Team-BHP > The Indian Car Scene


View Poll Results: Which is YOUR car of 2023?
Hyundai Exter 72 3.26%
Maruti Fronx 44 1.99%
MG Comet EV 39 1.76%
Citroen C3 Aircross 20 0.90%
Toyota Rumion 4 0.18%
Hyundai Verna 334 15.11%
Honda Elevate 270 12.22%
Citroen eC3 7 0.32%
Maruti Jimny 336 15.20%
Mahindra XUV400 18 0.81%
Toyota Innova Hycross 701 31.72%
Maruti Invicto 5 0.23%
BMW X1 24 1.09%
Hyundai Ioniq 5 287 12.99%
Audi Q3 Sportback 18 0.81%
Volvo C40 Recharge 31 1.40%
Voters: 2210. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #1
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Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross

It's time to look back at the year and cast your vote for The Team-BHP Car of the Year. This is where YOU - the BHPian - will choose our car of 2023. The Team-BHP COTY is by actual car owners & enthusiasts, not advertorial experts or paid judges. Just as well since us car owners are the ones who pay the auto industry's bills & actually drive the Indian car scene .

Listed here are the launches of 2023. Also included are some relevant high-points on each car, along with the market's response to it.
  • The contenders have been sorted in a price-ascending order (cheapest first).
  • It's only ALL-NEW cars that are included in our COTY award. That excludes the "refreshed" headlamp & tail-light versions, facelifts and engine variants.
  • This is a public poll. Other BHPians will be able to see what car you have voted for.
  • Models costing over ~60 lakh rupees, and many fully-imported-cars (CBUs), have been excluded from our COTY. Reason = Low relevance & commitment to the Indian marketplace.
  • Note that the list does not include the cars that will be launched in December. The reason being that it would be a new product of which neither we nor BHPians would've test-driven to form an opinion. There would be no ownership reviews or posts, hence such cars would be included next year.
  • Link to Team-BHP's 2022 COTY.
  • As has always been the case, we insist there will only be ONE Team-BHP Car of the Year. Why? Simply because we don't believe in handing out an award for the "AC controls of the year" or "Spare tyre of the year" (as examples). Some award ceremonies have 25 awards to ensure there's one for each car manufacturer (aka advertiser) in India. We have no such inclination, and will only focus on the best, most important new car of 2023.
Looking forward to your votes, and also the reasoning behind your choice. Thanks!

----------------------------------------

EDIT on 15th December 2023:

Grabbing almost 32% of BHPian votes on this poll, the Innova Hycross is Team-BHP's car of 2023!

What's more, the Innova Hycross got more than double the votes of the Jimny & Verna, who both garnered approximately 15% of BHPian votes (each). Merely two votes separate these cars on the poll .

Well-deserved, I say! For an MPV to win the COTY award on an enthusiast's forum shows just how much this bodystyle has evolved (related thread (Why MUVs / MPVs are the most competitive bodystyle today)). To put things in perspective, the Innova Crysta got just 8% of BHPian votes on the 2016 Team-BHP COTY Poll.

Here's why I voted for the Innova Hycross. Big congrats to Toyota India
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
Innova Hycross because of the manufacturer's guts to break convention & change the formula from a body-on-frame diesel to a monocoque hybrid-petrol. The 30 - 40 lakh segment really offers you all the car you need in life, be it in terms of power, space, features etc. and the Innova Hycross stands testament to that. It's handsome looking, has likeable interiors, rides & handles well for an MPV, offers stunning fuel economy (hybrid), has a healthy boot even with the 3rd row up and is fast as well! 0 - 100 in 9.xx seconds. IMHO, it is a superior car to the Fortuner and some other more expensive SUVs.
Extremely happy also to see the Jimny, Verna & Ioniq 5 follow in the subsequent positions. All of these are very accomplished automobiles & add a lot of shine to the Indian car scene. The Jimny is an enthusiast's 4x4, the Verna is a fast all-rounded sedan, while the Ioniq 5 is among the best EVs on sale today. At position 5, the Elevate is the only other car on Team-BHP's COTY Poll to get a notable volume of votes. Proves that there is a strong market for established formulas, even if they don't offer the latest tech. The Elevate has the same mass appeal that the City enjoyed for decades.

Am already looking forward to the new machines that car manufacturers have lined up for us in 2024!

Last edited by GTO : 16th December 2023 at 10:45.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #2
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Hyundai Exter : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023_hyundai_exter_06.jpg

What you'll like:

• Well-positioned overall package. Priced competitively against rivals
• Unique looks with the H-shaped LED DRLs & tail-lamps and crossover styling
• Super-refined 4-cylinder engine offers good driveability and satisfactory fuel efficiency. AMT and CNG versions are available too
• Hyundai AMTs have superior tuning as compared to the AMTs of Maruti, Tata etc.
• Well-tuned suspension absorbs bumps well and delivers acceptable high-speed stability
• Precise build & quality (including interiors) are among the segment best
• Excellent ergonomics with light and well-placed controls
• Spacious interiors with very good legroom and headroom for a car in this segment
• Accommodating 391-litre boot is among the largest in the segment
• Loaded with features such as a sunroof, keyless entry & go, dashcam with dual camera, auto headlamps, cruise control, paddle shifters, connected car features (BlueLink), wireless charger, rear A/C vents, multi-lingual voice commands, etc
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all 5 occupants, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS, EBD, ESC, VSM, hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors and camera, TPMS, emergency stop signal, SOS call and more
• Hyundai's wide service network & up to 7-years extended warranty

What you won't:

• Edgy looks & funky styling may not be to everyone's liking. Cuts and creases are overdone
• Despite the unique styling, it’s not really a head-turner. Small size robs the Exter of road presence
• 1.2L NA petrol’s highway performance is adequate, but not exciting
• No turbo-petrol or diesel engine on offer
• Not as engaging to drive as the Citroen C3 Turbo. Handling, steering and thin tyres won’t appeal to enthusiasts
• Light-coloured interior theme isn’t available. Black interiors may not be to everyone's liking. Hyundai should’ve offered a beige option
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• Rear seat is placed on the lower side, and its under-thigh support is average (taller folk will find it to be less)
• Average sound system is no match for some of the rivals (e.g. Punch & Fronx have better ICE)
• Some missing features like foglamps, rear centre armrest, auto-dimming IRVM, 60:40 split rear seat, 6-speaker sound system (Exter has just 4), full-sized spare tyre, etc.

Market Response: Off to a strong start. With 7,000-8,000 units / month, the Exter has outperformed its hatchback siblings (Grand i10 Nios & i20).

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:42.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #3
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Maruti Fronx : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023marutifronx06.jpg

What you'll like:

• Smart-looking crossover with sharp & attractive styling
• Feels better built than some other Maruti cars
• 1.0L Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine is quick and has minimal turbo lag. Driveability is satisfactory
• Smart Hybrid system ensures excellent fuel efficiency. ARAI = 20.01 to 22.89 km/l
• Nicely tuned suspension glides over small bumps, potholes and road imperfections
• User-friendly cabin with loads of space! Can easily seat 5 adults (unlike many competitors)
• Long feature list includes LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, footwell lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etc
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, traction control, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• On the inside, it’s almost identical to the regular Baleno. Differentiation should’ve been more
• Quality of some plastic parts and fabric upholstery is mediocre
• 1.0L turbo-petrol although quick, is not exciting enough for enthusiasts
• 308-litre boot is among the smallest in the segment
• No diesel option like some rivals
• Rear seat’s under-thigh support is lacking for taller passengers
• A few missing features like sunroof, TPMS, rear armrest, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensors
• Lesser height means, despite the smart styling, it doesn’t have the road presence of typical crossovers

Market Response: Most definitely a successful launch for Maruti. While it started with sub-10,000 numbers in the first few months, things picked up rather quickly. Now, the Fronx is taking the fight to Tata Punch which has been in the lead for quite some time.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:41.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #4
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MG Comet EV : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023mgcometev01.jpg

What you'll like:

• An affordable EV that focuses on personal mobility
• Ultra-compact size, light steering and small turning radius make it perfect for crowded cities
• A well-built hatchback that doesn’t feel cheap
• Real world range should be 150 – 160 km which is enough for an urban commuter
• Adjustable drive modes and selectable regen braking are useful in various driving conditions
• Zero emissions, cheap running costs & green image will appeal to a lot of people
• Good-looking cabin that has adequate space for 4 people to drive around town
• Tech includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, connected car benefits, cool starting procedure (no button to press), digital key sharing, etc.
• Good feature list includes LED headlamps, indirect TPMS, keyless entry, split folding rear seat, reverse parking camera with sensors, etc.
• Plenty of customization options and accessories to make your car truly unique

What you won't:

• Weird, funky styling may not appeal to everyone
• Not for people who want to do highway runs. This car is strictly for the city only
• 2-door design means difficult rear seat access. Also, it is a 4-seater, not 5
• 41 BHP motor isn’t fun-to-drive
• Can be used only as the 2nd or 3rd car of the house. Surely not your primary vehicle
• Zero boot space with all the seats up. You’ll have to fold the rear seats if you want to carry any luggage
• No DC fast charging or even AC fast charging options. Just home charging is available which takes 7 hours for a full charge (10 – 80% in 5 hours)
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety, setting up home charging etc.)
• Missing features like seat height adjustment (tall drivers would want to lower the seat), rear washer and wiper, spare wheel!!
• 2-speaker sound system is just sad

Market Response: Ordinary, but expected for a 2-door bare-bones EV. This was an experimental launch catering towards a very particular niche. Also, at that price point, some of the competitors offer a proper car with EV tech, so it's hard for most customers to make a case for the Comet EV (vs the Tiago EV).

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:41.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #5
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Citroen C3 Aircross : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023_citroen_c3_aircross_exterior_01.jpg

What you'll like:

• Well-sized crossover with a funky yet likeable design
• Offers the practicality of a 5+2 seater. Many families will like having that option
• Good-looking cabin that's practical too. Plenty of storage spaces
• Quick 1.2L turbo-petrol mated to the 6-speed MT is fun-to-drive
• Sorted suspension offers a very good ride & handling package
• Massive 511-litre boot that can be expanded to 839 litres. Flexible cargo and seating options are available
• Features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, connected car features, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, indirect TPMS, and a rear parking camera with sensors
• Lots of customization options and accessories to make your car truly unique

What you won't:

• Missing plenty of features = side & curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, sunroof, climate control, wireless charging, cruise control, rear AC vents, auto headlamps and more
• No automatic transmission on offer at the time of launch - a big miss when ATs are rapidly gaining popularity in India
• Single powertrain on offer. No Hybrid or diesel engine options
• Quality of cabin materials doesn't feel great; cost-cutting is pretty evident in certain areas
• Third row of seats is best for kids / children only
• Cabin width makes the middle row seat suitable for 2 adults, not 3
• Very sad audio. 4 speakers + 2 tweeter system feels very basic
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns; dealer network is tiny

Market Response: Too soon to tell, but things don't look promising either. In a segment that's obsessed with features and warming up to automatics, Citroen has chosen to take the completely opposite route with the C3 Aircross.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:40.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #6
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Toyota Rumion : Launch Thread

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-20230828_114558.jpg

Market Response: We've mentioned previously as well that the objective of these badge-engineered models is just to keep dealers happy (some extra sales) and show board members some benefits of the Toyota-Suzuki partnership. The Rumion has sold ~800 units each month in the last 3 months.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:39.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #7
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Hyundai Verna : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023hyundaiverna01.jpg

What you'll like:

• An all-rounder sedan that ticks all the right boxes
• Well-positioned overall package. Priced competitively against rivals
• User-friendly interiors with good cabin space
• 158 BHP, 1.5L turbo-petrol engine is the most powerful in the segment. Gets a quick DCT too
• Comfortable, neutral suspension setup riding on 205/55 R16 tyres
• Long list of features includes LED auto headlamps, ventilated seats, electric driver’s seat, sunroof, wireless charging, smart trunk, rear sunshade & more
• 5-star Global NCAP rating. Safety equipment includes level 2 ADAS tech, 6 airbags, ESC, 3-point seatbelts for all, rear disc brakes, front & rear parking sensors etc.
• Hyundai's wide service network & up to 7-years extended warranty

What you won't:

• Futuristic styling will polarise opinions. Many BHPians think the design is too edgy & unusual
• Better quality plastics should’ve been used in a car that costs 20+ lakh on-road
• No diesel engine on offer. Outgoing Verna was the last diesel sedan in the segment
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard
• Dual-clutch ATs have a history of poor reliability in India. Note: Verna with 1.5L NA CVT is available
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• Not as much fun-to-drive as the VW Virtus & Skoda Slavia
• Missing features like a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, auto wipers and foldable rear seat (a must in sedans IMHO)

Market Response: Successful. The Verna moniker has always had a fan following and this 2023 car is much improved in every area, including performance and on-road behaviour. Since the launch of this new generation, the Verna has jumped to the top of the charts selling ~2,300 units per month whereas its competitors are trailing at ~1,700-1,800 units per month.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:39.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #8
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Honda Elevate : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-honda_elevate_exterior_02.jpg

What you'll like:

• Smart styling with the right amount of muscle and clean lines
• Reliable and proven 1.5L i-VTEC engine is rev-happy & delivers adequate performance
• Pick between a slick 6-speed MT for some engagement or a super-smooth CVT Automatic for effortless urban commuting
• Superbly tuned suspension! Comfortable ride quality with sorted handling
• Clean interior design with good cabin space. Has a big 458L boot too
• Honda's proven reliability and after-sales service should ensure a fuss-free ownership experience
• Safety features include ADAS Level 2 tech, 6 airbags, hill start assist, lane watch assist, ISOFIX and ESP

What you won't:

• 1.5L NA offers satisfactory performance, but the competition offers way more powerful turbo-petrols and faster dual-clutch automatics
• CVT is great for urban commuting but out on the open roads, it's more suited to a sedate driving style
• No diesel or hybrid powertrains on offer. Competition offers both for those with high-running. We can't figure out why the City's wonderful Hybrid system wasn't adapted for the Elevate
• Lots of missing features by current standards. You don't get auto wipers, ICE with a subwoofer, a 360-degree camera, a powered driver seat, ambient lighting and more
• Lacks the feeling of "contemporariness" or the "wow" factor, be it in styling, powertrain, features & technology
• Honda Sensing ADAS system is intrusive at times on the highway; requires the driver to adapt to it and be comfortable using it

Market Response: A little early to judge, but the graph seems to have an upward trend in the early stages which is a positive indicator for Honda. The last 2 months have seen sales of 5,000 units per month. Response from the audience and so many of the BHPians has been positive. It won't compete against segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos or the Maruti Grand Vitara, but it's safe to assume that the Elevate will be a steady performer for Honda.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:38.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #9
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Citroen eC3 : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023citroenec302.jpg

What you'll like:

• Funky looking electric hatchback. Crossover styling cues will appeal to the masses
• Real world range of ~200 km is good enough for city driving and urban commutes
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Sorted handling characteristics, due to the lower center of gravity
• Good-looking cabin that is practical too
• 315-litre boot is very usable and fits a 15-inch spare wheel underneath
• 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now gets connected car tech as well
• Lots of customization options and accessories to make your car truly unique

What you won't:

• Missing plenty of features – adjustable regeneration, electric ORVM adjustment, climate control, rear wiper & defogger, reversing camera, alloy wheels, etc.
• 56 BHP motor isn't very fun-to-drive. Top speed is limited to just 107 km/h
• 200 km range makes the eC3 strictly a city car. Not ideal for long-distance travelling
• No fast AC home charging even as an option. Either wait 10 hours or find a DC fast charger nearby
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, brand new tech could mean niggles, range anxiety)
• Quality of cabin materials doesn’t feel great; cost-cutting is pretty evident in certain areas
• Cabin width makes the interiors suitable for 4 adults, not 5
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns; dealer network is tiny

Market Response: A total flop. Citroen had a chance to do something special with the eC3 and for some reason, they just decided otherwise. As if the lack of features wasn't enough, they plonked a boring motor in the car with just an average-range battery. In a market where an EV like the MG ZS EV that costs twice as much is selling twice the numbers (that too consistently), something is horribly wrong with the strategy of Citroen India. The company wants to sell basic products, while the market's aspirations have gone in a different direction.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:37.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:32   #10
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Maruti Jimny : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023marutijimny01.jpg

What you'll like:

• Extremely stylish retro-modern SUV with loads of character. A total head-turner that’s available in very interesting colours
• Build quality is more solid than you’d expect of a Maruti. Even the interiors feel hard-wearing (note: plastic quality is nothing to write home about)
• An agile mountain goat! 4x4 with low range, satisfactory all-round visibility, 210 mm GC, good wheel articulation and excellent approach, departure & break-over angles make it a potent offroader
• Compact size & lighter kerb weight (than the Thar & Gurkha) bring advantages off-the-road and on it (in urban confines)
• Stylish interiors with good space utilization for 4 adults
• 4 doors make it more practical & family-friendly than the competing 2-door offroaders
• Smooth torque-converter automatic transmission available
• You can expect lots of modification & customization options, as is the case internationally. Go out & personalize your Jimny!
• Features such as the hard top, tinted green glasses, near-flat reclining front seats, LED auto headlamps with washers, rear wash & wipe, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU...
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, brake-based limited slip differential, traction control, hill hold / descent control and ISOFIX mounts
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Small size doesn’t give it the presence of a Thar or Gurkha
• Unexciting 1.5L petrol engine with merely 103 BHP and 134 Nm. Don’t expect Maruti-esque fuel economy either (we saw high single-digit FE in our test-drive of the MT variant)
• Notchy 5-speed MT with a heavy clutch pedal. MT owners will find the footwell to be cramped
• Firm steering requires effort to operate. Vague on-road behaviour, weak return-to-centre action and wide 5.7 m turning radius
• Just a 4-seater (even legally). Not being able to carry 5 limits family-wise practicality
• Imperfect ride quality. Don’t expect road manners like a monocoque crossover, yet it is superior to the Thar’s bumpy ride
• 4-speed AT feels very old and outdated (has an “OD” button like in the ‘90s!). That being said, the gearbox has smooth shifts & proven reliability
• Missing features such as a sunroof, DRLs, rear A/C vents, auto wipers, TPMS, driver's seat height & lumbar adjustment, steering reach adjustment, auto-dimming IRVM, dead pedal…
• Boot space is just 208-liters; however, it is useable and more accommodating than the Thar’s. Disappointingly, the Jimny’s cabin has very few storage options & cubicles
• No soft-top convertible or 2-door options available. Forget about the joy of open-top cruising
• No diesel engine for those with high-running. The market still loves diesels in body-on-frame SUVs

Market Response: Underwhelming. For the kind of hype that preceded the launch, the response hasn't really been up to the mark. The Maruti Jimny suffered a sales decline during the festive season which wasn't expected, especially when the Mahindra Thar has been killing it throughout. In fact, 80% of the BHPians think that Maruti Jimny's optimistic pricing is dampening its sales (Related Thread). As if to confirm, the company recently released a variant that's Rs. 2 lakh cheaper.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:37.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:33   #11
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Mahindra XUV400 : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2022mahindraxuv40002.jpg

What you'll like:

• Finally a proper EV from Mahindra that's well-built and refined
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• 250-260 km real-world driving range should be adequate for city commutes & inter-city travel to nearby destinations
• Exhilarating performance! 0-100 km/h in 8.3 sec is fun
• Sorted road manners, compliant ride quality & solid high-speed stability. Beautiful handling package
• Smooth drive, no gears, one pedal operation, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Spacious and wide cabin with comfortable seats. Gets a more practical 378-litre boot too
• Well-equipped with features like drive modes, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, disc brakes all-round, IP67 protection for motor and battery, and adjustable headrests for all 5 passengers. The XUV300 has scored 5 stars in the GNCAP!

What you won't:

• Boring interior design feels kind of old by current standards
• Concerns over niggles in a freshly baked Mahindra EV. Our test car itself had issues!!
• A few cabin plastics & rough areas don't feel premium
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Missing features such as fog lamps, front parking sensors, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, wireless charging, rear AC vents, etc. Some of these are provided in the XUV300
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, brand new tech could mean niggles, range anxiety)
• OEM speaker & sound quality are terrible

Market Response: Not bad for Mahindra's first proper EV. The sales are no match for the Nexon EV, yet the XUV400 has a following for its performance and road manners. The last 6 months have seen monthly sales of 700-800 units.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:36.
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Old 5th December 2023, 17:33   #12
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Toyota Innova Hycross : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2022toyotainnovahycross01.jpg

What you'll like:

• A great-looking MPV. SUV’ish styling packs appeal
• Nicely designed interiors, good comfort in all 3 rows and usable boot (even with 3rd row up)
• Loaded to the gills with features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, electrically adjustable rear ottoman seats, multi-zone climate control, connected car features, leather upholstery, drive modes, etc.
• Hybrid powertrain makes it lighter on the pocket than a diesel and future-proof too. Very good fuel efficiency (expect city FE of 15-17 km/l)
• Impressive performance with a sub-10 second 0-100 km/h time (Toyota claims 9.5 seconds)
• Monocoque construction results in sorted handling and comfortable ride quality
• Brilliant NVH levels result in a quiet and serene experience inside the cabin
• Toyota's bullet-proof reliability, excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, Toyota Safety Sense (ADAS), ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, Isofix & 3-point seatbelts for all

What you won't:

• Expensive with on-road price crossing Rs. 38 lakhs
• Top-end variants are only available with captain seats in the middle row. No bench option is inexplicable!!
• 18" wheels with 50 profile tyres compromise the overall stance; they look very small
• Monocoque construction won’t be as rugged & abuse-friendly as the Crysta's body-on-frame build
• Interior plastic quality is very mediocre, some parts feel budget-grade
• Rear seat ottomans are useless for taller passengers
• Average sound quality from the JBL system, poor camera resolution and a basic infotainment system display
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, lumbar adjustment, boss lever on the front passenger seat...
• The already-good ride quality could be even better with higher profile tyres (e.g. on craters). 225/50 sidewalls are on the shorter side

Market Response: The Hycross had massive shoes to fill and it has managed to do just that. Radical changes from the Innova Crysta and yet it has managed to draw in customers despite the high sticker price. With combined sales figures (Innova Crysta & Hycross) at ~8,500 units per month, it's safe to say that Toyota's major launch for this year has been a success.

Maruti Invicto : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023_maruti_invicto_01.jpg

What you'll like:

• A great-looking MPV. SUV’ish styling packs appeal
• Nicely designed interiors, good comfort in all 3 rows and usable boot (even with third-row up)
• Many Maruti dealers across the country are currently offering faster delivery than that for the Innova Hycross
• Loaded with features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, connected car features, leather upholstery, drive modes, paddle shifters, ambient lighting etc.
• Hybrid powertrain makes it lighter on the pocket than a diesel and future-proof too. Very good fuel efficiency
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Impressively fast for an MUV. Very quick straight-line performance
• Monocoque construction results in sorted handling, comfortable ride quality & overall better driving experience than a body-on-frame UV
• Brilliant NVH levels result in a quiet and serene experience inside the cabin
• Toyota's bullet-proof reliability combined with Maruti's excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, ISOFIX & 3-point seatbelts for all

What you won't:

• Expensive with on-road price crossing Rs. 35 lakhs. This is the most expensive car Maruti has ever sold
• Toyota offers you a longer warranty, better badge (the big "T") and nameplate ("Innova")
• Top-end variant is only available with captain seats in the middle row. No bench option is inexplicable!!
• Innova Hycross has more features. Missing on the Maruti are Ottoman seats, ADAS, fore & aft adjustment levers on the second-row seatbacks, foglamps, 9-speaker JBL system etc.
• 17" wheels with 60 profile tyres compromise the overall stance; they look very small
• Monocoque construction won’t be as rugged & abuse-friendly as a body-on-frame build
• Interior plastic quality is very mediocre, some parts feel budget-grade
• Non-hybrid regular petrol engine unavailable on Invicto (it is sold on the Hycross). Further, Invicto is available only in 4 colours and 2 variants
• Poor sound quality from the 6-speaker system (subwoofer missing too), poor camera resolution and a basic infotainment system display
• Both cars - the Invicto & Hycross - don't offer rain-sensing wipers or lumbar adjustment
• The already-good ride quality could be even better with higher profile tyres (e.g. on craters)

Market Response: Being a badge-engineered product will always have its limitations. Plus, hardly anyone wants to pay Rs. 30-35 lakh for a Maruti and that shows in the sales figures for September and October (389 and 478 respectively). Other than the wide reach of Maruti's network and shorter delivery time in certain areas, the strangely named Invicto doesn't really have any advantage over the Toyota Innova Hycross.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:36.
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BMW X1 : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023_bmw_x1_exterior_01.jpg

What you'll like:

• Solid build & top-notch quality, inside out. Looks smart too
• Modern and well-appointed interior feels good
• Refined and competent diesel engine mated to a smooth, responsive 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Excellent high-speed stability coupled with sorted handling and a precise steering. Mature ride quality at speed
• Accommodating 476-litre boot and multiple storage spaces in the cabin
• Loaded with features such as adaptive headlamps, electric front seats with extendable seat bases and massage function, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, sliding & reclining rear seats, handsfree tailgate, panoramic sunroof, driving modes, etc.
• 5-star NCAP rating, top-notch safety kit and some ADAS features
• BMW's relatively strong reliability record along with decent after-sales service and maintenance packages

What you won't:

• Expensive! On-road price ranges between Rs. 55 - 63 lakhs
• 18-inch wheels give the ride a firm edge on bad roads at low speeds. It's totally liveable though
• The 3-cylinder 134 BHP petrol engine is a misfit in this segment
• Diesel motor offers just 148 BHP, which is even lesser than the older car. At this price, 190 - 200 BHP is a must! Furthermore, Diesel is available just in the M Sport variant (no AWD)
• No physical buttons for the climate control and idling start / stop systems is a useability failure
• Aggressively tuned idling start / stop system. Even if you slow down and stop at a traffic junction for a second, the engine switches off
• Back seat is more suitable for 2 healthy adults and a child. Not 3 healthy adults
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, head-up display, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre), 360-degree camera, rear sunshade etc.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:35.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023hyundaiioniq501.jpg

Market Response: For a Hyundai that costs ~Rs. 48 lakhs on-road, the Ioniq 5 has been well received. There is no doubt that it is among the best EVs on sale in India, superior even to some EVs from luxury car makers costing far more. It has achieved its sales target for 2023 and Hyundai has sold over 1,000 Ioniq 5 EVs since launch. Overall reviews from customers and BHPians have been positive too.

Last edited by Aditya : 5th December 2023 at 17:34.
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Audi Q3 Sportback: Launch Thread

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-audi-q3-sportback-front.jpg

Volvo C40 Recharge : Review Link

Team-BHP Car of the Year, 2023 | EDIT: It's the Toyota Innova Hycross-2023_volvo_c40_recharge_exterior_01.jpg

What you'll like:

• Sharply styled crossover. Volvo’s designs sure are head-turners!
• Solid build & top-notch quality, inside out
• Powerful drivetrain with 402 BHP, 660 Nm and AWD gives it sportscar-like performance
• Zero emissions, cheap running costs & green image will appeal to a lot of people
• Real world range should be ~400 km, which is enough for most users
• Excellent high-speed stability coupled with sorted handling. Mature ride quality at speed too
• Loaded with features such as panoramic pixel technology headlamps, electric front seats with extendable seat bases, one-pedal driving, button-less starting procedure, air purifier, 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, etc.
• 5-star NCAP rating, top-notch safety kit & level 3 ADAS to keep you safe

What you won't:

• More expensive than the XC40 Recharge. On-road price touches ~Rs. 68 lakh
• Rear seat comfort levels are mediocre. Raised floor & upright seatback. It’s best for just 2 & ingress / egress are tricky too, due to the sloping roofline
• Coupe-like rear styling can be polarising. Will divide opinions
• Poor rearward visibility due to the acutely-angled rear windscreen & C-pillar design
• Spare tyre is placed above the boot floor and eats into luggage space
• Missing features such as ventilated seats, head-up display, adjustable regenerative braking, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, rear wiper, full-size spare tyre (has a space saver tyre) etc.
• Firm low speed ride. Liveable, but not plush in the city. You feel bad roads in the city
• Small dealership and service network isn't a patch on its German competitors
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