Best Cars in India (Editor’s Choice)
Looking to buy a new car in India? Here are some of the automobiles that we love and that we think should definitely be right on top of your car buying shortlist!
The Santro is a legend as much as it is a car. It was first introduced in 1999 and it changed the face of the small car market in India. It has got a magnificent driving capability with a small but peppy 1086cc 4-cylinder engine producing 63bhp. The Santro’s low weight of 854kg makes it easy for the car to accelerate and handles very well. It has also got a comfortable seating arrangement with lots of head and leg room. Its ground clearance of 164mm also makes it the ideal car for also Indian driving conditions. To top it off, the Santro has an ideal average fuel economy of 15kmpl.
The Alto is Maruti’s entry level hatch-back car and its design philosophy is based on the legendary Maruti 800. The Alto provides unmatched mileage and low running cost. The new Alto uses Maruti’s powerful K10 series engine and so instead of an 800cc engine it now has a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder engine and is capable of producing 68bhp and 90Nm of torque and is mated to 5-speed manual transmission. It can provide an outstanding overall fuel economy of 18kmpl because of the highly efficient engine and the car’s extreme light weight of 765kg. It can seat 5 people but there is not much room in the rear. The Alto also has a decent ground clearance of 160mm.
WagonR - For the smarter race. The confident, intelligent wagonR gets even smarter & better. With ahead-of-the-times technology under the hood, it’s a heady mix of trusted performance and breathtaking looks. Fully-loaded with new-age features to match your evolving lifestyle.
Honda India offers its cheapest small car Brio with an efficient impressive interior and exterior design concept. It was developed according market surveys in India on people’s driving needs and lifestyles. It comes with spacious interior, more safety, dynamic look and the most important factor, which is comfortable price range. It is available with three standard variants, called E MT, S MT and the top variant is V MT, it has also an option pack with second lineup variant which is S (O) MT.
The Figo is one of the best cars available in the hatch-back segment. It has got modern looks, spacious and respectable quality interiors, it also possesses a powerful engine which has highly refined ride quality. There are two engine variants available, the 1.2 Duratec Petrol producing 71bhp, and the 1.4 Duratorq Diesel producing 69bhp. The Figo comes with great new technology and a special infotainment system which is unheard of in the entry level hatch segment. Considering the low price of the car you definitely get your money’s worth.
The Toyota Etios Liva is stylishly designed and portrays a youthful sporty hatchback model. It will carry forward the luxury experience to its owners & available in four variants: J, G, V and VX, include stylish design, enough cabin space, superior ride comfort and best-in-class fuel efficiency.
The Hyundai i20 is a european styled and sporty looking hatch back which offers a phenomenal driving experience. There are three DOHC engines on offer, 1.2 litre and 1.4 litre petrol engines as well as a 1.4 litre CRDi. The 1197cc engine produces 80 bhp and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the 1396cc petrol engine produces 100bhp and is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1396 CRDi engine can produce 90bhp and is mated to a very smooth 6-speed manual transmission. The suspension setup of the car is brilliant and offers a great driving experience. However the over handling capabilities of the car are not up to par with other sporty hatchbacks. The diesel engine is very powerful and offers the best driving experience for highway users.
The Volkswagen Polo is available with petrol and diesel fuel with three engines technologies. It is available in three trim levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.
The Swift is a legend in its own right. It is the single most sold car in India and it has won numerous awards for its performance, design and ingenuity. The popularity of the Swift speaks for itself and it is one of the most loved cars in India because of its great performance. The new generation Swift is styled more boldly and demands more on-road presence. It looks good and is fun to drive, not to mentions that it can take on any Indian terrain or road. The mighty swift is now available in both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol unit is a 1.2 litre 4-cylinder block that can churn out 85bhp and 113Nm of torque, while the diesel unit is a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder that can produce 75bhp and 190Nm of torque. It has a very good ground clearance of 170mm which has helped it to perform well as a rally car on multiple occasions.
The new Hyundai Verna is here and it comes with a long list of features available on a variety of variants. The Verna offers customer the opportunity to customize and personalize their car by adding more features to the car than other in the segment. There are also four different engines to choose from and the option of both manual and automatic transmissions. The car has got a new modern design philosophy and looks good. It also provides the driver with a comfortable interior space with superior ride quality. Without a doubt, it is one of the best cars in the mid-size segment.
Following Honda’s global standard of safety, fuel efficiency & environment friendly, the 3rd Generation City is finally in India. The City carries a new design, engine and features. It is the only car in the segment to have an automatic transmission and that is one of its many differential points.
The anticipated B Segment entry-level sedan Etios will be available in four variants: J, G, V and VX. It has various active & passive safety features include innovative styling, best-in-class cabin & luggage space, superior comfort, impressive fuel efficiency & the legendary Toyota QDR.
The Jetta was introduced to the world at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show and the first production began in September 1979. The name Jetta was derived from the Jet stream, following Volkswagen tradition of naming cars for various winds.
The Chevrolet Cruze is one of the best looking sedans in India. It has a dynamic design with a wide track, long wheelbase and crisp sculpted shoulder lines, and large alloy wheels. It looks sporty and sophisticated altogether. It also features a very powerful 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel unit that can produce 148bhp and 327Nm of torque. This gives it a 0-100kmph acceleration time of just over 9 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. Manual and automatic transmissions are available. The interiors are also very modern and styled aggressively with plenty of cabin space.
The tag line ‘Be Envied or Envy’ is spot on for the Corolla Altis. This next generation Corolla surely is a once in a life time car which gives luxury and style a whole new meaning. Now India will enjoy this car which has earned accolades globally.
Built by Volkswagen, the classy Passat 2.0 TDI with its economical yet powerful diesel engine, a 6-speed DSG gearbox and a host of other luxury features makes it a sheer delight. Superior build quality and superlative driving comfort come to this meticulously built sedan very naturally.
The new Sonata, a masterpiece crafted with the ultimate in luxury and technology. Designed with the elegant and refined beauty of the orchid flower in mind, the new Sonata embraces Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture’ philosophy where smooth, flowing lines meet function like never before. Where opulence and efficiency come together to form a car that’s more a work of art, than an automobile.
The new Skoda Superb promises a ‘7 Star experience on wheels’. And if looks were any indication of what lay within, we would agree wholeheartedly. Heavily laden with safety and infotainment features, the car isn’t ‘new’ just in name. It comes with a TSI petrol engine and 7 speed auto transmission.
A car’s speed is generally expressed in terms of how many miles or kilometres it can cover per hour. And yet these measurements say little about how a car feels on the road. When it comes to measuring driving pleasure, the only true guide is the beat of your heart.
The S60 is available in both petrol and diesel variants and it offers unique features and flowing organic shapes go hand in hand with user friendly functionality. The graphic character of the racing track is clearly apparent in the dashboard and in the doors.
An encounter with the Audi New A4 leaves a lasting impression. That impression is embodied in its elegant styling and in its distinctive face, reflecting the Audi design language.
The new Audi A6 performs even better than its universally loved predecessor. Fitted with upgraded engines and sporting a brand new look, the car sees significant improvements in ride comfort, fuel economy and emissions.
The xenon headlights, wide-set light-alloy wheels, the spacious cabin with its comfortable leather seats & the redesigned electronic gear selector as standard all make it very clear: the new BMW 5 Series is the most elegant way to experience the fascinating power of a true driving machine.
For well over a century, Mercedes-Benz has come to signify unmatched standards in automotive design arising from a passion for excellence. Nothing embodies this better than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon.
The five door executive sports new Audi A7 Sportback is an Audi in new top form. The design presents the aesthetics of modern technology in every detail - in the sharp and precise stroke of the lines. It is a perfect culmination of luxury and style.
The Jaguar XF is one of the most beautiful cars on the planet. It combines the styling and performance of a sports coupe with the comfort and refinement of a luxury saloon. The car’s strong, impactful grille, powerful shoulders and sweeping roofline give it a rare visual dynamism.
Its stylish line all converge on one point: your heart.
The first luxury sports limousine. The design of the Audi A8, where sportiness and elegance meet. Nothing is out of place in the Audi A8 - spacious surfaces give it an utterly convincing form.
The all-new XJ is a spacious four-door saloon body style, reflects a vision that defies preconceptions and transforms the idea of luxury. It combines sculptural elegance with a clear sense of visual drama. The streamlined profile and sweeping roofline help make this the most aerodynamic ever.
BMW’s new range of the 7 series comes with Dynamic Damper Control including Dynamic Driving Control, which ensures a bump-less ride for you. The low and stretched side view and sculptural surfaces of the car will leave anyone gasping for breath.
The Quattroporte style and elegance are combined with a physical, muscular presence that starts with the concave vertical slats in the front grille and extends all the way down the sides to the tail lights provide a clear indication of the potency that exists underneath the bonnet.
The new Panamera model is constructed using lightweight hybrid materials. It’s about journeys that are an experience in themselves. It’s about time to oneself. It’s about ease of performance & a relationship with the road. And it has to be so, regardless of whether you sit in the front or the back.
The Continental GT is inspired by the Bentley bloodline. Created to take you to another place where you can savour a totally new driving experience. A unique blend of overwhelming exhilaration with supreme relaxation.
The Rapide luxury Sedan has high levels of dynamic performance outstanding power with supreme control as well as it gives outstanding performance also. It providing the practicality and usability of four doors and four seats.
The four-door super-luxury saloon Ghost has combining refinement, new technology and contemporary style. Its interior of features design cues such as traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, individual seating offer outstanding comfort for passengers.
The much loved Toyota Innova’s new avatar is perfectly equipped to attract both MPV and sedan buyers. It looks noticeably different from the original, with a longer front bumper, an altered chrome grille and both front and rear wipers. The interiors too are done up differently, in fake wood.
India’s first 4WD crossover, the Tata Aria, offers the best and the latest in technology, comfort and safety features. Its perfectly balanced front and rear suspension ensures both a comfortable on-road ride and easy off-road handling, reducing bumpiness to a minimum on even the most rutted roads.
The Mahindra Xylo competes directly with the Toyota Innova. The Xylo is a perfect package vehicle with good looks, great interior space and quality, and a decent engine. The Xylo is very comfortable and gives you the best value for money considering the low price tag. Over all the drivability of the car is average with to loose a suspension setup and tough handling capabilities. The Xylo can do it all, from long family trips, to in city use and even the occasional off-road experience.
Skoda’s globally successful premium SUV Yeti, is now available in India with 4WD and fully synchronized six-speed manual transmission. Its range to offer a unique mix of safety, functionality and comfort in a signature modern exterior and interior design.
The Mahindra Thar is every off-road enthusiast’s dream come true. This four-wheel drive jeep was made to go off-road and also features a very powerful 2498cc 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 102bhp mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. However, other than its phenomenal off-road skills the Thar is not practical for city driving. The interiors are very small and driving position is very uncomfortable. The interior quality is also very poor and the boot is tiny. The car also has no tell-tale features. It may look good and drive well, but overall for city purposes it is not a good choice.
The Mahindra Scorpio has undergone many changes since it was first introduced. It has a very simple but bold and rugged looks. It is a highly capable SUV and one of the best from the Mahindra stable. There are good quality interiors but it can be a it cramped in the front, but the rear space is adequate with a large boot area. The overall ride quality of the Scorpio has also been improved with the help of the new m-Hawk engines. Overall the Scorpio is a fantastic car within its segment.
Toyota’s FORTUNER is fully loaded with advanced features & has been extensively tested to suit Indian conditions. It is not only offers unshakeable sturdiness with high ground clearance, long wheelbase, full-time 4WD & excellent drivability on all terrains, but is also loaded with comfort features.
Driving a Pajero is a sensuous experience that converts the mundane act of driving into simple, undiluted pleasure. Whether you are on the highway or off it, the Pajero has the ability to make sure you want to keep on driving.
Nissan is taking its first bold step into the Indian market introducing the 2 versions of the Nissan X-TRAIL. The X-TRAIL, a compact SUV has a proven track record worldwide. Thanks to its excellent on-road performance, world class 4x4 capability and practical and plush interiors.
In quattro’s 25th anniversary year, Audi sets new standards-with the Audi Q7. Continuing the successful idea of quattro all-wheel drive and taking it into a promising future. Combining the dynamics of a sedan with the qualities of an offroader, the Audi Q7 made its world debut in 2005 at Frankfurt.
The off roader Discovery 4 - ultimate all purpose luxury SUV. It is more progressive and contemporary exterior, giving it a redifined presence anywhere. It delivers comfort, refinement and on-road attributes of a monocoque design.
The BMW X5 merges state-of-the-art technologies and pioneering design to create the ultimate all-wheel drive vehicle. With Active Steering, Adaptive Drive and Runflat tyres, the new BMW X5 delivers you the dynamic driving features that make it unique in its class and set it apart.
Nissan’s 370Z is the quintessential sports car. It promises a power-packed performance and great handling, and is one of the most technologically refined cars in the market. Priced upwards of Rs 53 lakh, the 370Z may not sell in huge numbers, but will do wonders for Nissan’s brand image in India.
From where does our drive for performance come? From our desire to surpass our own achievements. This aspiration, this urge to improve, is at the root of everything we do. The Boxster and Boxster S are the product of this desire and share a similar energy and verve.
The Jaguar XK features an aluminium monocoque bodyshell, formed using epoxy bonding and riveting techniques, which makes the car incredibly fast and astoundingly fuel efficient for its segment. It is available both as a coupe and a convertible.
Ferry Porsche conceived a new ideal in sportcar design. 911 engines are equipped with VarioCam Plus.
The unbelievably good looking mid-engine super sports car, Audi R8, is high on both performance and design. With its technical precision, distinctive interior and exterior styling and several groundbreaking features, the R8 is a difficult-to-match car in its segment.
The luxury sports car V12 Vantage is singular design statement that has been styled and engineered to excel from every angle. It is a performance car that combines true beauty with functionality. Its provide exquisite experience to driver and passenger with comfortable, safe and fast drive.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a two door and 2-seater sports Coupe model of Ferrari. It is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 engine technology that generate 570bhp of maximum power and 540Nm of maximum torque.
Designed to redefine its segment as the best high performance sports car and driving behaviour that fits its driver in every situation. The Gallardo is the synthesis of a true sports car that can be used on an every day basis.
The Bugatti Veyron is a mid engined 2 seater most expensive and fastest car in India with a top speed of 407 km/hour with an acceleration of 0-100km/hour in 2.7 seconds. It goes to customisation on buyer demands and price completely depend on foreign exchange fluctuation.