2010: Significant car launches

The year 2010 was full of happy revelations in the Indian automotive industry. Robust economic growth meant people don't have to think twice before buying their favourite car. And even those who already owned one didn't mind to buy another. As demand rose, carmakers turned aggressive with new launches and offered good deals in the hopes of luring new buyers back to dealerships.

Industry experts view 2010 as a year of compact car market which is now turning into a hyper-competitive one given that most of the carmakers have become more aggressive by doing value addition in their product portfolio. A fond look back at cars that India drove in 2010.

Maruti Suzuki's all new Wagon R

In 2010, the launch of new Wagon R became more significant since it has been ruling Indian hearts for a while now. The New Wagon R, priced between Rs 3.28 lakh and Rs 3.81 lakh, is developed from the latest platform of the vehicle that is available in Japan. The car is powered by the BS-IV compliant 998 cc K-series engine. The car takes on the likes of Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, among others.

Toyota Etios

The world's largest car maker Toyota launched its much-anticipated entry-level sedan Etios in India. The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, priced the car very competitively at Rs 4.96 lakh-Rs 6.86 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company has invested Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in the country to roll out the car. It has launched the car with a 1.5 litre petrol engine. It has been pitched against other entry-level sedans such as Maruti DZiRE, Mahindra Logan and Fiat Linea.

Such is the response for Toyota Etios that before the car rolls out and hits dealerships, advance orders have already reached 12,000 units since December 1, or about 17 percent of the annual target of 70,000, said the car maker.

Bugatti Veyron

In October, Volkswagen Group company Bugatti Automobiles launched its super premium sports car ‘Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport', the most expensive car in India so far with a price tag of Rs 16 crore onwards. Packed with many exclusive safety and luxury features, the sports car can attain a top speed of 407 km an hour. Other than its famous 'fastest car' tag, the Bugatti Veyron is powered by a 8 litre, 16-cylinder engine with 64 valves, 4 turbo chargers and 12 radiators. It combines state-of-the-art technology and the beauty of a convertible. The super premium sports car will be available at Exclusive Motors in the national capital.

Skoda Yeti

Ever since the first showcase of the Skoda Yeti at the AutoExpo in 2010, the model has captured the imagination of auto enthusiasts and customers alike with its inimitable style, great build quality and robust features. The Yeti is available for an expected price of Rs 16.5 lakh to Rs 18 lakh. Borrowing from the illustrious Škoda lineage, the Yeti integrates some of the best solutions from each model in the Škoda range to offer a unique mix of safety, functionality and comfort in a signature modern exterior and interior design. With the launch of Škoda Yeti, ŠkodaAuto India expands its product range and hence catering to a wider target audience. The Škoda Yeti has all the makings of a cult car in India as it offers comfort & ride quality of a premium sedan while offering fun, technology and functionality of a premium SUV. The smartly priced Škoda Yeti will attract India's young and increasingly auto-enthusiastic consumers by offering additional technology and multi-role capability.

Ford Figo

To gain a larger slice of the fast growing Indian auto market, US-based Ford Motor Company launched its much-awaited compact car, Ford Figo in March 2010. The company priced the petrol variant at Rs 3.5 lakh and diesel option at Rs 4.48 lakh. Ford Figo was also selected as Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2011 after comprehensive testing by a jury of automobile journalists in India. More than 60,000 Figos have been sold since March, the company says. The Figo is sold with the choice of a 52kW/102Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 51kW/160Nm 1.4-litre turbo-diesel.

Michael Boneham, MD and President, Ford India said, “Coming close on the heels of the Figo's immense popularity with over 58,000 units sold in past eight months, this industry-wide recognition truly establishes it as a performance car.”

Chevrolet Beat

In January, Chevrolet India launched their new small car Beat in the Indian market. The company priced the model in a range of Rs 3.34 lakh for the base model and Rs 4,34 lakh for the premium model. In 2011, Chevrolet is planning to launch its diesel variant that is said to be more suitable for the Indian road conditions. Chevrolet Beat is competing against the best brands of Maruti swift, Ritz and Hyundai i10.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K 10

Cashing in on the huge popularity of its entry level car Alto, India's top carmaker Maruti Suzuki launched a new Alto with K-10 one litre (998 cc) petrol engine. The new Alto-K10 version is powered by a one-litre engine from the company's latest generation K-series engines. The company is offering Alto K10 at introductory prices of Rs. 3.03 lakh and Rs. 3.16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The model features an updated look in addition to improved interiors, suspension and gear/brake system. The company said it expects Alto sales to touch new highs with the launch of this new model.

Tata Aria

In November 2010, Tata Motors launched its much-awaited Tata Aria, which the company claims to be the first Indian cross-over car that has got the finesse of a sedan and the stability and rgidity of a multi-utility vehicle. The model comes with a 2.2 litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, that delivers 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque. The company says its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. Aria comes in three variants – Aria pride, Aria Prestige and Aria Pleasure. Some of its features include satellite navigation and Electronic stability program. The model competes with high end versions of Xylo and Innova and premium sports utility vehicles like Honda CRV and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Volkswagen Polo

In February 2010, German carmaker Volkswagen launched its much awaited premium hatchback, Polo. The Polo 1.6 litre petrol version costs Rs 6.72 lakhs (on road Mumbai). With 1598 cc engine that can generate 104 bhp at 5350 rpm, the Polo gives a mileage of 10.5 kmpl in city conditions and 15.5 kmpl on highway. VW India is trying hard to capture the Indian car market with a promise of providing reliable cars with good after sales servicing.

Volkswagen Vento

In August, Volkswagen launched its entry level premium sedan the Vento starting at Rs 6.99 lakh, for the 1.6 litre petrol variant and Rs 7.99 lakh for the diesel variant, ex-showroom Delhi. The petrol variant of the Vento is equipped with a 1.6 litre engine and delivers power of 105 PS @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 153NM @ 3800 rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gear box and claims fuel efficiency of 15.83 Km/l and 14.4Km/l respectively. The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.6 litre engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with an output of 105 PS @ 4400 rpm and a Torque of 250 NM @ 1500-2500 rpm and has a fuel efficiency of 20.54 Km/l. The company says the Vento will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort and safety.