut but only few succeed in make it to top cut - it can be noted that some of the car models faired much better than their rivals in the market. So, with cars, arguably, the list of names of 5 car models will include likes of Maruti 800, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Honda City, Tata Safari and Hyundai Santro. These names span across various segments like hatchback, sedan and SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and boast of phenomenal domestic attention as evident from their respective sale statistics.
Maruti 800 is a compact hatchback that managed to create a market stir. Boasting of a good response from customers and car enthusiasts, the retail price of this vehicle ranges between Rs. 2.16 lakh and Rs. 2.38 lakh. This vehicle, with a simplistic design and low body weight, offers an impressive mileage and hassle-free maintenance. It has a short turning radius of 4.4 metre and thus, is easy to manoeuvre while driving busy streets and narrow lanes. This hatchback is powered by a 796 cc SOHC engine with maximum power and torque outputs of up to 37 bhp at 5000 rpm and 59 Nm at 2500 rpm, respectively. A high fuel efficiency along with a fuel tank capacity of 28 litres allows it to travel long distances without any frequent refuelling done.
Maruti Suzuki Swift is yet another hatchback that has got amazing response in the Indian automobile market. This vehicle has been a hit among customers in the country and as such, has been able to bag several awards. The price of this vehicle is between Rs. 4.58 lakh and Rs. 6.95 lakh, according to sources. It is available in two engine options, petrol and diesel. The petrol version is powered by a 1.2-litre, K-Series VVT petrol mill that has is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Also, the MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) fuel injection system used in the engine allows this vehicle to deliver optimum performance. The diesel version is powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS engine that produces less noise and vibration. This diesel engine is able to generate a power and torque of up to 74 bhp at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm at 2000 rpm, respectively.
Honda City too has got a phenomenal response from customers and car enthusiasts in the country. In fact, there is news that the next generation of Honda City is likely to stir the sedan segment. Many experts believe that a diesel version of Honda City is also around and once launched, it is expected to take the success of City to an altogether different level. The current price of Honda City is between Rs. 7.39 lakh and Rs. 10.72 lakh, approximately.
Tata Safari was one of the popular Sports Utility Vehicles of the country. As a result, Tata Motors have introduced many facelift versions of this vehicle in the Indian market. Hyundai Santro too posted high sales and soon after its launch, became a hit among customers and car enthusiasts.
