Indian automobile space is one of the most competitive markets where pricing, mileage and performance play a crucial role. Maruti Suzuki as always has come out with some people favourite models like Swift DZire and Wagon R. Bolero and Nano also gain a position in the list of top selling cars.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
Maruti Swift Dzire is an impressive sedan with muscular stance and a sporty performance. Maruti Suzuki, India’s number one automobile manufacturer has sold 1,54,000 units of this car in 2012. As the sedan is less than 4 m in length, it qualifies for the excise duty benefits offered by the Government of India. The Swift Dzire is available in two engine options. The 1197 cc K-Series petrol engine with VVT churns out 86 bhp @ 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The 1248 cc 4-cylinder DDiS engine gives off 74 bhp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm. It comes with an option of 4-speed automatic transmission and the 5-speed manual transmission. The suspension system of Swift Dzire consists of MacPherson strut with coil spring in the front and Torsion-beam with coil spring in the rear which imparts smooth ride even on rough terrains. This car has scored high in terms of mileage, performance and styling. The vehicle is priced between Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi).
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The Maruti Wagon R is one of the top five best selling cars of the industry in India. It is priced between Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi). Maruti Suzuki has sold 1,35,000 units of Wagon R in 2012 which has undergone some cosmetic changes in the same year. Wagon R has 998cc K-10 engine that churns out 67 bhp at 6200 rpm and the maximum torque is 90Nm at 3900 rpm. The cable type transmission and frame-type suspension impart smooth maneuvering of the vehicle. The power mill is fine-tuned to deliver an impressive 8 percent extra mileage. The car delivers 20.51 kmpl (as per the CMVR Rule) in petrol and in CNG the mileage offered is 19.3 kmpl.
Mahindra Bolero
Mahindra Bolero is one of the best selling SUVs in India. The rugged, sporty and tough Bolero has hawk-eye headlamps that draw attention even if they are switched off. It is equipped with 2.5L m2DiCR engine that churns out 63 bhp @ 320 rpm and a maximum torque of 195 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It delivers 15.96 kmpl. The new micro-hybrid technology ensures lower fuel consumption when the engine is in standby mode. The car is priced between Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 7.1 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi). Mahindra & Mahindra has sold 1,13,000 units of this vehicle in 2012.
Tata Nano
Nano, from the stables of Tata, is the tiny car with even tinier price tag. The car is priced between Rs. 1.4 lakh to Rs. 2.0 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi). It is equipped with a 624 cc engine (positioned at the rear of the vehicle) that churns out 37.5 bhp. The rear-mounted engine improves efficiency and safety. It is mated to a multi-point injection system and a 4-speed manual transmission. The suspension system consists of McPherson strut in the front and independent coil spring at the rear which improves the stability of the vehicle. The Nano can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h. The mileage is 25.4 kmpl. Tata has sold 1,43,000 units of Nano in 2012.
Natasha John 