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10 Best Indian Cars of 21st Century
We have ushered in the 21st Century with high hopes and aspirations. And now, 2010 is around the corner. It has been almost ten years now since we have celebrated the new millennium and we have always dreamt of the 21st Century’s road space and airspace to be filled with flying cars, futuristic technologies and crazy car designs. Our dreams are now taking a definitive shape as we really have flying cars, green cars and cars that can run in water and cars that are driven by air. We have also seen weird shapes and designs of cars. We have also witnessed car manufacturers working on avant-garde technology to give us the in performance and mileage.
Although there are still three more months left to go in 2009, the majority of the 2010 car models are already on the roads. So to commemorate the first decade of car history for the 21st Century, here are the 10 best Indian cars of the new millennium.
Although there are still three more months left to go in 2009, the majority of the 2010 car models are already on the roads. So to commemorate the first decade of car history for the 21st Century, here are the 10 best Indian cars of the new millennium.
Indian cars that have won the “Indian car of the year” (ICOTY) Award
Ford Ikon: 2000
The “Josh Machine” is designed to take the driving experience to a whole new level. The Ford Ikon was launched in India by Ford Motor Company in 1999 and it is still successful in ruling the hearts of the Indian customers for elegance and performance. The Ford Ikon is stylish, reliable and comes at an affordable price. The engine of the Ford Ikon delivers excellent performance and is low on fuel consumption. The sedan is specially designed by the Ford to match the Indian road conditions. The car is stable irrespective of the road conditions. The Ikon has a luxurious and spacious interior and is low on cost of maintenance. The Ford Ikon is the first Indian Car of the Year of the 21st Century. Maruti Suzuki Alto: 2001
The Alto is designed and structured on the platform of India's iconic car Maruti 800. The Maruti Suzuki Alto has been Maruti Suzuki’s best seller since it was launched on 27 September 2000 and the Alto has been India’s largest selling brand so far.The car comes with an attractive price tag and comes with minimum number of problems according to JD Powers. These are the two reasons to make the Maruti Suzuki Alto the Largest selling car in India. The Alto has high tensile steel side door beams to guard against the front, rear and side collision impact. The Alto has been the Indian Car of the Year in 2001.
Fiat Palio: 2002
The Fiat Palio has been awarded the Indian Car of the Year 2002. The hatchback has been skillfully engineered and artistically designed. The Fiat Palio is a perfect balance between style and sophistication. The car looks sporty, yet there is an aura of elegance in it. The Fiat Palio has an equally good performance to compliment the great looks. The power steering enables to manoeuvre the car with utmost ease. The safety features like the sturdy metallic body add to the value of the car. The Palio managed to win the hearts of many Indians when it was launched in 2001, but the hatchback soon lost all its charms because of poor mileage and the heavy tag it carried compared to other cars in the same segment.
Mahindra Scorpio: 2003
The Mahindra Scorpio has won 3 “Car of the year” awards by BBC World’s Wheels, CNBC Autocar and BS Motoring in the year of its launch. It has edged out most SUVs is currently the largest selling SUV in the country. The iconic Scorpio has taken the market by storm with its sporty and adventurous look. The SUV was initially powered by a 2.1L Petrol I4 engine that can generate 116 hp. It went for a facelift in 2006 and the engine was replaced by a 2.6L Turbodiesel I4 engine. The all new 2009 Mahindra Scorpio comes with a powerful 2.2L Turbocharged In-line 4 m-Hawk Diesel engine that can churn out 120 bhp.The Scorpio is the first SUV from Mahindra & Mahindra to be manufactured for the global market. The Scorpio has been successfully accepted in international markets across the globe, and will shortly be launched in the US.
Honda City: 2004
The Honda City was awarded Car of the Year 2004. This car won because of its performance, fuel efficiency, affordability and it can take into the Indian terrain with much ease. The Honda City is India’s first in many ways too. It is the only car in India that can trace its roots to the world of Formula One. It had won rallying for five years on the trot. The double barrel exhaust is also a first in Indian. The sedan is loaded with lot of advanced features. The City can make heads turn and the high mounted wind-spoiler on the rear end gives the Honda City a look of distinction. Hyundai Getz: 2005
The Hyundai Getz is designed for urbane families. The Getz offers more space and practicality than regular hatches of 2005, while doing away with an often-unused boot. This hatchback is considered the best during that time because of its price, fuel economy, drivability, desirability, practicality and looks.The cabin of the Hyundai Getz is smart looking and comes with clever features like adjustable rear seats, baggage hooks and cubbyholes. The interior is highly European interior that draws inspiration from German design to create a clear, uncluttered and classy look.
The Hyundai Getz comes with a 1.3-litre, 82.9bhp engine that gives a good torque, respectable fuel economy, a slick gearbox and muted engine note.
Maruti Suzuki Swift: 2006
The Car of the Year is the best new car launched during the year, pound for pound. The Maruti Suzuki Swift is the Indian Car of the Year 2006. The brilliant Swift attacks your head and heart at the same time - and achieves a high degree of success in both areas. The Swift doesn’t disappoint its buyers on fuel economy. The Swift is Suzuki’s ever and the best-looking hatchback ever sold in India. The car possesses a more substantial feel.The Swift was launched in May 2005. The Swift is fun to drive and comes loaded with features like ABS, EBD, airbags for driver and passenger, automatic air-conditioner and many more.
Honda Civic: 2007
The Honda Civic, which was launched in India in July 2006, too has matched the success of other Honda models and has proved an instant hit with Indian customers. The Civic is built on state-of-the-art technology. The premium sedan has a futuristic look and comes with a 1.8L i-VTEC engine with choice of automatic and manual transmissions.The Honda Civic can give a decent ride quality and good handling. The car offers excellent performance and mileage. The car is equipped with high level of equipment, safety features and excellent fit and finish. The Honda Civic is not a typical three box character; the A-pillar is shifted forward for better aerodynamics that makes it look like the next generation car. The easy flow design with the kick-up eyed headlights and floating chrome grille are some of the stand out features that can allure customers.
Hyundai i10: 2008
Making use of high demand for more small cars in the Indian auto industry, Hyundai rolled out i10 with a powerful engine and an upscale interior in November 2007. The car, at the time of launch, came with a 1.1L iRDE in-line 4 cylinder petrol engines that could deliver 66 bhp. The i10 was fitted with new
Kappa engine in July 2008. The Hyundai i10 is one of India's most popular 'A' segment small car. It is built to take on sub-compact segment cars such as the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR and the Tata Indica Xeta. The i10 is an affordable small car and a perfect combination of superior technology, roomy interiors, and the stamp of reliability. The car is able to gain confidence with its aerodynamic design, array of standard convenience and comfort features, and luxurious fittings.
All New Honda City: 2009
The All New Honda City is pronounced the Indian Car of the Year 2009. The All New Honda replaced the Honda City which was a hot seller in its category with an even better car. The new Honda City is even more bigger than the one it replaces, has all the safety features which the earlier one lacked, looks very modern and offers 118 bhp taking it clear ahead of every other mid-size sedan in India.
