Indian carmaker Maruti Suzuki has six cars on the list, but could not claim the top spot.
South Korean carmaker Hyundai takes the second spot with five cars on the list.
The least expensive car on the list is the Datsun redi-GO while the most expensive car on the list is the Jeep Compass.
Despite it being the age of SUVs, a quarter of the list is made up of only sedans.
Plenty of cars caught the fancy of Indian buyers in 2018. While a few of these were new launches, the majority comprised of established names that have been doing well in the Indian market for years now. With the year coming to a close, we have compiled a list of 20 most searched car models on CarDekho.
20) Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai’s midsize hatchback, Grand i10, slots right in the middle of four hatchbacks (if we don't count the i20 Active) sold by the South Korean carmaker in India. It can be had with two engine options, a 1.2-litre petrol and a similar capacity diesel. Both engine options come with a 5-speed manual transmission, although the petrol can be had with a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission on the mid-spec (Magna and Sportz) variants. The Hyundai Grand i10 is priced between Rs 4.91 lakh to Rs 7.51 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). And in that bracket, it competes with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and Honda Brio.
19) Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
Maruti’s compact sedan Ciaz, retailed through its premium outlet NEXA, has been doing well in its segment in terms of demand. Since its launch in 2014, the Ciaz has held its own against the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and the Toyota Yaris. It can be had with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine. Both engines get Suzuki’s mild-hybrid system (SHVS) and are available with a 5-speed manual transmission. Just like the Grand i10, the petrol can be had with a four-speed conventional automatic gearbox in all variants except the base-spec Sigma. The Ciaz is priced between Rs 8.19 lakh and Rs 10.97 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).
18) Datsun redi-GO
Datsun’s smallest offering in India is aimed at first time buyers. As a package, the redi-GO is impressively put together when you factor in the price it is being sold at. It is available with two engine options, 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre petrol units. The 1.0-litre engine can only be had in the T Option and S variants, which are the most feature rich in the redi-GO’s lineup. Although all variants of the redi-GO can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission, there is a 5-speed AMT gearbox paired with the 1.0-litre engine on offer too. But this powertrain can only be had with the top-spec S variant, and the T Option variant below that. The price of the Datsun redi-GO starts at Rs 2.56 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 4.17 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The redi-GO rivals the Maruti Alto 800 and Alto K10, Hyundai Eon, and Renault Kwid.
17) Ford Aspire
Ford’s subcompact sedan Aspire recently got a facelift in October and is priced between Rs 5.55 lakh and Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). It is available with a punchy 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel motor, both mated to a 5-speed MT. There is an automatic on offer but it is only available with a bigger, 1.5-litre petrol engine. It is a six-speed conventional automatic and can only be had with the Titanium variant (one below the top-spec, Titanium Plus). The Aspire is competitively priced to go toe to toe with its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Tigor and Volkswagen Ameo.
16) Honda Amaze
Next in the list is another subcompact sedan, the Honda Amaze. Honda launched the new-generation Amaze in May 2018 and the biggest point since then has been its polarising looks. You either love it, or hate it. Under the bonnet, the Amaze has either a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel. Both engines can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission. Both petrol and diesel can also be had with an automatic transmission (CVT) in the mid-spec variants (S and V). It is priced between Rs 5.81 lakh and Rs 8.11 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). In its segment, the Amaze goes up against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Ford Aspire, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Tigor and Volkswagen Ameo.
15) Datsun GO+
The updated Datsun GO+ was launched in October 2018 and while it doesn’t look too different from the outgoing car, it carries a host of upgrades, especially in the safety department. It now gets dual front airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors as standard. The top variant is equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and LED DRLs. Under the bonnet is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that is mated to a 5-speed MT. There is no option of an automatic gearbox. Prices of the Datsun GO+ start from Rs 3.83 lakh and go up to Rs 5.69 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). In that price bracket, the GO+ does not have any direct competition.
14) Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The next on the list is another 7-seater and this time it’s from India’s most popular carmaker, Maruti Suzuki. The new generation of the Ertiga was launched very recently in India and Maruti has really upped the premium quotient of the car this time around. The Ertiga is available with the same powertrain options as the Ciaz - a 1.5-litre petrol engine and the 1.3-litre Fiat sourced diesel engine, with a 5-speed MT for petrol and diesel, along with a 4-speed conventional automatic only with the petrol (only for the V and Z variants). The Ertiga is priced between Rs 7.44 lakh and Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). In that bracket, it rivals the Renault Lodgy and some variants of the Mahindra Marazzo.
13) Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
The Vitara Brezza is another Maruti on the list. Priced between Rs 7.58 lakh and Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the Brezza was initially only available with a 5-speed MT and a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine. A petrol is still not available, however Maruti has added an AMT option (for V, Z and Z+ variants) for added convenience. The Vitara Brezza is the top-selling model in its segment, where it rivals the likes of Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon.
12) Hyundai Creta
Hyundai’s Creta ranks almost midway in the list and the Korean carmaker’s smallest SUV sold in India currently, is priced between Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The Creta is offered with a plethora of powertrain setups. There is a single 1.6-litre petrol engine on offer that can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission across all variants. There is a 6-speed auto ‘box on offer too that can only be had in one below the top-spec, SX variant. As far as diesel options are concerned, first, there is a 1.4-litre unit that is available only in the base-spec E+ and S variants, mated to a 6-speed MT. Then there is a bigger 1.6-litre diesel engine which is only available on the S variant onwards. While the S variant with the 1.6-litre diesel engine can only be had with an auto gearbox, other variants are available with a 6-speed manual. Just like the petrol, the SX variant (one below the top-spec) is also available with the six-speed automatic transmission. The Hyundai Creta competes with the top variants of the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and some variants of the Jeep Compass. It will also rival the upcoming Tata Harrier.
11) Jeep Compass
The Compass has caught the fancy of Indian buyers ever since its launch in India. Much of it is because of the fact that it looks like a scaled down version of Jeep’s Halo product in India, the Grand Cherokee. Priced between Rs 15.40 lakh and Rs 22.90 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the Compass takes on some variants of the Hyundai Creta and some variants of the Hyundai Tucson. The upcoming Tata Harrier will also be positioned against the lower variants of the Compass. The petrol variants of the Compass are available with a 1.4-litre engine. It can be had with a 6-speed MT, albeit only in the base variant. All variants above that are equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The diesel engine is a 2.0-litre unit that can only be had with a 6-speed manual transmission for now. A 9-speed diesel automatic will also be introduced soon, when the Trailhawk variant of the Compass is launched in India. The diesel Limited, Limited Option and Limited Plus can be had with a 4x4 option.
10) Hyundai Elite i20
The Elite i20 is one of the most popular hatchbacks in its segment which consists of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz. Its price starts at Rs 5.43 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.23 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The petrol option has a 1.2-litre engine which is paired to a 5-speed MT. There is an automatic gearbox with this engine, although it can only be had in the Magna Executive and Asta variants. The diesel engine is a 1.4-litre unit that is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
9) Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Another Maruti on the list and it is no surprise. The Dzire has always sold well and the new generation model that was launched last year is no different. It can be had with a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.3-litre diesel engine. Both are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. An AMT can also be had, although only on the V, Z and Z+ variants with both, petrol and diesel engines. The Dzire is priced between Rs 5.60 lakh and Rs 9.45 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). It competes with the Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire, Tata Tigor, Hyundai Xcent and Volkswagen Ameo.
8) Hyundai Verna
The Hyundai Verna rivals the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Vento and is priced between Rs 8.01 lakh to Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). It is available with two petrol and two diesel engines - a smaller 1.4-litre unit and a bigger 1.6-litre unit for both fuel types. The base petrol variants E and EX are only available with the 1.4-litre engine, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. All variants above that are available only with the 1.6-litre engine which is also available with a 6-speed automatic, besides the 6-speed MT. As far as diesel powertrain options are concerned, the base variants E and EX are only available with the 1.4-litre engine, paired to a 6-speed MT. All variants above that get the 1.6-litre engine. The 1.6-litre diesel engine on the Verna can also be had with a 6-speed auto gearbox.
7) Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Baleno is retailed through Maruti Suzuki’s premium outlets NEXA and is positioned as a premium hatchback in the company’s lineup. It is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine. While the petrol engine can be had a with a 5-speed MT and CVT gearbox (only on the Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants), the diesel is only available with a 5-speed MT. It is priced between Rs 5.38 lakh and Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Its competition comprises of the Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz.
6) Tata Tiago
The Tiago is the first Tata on this list and is available with a petrol and diesel engine both. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit that can be had with a 5-speed MT or 5-speed AMT, although, the AMT is only available with XT and XZ variants. The diesel engine is a 1.05-litre unit and can be had only with a 5-speed MT. The price of the Tiago starts from Rs 3.40 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) and goes all the way up to Rs 6.38 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). In this bracket, the Tiago rivals the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo and Honda Brio.
5) Mahindra Marazzo
The Marazzo is another recent launch that has piqued audience’s interest. Priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 13.90 lakh (ex-showroom India), the Marazzo slots in between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta. The Marazzo can only be had with a 1.5-litre diesel engine developed in-house by Mahindra. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic on offer for now.
4) Hyundai Santro
After being discontinued in 2014, the Santro made a return to the Indian market in 2018 in a new avatar. The popular moniker from Hyundai garnered a lot of interest and even though it was launched late in 2018, it has managed to bag the fourth spot. The Santro can be had only with a petrol engine, a 1.1-litre unit that is mated to a 5-speed MT or a 5-speed AMT. The AMT is only available with the Magna and Sportz variants. The Magna and Sportz variants are also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit but it can only be had with a manual gearbox. The price of Santro begins at Rs 3.89 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 5.65 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). In that bracket, it competes with the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Tata Tiago and the Datsun GO.
3) Tata Nexon
The Nexon was launched in the second half of 2017 and it has managed to take the third spot on this list. The Nexon is priced between Rs 6.23 lakh and Rs 10.67 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). It can be had with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. Both engines can be had with a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AMT. However, the AMT can only be had with the XM and XZ+ variants.The Nexon goes up against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport.
2) Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift takes the number two spot on the list and rightly so. It has been one of the biggest success stories for Maruti Suzuki in the company’s entire history and interest in the hatchback still hasn't diminished. The latest generation Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine. Both engines can be had with a 5-speed MT. A 5-speed AMT is also available for both petrol and diesel. However, the AMT can only be had with the V, Z or Z+ variants. The Swift is priced between Rs 4.99 lakh and Rs 8.76 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) and goes up against Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo, Toyota Etios Liva and Honda Brio.
1) Renault Kwid
The most searched car of 2018 on CarDekho is the Renault Kwid. It is available with 0.8-litre and 1.0-litre petrol engines that can be had with a 5-speed manual transmission. The bigger 1.0-litre engine can also be had with a 5-speed AMT on the RXT Optional and Climber variants. The Kwid goes up against the Hyundai Eon, Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Alto 800. The Renault Kwid is priced between Rs 2.67 lakh and Rs 4.63 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).
Source: cardekho.com
