Team-BHP New car launch of the Year 2008

[Steeroid]

I chose the i10 because it is the first to break the stereotype that small cars have to feel cheap, making it distinct in a sea of cheap hatches. It is also a very clever makeover of a volume-selling econobox that still looks very different!

It takes courage to do something different when everyone else is following a tried and tested route.

It was a close call with the SX4 (unlike BSM which manages to drag the Logan into everything!) which has also changed the groundrules in the C+ segment, but there is something called appeal and so I asked myself whether I would buy an SX4 if I were in that market - the answer was No, because I'd still buy a Fiesta 1.6 or a Verna CRDi. The i10, yes I would buy!

[sgmuser]

It should be SX4 because,
- it has shaken the segment
- Great Deal and VFM.
- Gem of an engine
- Great handling in its segment (Based on a Fiat designed platform, what else you need!)
- Features unheard in the segment (Auto Aircon, 16inch alloy wheels, Steering Wheel integrated Audio Controls, ABS, EBD, Air Bags)
- Great Design
- Excellent Driving View

[ravibhat]

Hyundai i10 for sure is car of the year 2008 according to me, although SX4 fully loaded come close, If Maruti had come with better quality I would have voted for it.

i10 is 2 steps forward in small cars because its first in its class in many aspects.

If we think only VFM and economy its SX4 no doubt, but overall its i10!

Regards,

Ravi.

[Rammee]

My vote goes to SX4 for simply setting up a new benchmark in C segment.

[rajtheindian]

i10 a new design it looks like a KIA PICANTO released in 2005, check this
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=217586

[dhaval]

My vote goes for SX4...Good engine, exciting interiors, good looks, overall a vfm package. I am sure the soon to be launched diesel version of the SX4 will be as much exciting as the petrol one. The i10 comes a close second.

[elfhelm]

in my book its gotta go to the Swift DDiS. It brought the small diesel car out of the Indicab stereotype and showed that a diesel can be fun, stylish, refined, economical and yes, affordable. I test drove the Indica Diesel and somehow didnt ever want to drive another one again.
The Swift DDiS just blew me away and I booked on the spot - sadly cancelled now because of really really long waiting period when other diesels will be released.

Just look at the raft of small diesel cars in the pipeline like the Skoda Fabia, 1.3MJD Palio and New 1.3MJD Indica. I'm sure a huge factor in these cars coming into the market is the success of the Swift DDiS. That said, the SX4 is a fantastic car! When does it come out in Diesel?

[vid6639]

Originally Posted by rajtheindian

i10 a new design it looks like a KIA PICANTO released in 2005, check this
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=217586

Not really, the i10 is a new design grounds up. The kia picanto is actually the santro redesigned. The only similarity with the i10 is the kink in the rear door which is similar to the i10's.

[burnt.]

Originally Posted by rajtheindian

i10 a new design it looks like a KIA PICANTO released in 2005, check this
http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-article.aspx?NA=217586

The Kia Picanto is basically the Santro itself. And for your information Kia Motors is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motors

[Cyrus43]

my vote goes for the swift diesel...no doubt about it..

[Raxx]

My vote goes for Swift DDIS.... IMHO its the best diesel car in its segment

[HotChillyPepper]

i feel the list is not complete without Optra magnum. If you grill the spec throughly, it is beat many strong heads here. Will you please add Optra magnum LT to the poll ?

[svel]

Originally Posted by dhaval

My vote goes for SX4...Good engine, exciting interiors, good looks, overall a vfm package. I am sure the soon to be launched diesel version of the SX4 will be as much exciting as the petrol one. The i10 comes a close second.

Are you sure? Many people say this is in fact one of the problems in SX4.

[iraghava]

I too felt it was a close fight between the SX4 & the i10 but ultimately the i10 won! And I did put my money where my mouth is & am picking up an i10 for my mum in the next couple of days! So that's the car of the year for me!! Also, I pretty much agree with what Steeroid said about it, it is certainly going to change the dynamics of a segment where build quality & well finished interiors were never a point of importance.

Let's see how it turns out on a long term review though!

[hellspawn]

my "vote goes for the SX4" because its absolute vfm.It has good space,great G.C,packed to the gill with luxury and safety features.
i wouldn't even think of the i10 to be considered because there is nothing groundbreaking about it apart from the gearshifter..the SX4 is pretty decently priced for the features that it has compared to its competitors whereas the i10 is almost a Santro except the interiors.the engine and the gearbox are from the santro.as far as the features are concerned,these are already on offer in the Zen Estilo,wagon r etc so nothing new there as well.And the i10 is priced almost in the swift territory so not at all vfm.