The year 2017 has witnessed a slew of new car launches in India. Amongst a wide range of cars in the country, here is a list of five most researched cars on CarTrade.com in 2017 – Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift. Among the five, three come from Maruti Suzuki’s production line. Based on data reports, the Kwid from Renault and the Tata Tiago have been popular searches in the entry level segment.
Maruti Suzuki’s premium hatchback, the Baleno is available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The Nexa hatchback has emerged as the most researched model this year and sits above the Swift model in India. The petrol version is powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series VVT engine that generates 83bhp and 115Nm of torque. The diesel version on the other hand is powered by a 1.3-litre multijet engine which generates 75bhp of power and 190Nm of torque. The Baleno is available in four trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The Sigma is the base level, while the Alpha variant is the top-spec with all the features. The CVT automatic transmission is available the Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants of the hatchback. The Baleno is priced between Rs 5.26 lakhs to Rs 8.43 lakhs.
The entry-level product for Renault, the Kwid has been a considerable contributor to all the company’s overall sales. The hatchback was first introduced only with a 799cc engine which generates 53bhp of power and 72Nm of torque. Recently the company also introduced a 1.0-litre variant which generates around 67bhp of power at 5500rpm and 91Nm of torque at 4250rpm. Five speed manual transmission is standard on both the variants, however, the bigger engine gets an optional AMT transmission. Renault Kwid is priced between Rs 2.62 lakhs to Rs 4.55 lakhs.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a popular choice in the compact SUV space in India. The Vitara Brezza is being offered only with the 1.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine that generates 89bhp of power. The vehicle is limited to a five-speed manual transmission for now. Easy maintenance, good fuel efficiency figures and a smart design has made it a popular choice among the masses. The top-spec variant offers start-stop function, electrically folding ORVMs, leather seats and climate control system. As for safety the vehicle gets ABS with EBD and driver airbag as standard, while dual front airbags is optional from the base variant. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is priced between Rs 7.24 lakhs to Rs 9.91 lakhs.
The Tiago hatchback has been a game changer for Tata Motors in India. The vehicle is available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The petrol version gets a 1.2-litre three cylinder Revotron engine that generates 84bhp of power at 6000rpm and 114Nm of torque. The diesel version on the other hand gets a 1.05-litre turbocharged engine which generates 70bhp of power and 140Nm of torque from 1800rpm. Both the engines power the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Driving modes – Eco and City are available on both the engines. Recently, the company introduced AMT variant in the petrol XTA and XZA variants. The Tiago is available in price range between Rs 3.21 lakhs to Rs 5.75 lakhs.
Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a strong seller in the B-segment ever since it was first introduced in 2005. The vehicle is available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre petrol engine option generates 85bhp of power and 114Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine generates 74bhp of power and 190Nm of torque. Both the engine come mated to five-speed manual transmission. The company will be introducing the new Swift hatchback at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo event in the country. Like the new Dzire compact sedan, the new Swift is also expected to be offered with new features and airbags as standard.
