10 Cars That Deserve To Sell More
The number of different cars in different segments and from different brands is at an all-time high. Each and every automaker is launching new cars, chasing more sales. Unfortunately, due to this, a lot of cars which offer a lot of value have suffered. So, to bring light to some of these cars, we have prepared this list of 10 cars which we think deserve to sell more in India. So, without any delay, let's jump right into the list of these cars.
Citroen C3
When we think of micro-SUVs, the only two cars that pop up are the Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter. However, the French automaker Citroen’s C3 is also a great value-for-money option in the same segment. This vehicle offers a premium European exterior design with its split LED headlights, LED DRLs, and unique grille.
On the inside, it comes loaded with features such as a 10.1-inch infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, automatic climate control, and many others. What makes the C3 even greater is its exceptional ride quality. The C3 with the more powerful 1.2-litre Puretech petrol motor making 110 PS and 205 Nm of torque is a fun-to-drive car. Currently, the company is only selling around 150–200 units a month, which is very low.
Hyundai Creta Electric
Priced in the range of Rs 18–24.5 lakh, the Hyundai Creta Electric is often overlooked when it comes to electric SUVs. Rivals like the Harrier.ev, BE 6, Windsor Pro, and XEV 9E have outshined the Creta Electric. This SUV offers two battery pack units – 42 kWh (420 km) and 51.4 kWh (510 km), but despite this, it is not being able to pull in strong sales numbers. Currently, the sales are around 550–600 units per month.
Its list of features includes a panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, twin 10.25-inch screens, and many others. So, if you are someone who is looking for an electric vehicle, it offers a simple exterior design and a feature-loaded cabin with not a lot of gimmicks. Then you should definitely check out the Creta Electric. Another added bonus is that it rides extremely well as well.
Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt coupe SUV was launched just before Tata Motors launched the Curvv in India. Unfortunately, despite launching before, the Basalt has not been able to capture the hearts of Indian buyers. Due to this, the sales of this coupe SUV are in the range of under 200 units. In the worst months, Citroen could not even sell more than 50 units.
Like the C3, the Basalt is also offered with the same 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine, which makes 109 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. This engine feels very punchy to drive and, combined with its suspension offering, the Basalt's ride becomes top-notch. It soaks up road imperfections, including potholes, without sacrificing stability at higher speeds. This particular SUV also deserves to sell more.
Honda Elevate
The Honda Elevate is hands down one of the most underrated mid-size SUVs in the market. It has been dwarfed in the segment due to the long-standing name value of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Sure, it might not be as feature-loaded as others, but this SUV offers class, road presence, and refinement which is hard to match.
The Elevate stands out in the segment due to its buttery smooth 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which pumps out 120 bhp and 145 Nm, paired with the CVT gearbox. People who have driven the Elevate cannot stop loving its build quality, premium feel, ride quality, and reliability. Its average sales of 1500–1800 are not justified because the SUV has a lot to offer.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Many consider the Maruti Suzuki Jimny to be an overpriced rival of the Mahindra Thar three-door. However, it is much more than that. The Jimny is an extremely capable 4X4 SUV that can take over any terrain like it’s a piece of cake. Unfortunately, despite offering things which are hard to find in its budget, the Jimny is only able to pull in a few hundred unit sales every month.
Many believe that the reason behind its lackluster sales is the inflated pricing offered by Maruti Suzuki. Initially, the Jimny saw a good response from the market, but when the sales slumped, the heavy discounts made a lot of owners angry. Another reason behind its bad sales is the general size of the hardcore off-roading enthusiast segment in India.
Citroen Aircross
Another very underrated vehicle on this list is from Citroen, and it is the brand's mid-size SUV Aircross. This SUV starts at Rs 8.62 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 14.27 lakh. Unfortunately, despite offering a vehicle of the mid-size SUV segment for the price of a sub-4m segment SUV, the Aircross has not been able to pull in any decent sales numbers for the brand.
The Citroen Aircross, like its other siblings, offers a very comfortable ride, spacious interiors, and a decent feature list. It looks like a proper SUV and has been designed for the Indian market, with high ground clearance and a commanding presence. Unfortunately, the company, even after offering a ton of discounts, is only able to sell an average of 50 cars a month, and in April, it could not even sell one car.
Kia Syros
To offer sub-compact SUV segment buyers a choice with large rear legroom, Kia India launched the Syros in the country. This particular vehicle offers a host of features, including a 30-inch Trinity panoramic display, unique gear lever, start/stop button, two-spoke steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, a wireless charger, front ventilated seats, and a powered driver seat.
The list does not end here. It also offers features including a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, ADAS Level 2, ABS, EBD, a tire pressure monitoring system, and many others. What makes the Syros even more unique is that it is the only sub-compact SUV in the segment which offers a rear reclining seat with ventilation. Despite all of these features, the Syros only sells under 1000 units every month. So, if you want a feature-loaded family sub-compact SUV, you should definitely check it out.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Generally, most Maruti Suzuki models sell quickly and in large numbers. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the S-Presso. Despite offering high ground clearance, good fuel efficiency, and a very compact design perfect for city runabouts, the S-Presso only manages to achieve around 900–950 unit sales every month. So, if you are considering buying a compact vehicle for city drives, you should definitely check out the S-Presso.
Jeep Compass
Next up on this list is the Jeep Compass mid-size SUV. The Compass offers a refined ride quality, smooth automatic transmission, and a very sturdy build. Its powerful diesel engine – a 2.0-litre motor making 173 bhp and 350 Nm of torque – provides punchy performance and performs flawlessly on highways. However, despite this, Jeep only sells around 100 units a month.
A few possible reasons behind its lackluster sales are its premium pricing and less extensive dealership network across the country. However, if these factors are set aside, it is an amazing vehicle.
Renault Kiger
The Renault Kiger sub-compact SUV was recently given an extensive facelift. This SUV offers very sharp handling, peppy performance, and a modern design. It features a CVT transmission and a solid build and is an overall balanced package in the compact SUV segment. Unfortunately, despite these attributes, its sales figures are very underwhelming (under 1000 units). Hence, it deserves to sell more.