[GTO]

It's time to look back at the beautiful year that's been, and cast your vote for The Team-BHP Car of the Year. This is where YOU - the BHPian - will choose our car of 2024. 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 2024. Also included are some relevant high-points on each car.

• The contenders have been sorted in a price-ascending order (cheapest first).
• It's only NEW cars that are included in our COTY award. That automatically excludes the "refreshed" headlamp & tail-light versions, facelifts and mere 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 cars that were just unveiled, or will be launched in December. The reason being, these would be new products 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. The Mahindra BE 6e & XEV 9e will be listed in next year's COTY as only their starting price has been revealed (not of all variants). The Kylaq only just had its pricing revealed; however, neither have we fully test-driven the car, nor have any BHPians experienced it. The Honda Amaze has been launched, but our review is still some time away. All of these models will find their rightful place in the 2025 COTY.
• Link to Team-BHP's 2023 COTY.
• As has always been the case, we insist there will only be ONE Definitive Team-BHP Car of the Year. Why? Simply because we don't believe in handing out an award for the "fusebox of the year" or "dual-tone colour of the year" (as examples). Some award ceremonies have 15 awards to ensure there's one for each car manufacturer in India & to keep every OEM happy. We have no such inclination, and will only focus on the best, most important new car of 2024.

Looking forward to your votes, and also the reasoning behind your choice. Thanks!

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EDIT on 10th December 2024:



Bagging a massive 43% of the total ~2000 BHPian votes, the Thar Roxx is the Team-BHP Car of 2024 ! In a sea of mundane crossovers, the BoF Mahindra Thar Roxx brings fun, style, toughness and excitement. Big congratulations to Mahindra for rolling out yet another blockbuster SUV. Congratulations are also in order to the runner-up Maruti Dzire for bringing “5-star GNCAP safety” to the masses in what is a very well-rounded compact sedan, and to the MG Windsor EV in 3rd place for its proposition of practicality + value for money pricing + quality + space + feature list. Must say, it was quite a fight for the final podium spot between the MG Windsor & Tata Curvv.

The Thar Roxx has brought joy & practicality to the market, the Dzire brings safety to the affordable segment, while the Windsor is the kind of EV that India needs for electric cars to go more mainstream.

Our last car of the year (Innova Hycross) didn’t dominate the poll like this (32% of votes), nor did the car of 2022 (Scorpio-N with 28% votes). But the Thar Roxx is one SUV that appeals to the sensible & practical buyer, as well as the one wearing his / her heart on the sleeve.

I too had voted for the Thar Roxx with the following reasoning:

Originally Posted by GTO

For a car that combines WORK + PLEASURE + STYLE like no other, the Thar Roxx is my choice for the Team-BHP Car of 2024 . It’s the kind of car that proves you don’t need to spend big money to have fun. Engage 4x4 and you’ll be laughing in delight…although I might add, its brute character makes it fun on the road too. It’s the kind of car that appeals to a rich family from South Bombay / South Delhi, a well-to-do farmer from the hinterlands, newly married couples from the Bangalore IT world & an everyday college girl.

Click here to read my Thar Roxx review!

I love cars with character and the Thar Roxx finally combines practicality with style (3-door Thar is too impractical). And it’s just not the additional 2 doors. Mahindra smartly avoided stretching the 3-door Thar to make the 5-door Thar. Instead, they used a completely different platform! As a result, the Thar Roxx’s drive is more comparable to a Scorpio-N than the 3-door Thar. The Thar Roxx is powerful, refined, has nice interiors, liveable ride quality (but still bumpy, unsettled & busy), safety equipment & more. Get one, modify the heck out of it, customize it uniquely to your tastes and have a blast in life.

I was reading the posts on the Thar Roxx launch thread and have never seen any new car launch with so many BHPians saying "I want to buy it, I want to book it, I don't need it but I still want one". This SUV has an air of desirability around it. The market wholeheartedly agrees with these sentiments. The Thar Roxx garnered 176,000 bookings in 60 minutes! Although, once potential owners test-drive it on the road, there will be many cancellations too (unsettled ride quality, body-on-frame disadvantages, can’t match the finesse of same-price crossovers).

Mahindra’s ability to churn out one blockbuster after another is commendable = XEV 9e, Thar Roxx, XUV 3XO, Scorpio-N, XUV700, 3-door Thar…we are witnessing an era of Mahindra going from "good" to "greatness". From being a maker of crude’ish UVs to being the undisputed KING of 10-30 lakh SUVs & Crossovers.

[GTO]

Maruti Swift : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Stylish exterior is unmistakably "Swift", although opinions can be polarizing
• Smart-looking interior with a good-looking dashboard and fine ergonomics
• Manual transmission with short throws is very slick and a joy to use. Absolutely brilliant MT!
• Great drivability and light controls, along with a small footprint make it a joy in the city
• Sporty engine sound is addictive. It's the best sounding 3-cylinder I've driven
• Choice of sporty MT and convenient AMT - take your pick
• 3-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient; ARAI rating of 25.75 km/l for the AMT (MT is 24.80 km/l)
• Enjoyable handling & good high speed composure with a precise steering
• Long list of features including automatic LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED foglamps, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, footwell lighting, connected car features etc
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, hill-hold assist, ABS+EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts etc.
• Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• 1.2L petrol is not fast & exciting enough for enthusiasts. Not as refined as the outgoing 4-cylinder, nor as powerful (power has actually dropped to just 81 BHP)
• Priced very close to the more premium & spacious Baleno
• Mediocre plastic quality (interiors) is typical Maruti grade; very ordinary
• AMT can get jerky & slow. Some competitors offered smoother ATs (e.g. Altroz DCT, Hyundai's AMT, i20's IVT)
• Low speed ride is jiggly due to suspension tune & 15-inch wheels
• Black interiors and smallish glass area can make one claustrophobic, particularly at the back
• Rear seat’s under-thigh support is mediocre for taller passengers
• Some misses (auto-dimming IRVM, TPMS, sunroof, driving modes, smaller spare tyre on the Z trims...)
• L & V variants get horribly skinny 165 mm tyres. Please upgrade
• 163 mm ground clearance raises our eyebrows, although Maruti hatchbacks aren't known to scrape speed breakers

[GTO]

Maruti Dzire : Review Link



What you'll like:

• 5-star safety rating at the GNCAP! Safety features such as 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, TPMS, 360-degree camera, ESP, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts etc.
• Sharp & contemporary styling - the best looking compact sedan on sale today
• Smart-looking interior with a nice dashboard & fine ergonomics
• We feel the Dzire is well-priced for the package on offer
• Manual transmission with short throws is very slick, and a joy to use. Absolutely brilliant MT!
• Great drivability and light controls, along with a small footprint make it a joy in the city
• Choice of sporty MT and convenient AMT - take your pick. CNG variants available for those with high running
• 3-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient; ARAI rating of 25.71 km/l for the AMT, 24.79 km/l for the MT and 33.73 km/kg for the CNG
• Suspension offers a compliant ride & neutral on-road behaviour
• Long list of features including automatic LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED foglamps, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, rear A/C vents, wireless smartphone charging, footwell lighting, connected car features etc.
• Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• 1.2L petrol is not fast & exciting enough for enthusiasts. Not as refined as the outgoing 4-cylinder, nor as powerful (power has actually dropped to just 81 BHP)
• Lacks the solid build of some rivals. Panel gaps could be tighter too
• Mediocre plastic quality (interiors) is typical Maruti-grade; very ordinary
• AMT can get jerky & slow. Some competitors offered smoother ATs (e.g. Amaze CVT, Aura AMT)
• 382 litre boot is 5-10% smaller than all competitors. While cargo capacity is still fair, the boot lip is high, and the mouth is narrower than the others
• Light coloured interiors are prone to getting soiled easily
• Rear seat’s under-thigh support is mediocre for taller passengers
• Some misses (auto-dimming IRVM, front armrest, driving modes, smaller spare tyre on the Z trims...)
• L & V variants get horribly skinny 165 mm tyres. For safety reasons, please upgrade to at least 185 mm tyres if you buy these trims
• 163 mm ground clearance (unladen) raises our eyebrows, although Maruti cars aren't known to scrape speed breakers

[GTO]

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor : Review Link

[GTO]

Citroen Basalt : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Good road presence and unique SUV Coupe styling make the Basalt stand out from the crowd
• Nice-looking cabin that's spacious & practical. Plenty of storage spaces
• Peppy 1.2L turbo-petrol mated to the 6-speed MT (great to use!) or AT is fun-to-drive
• Sorted suspension offers an excellent ride & handling package. Again, a great driver's car!
• 470-litre boot can accommodate a healthy amount of luggage
• Features like the 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, rear seats with adjustable under-thigh support, soft & bolstered headrests and more
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold, TPMS, 3-point seatbelts + reminders for all 5 occupants, ISOFIX, etc.

What you won't:

• SUV Coupe styling can polarise opinions; this body style is not for everyone
• Missing plenty of features - sunroof, ventilated seats, keyless entry & go, 360-degree camera, cruise control, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM...
• Only petrol powertrains on offer. No Hybrid, diesel or EV options
• Quality of cabin materials doesn't feel great; cost-cutting is pretty evident in certain areas
• As is typical of SUV Coupes, rearward visibility is poor
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns; dealer network is small. Example, a metropolitan city like Mumbai has just 2 outlets in the far suburbs, while Bangalore has 1

[GTO]

Tata Punch EV : Review Link



What you'll like:

• A well-rounded EV package at an affordable price tag
• Punchy 121 BHP motor is enjoyable. 300 km real-world range is adequate for most people
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Enjoyable 6-speaker Harman ICE. One of the better systems in this segment
• Sorted road manners & reassuring high speed stability
• Well-designed & practical cabin with enough space for 4 adults
• 366-liter boot is accommodating
• Loads of features such as ventilated seats, auto-dimming IRVM, multi-mode regen, cruise control, Arcade.ev apps, air purifier, wireless smartphone charging, sunroof and more
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, disc brakes all-round, ESP, electronic parking brake, auto hold, blind spot view monitor, hill descent control, SOS calling function, etc.

What you won't:

• Fit, finish & interior quality - although satisfactory overall - still has room for improvement in some areas
• Suspension has a firm tune (R16 variants). It is compliant & liveable, but you do feel bad roads
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, brand new tech could mean niggles, range anxiety)
• No spare tyre, you will have to make do with a puncture repair kit! Good luck cruising on highways without a spare
• Cabin width makes 4 adults welcome, not 5
• Some missing goodies such as a split rear seat, rear A/C vents, spare wheel…
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• It's a brand-new car, so probability of issues & niggles is high

[GTO]

Tata Curvv : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Coupe SUV styling is unique & a great differentiator. Grabs attention on the road
• A good overall package that’s priced competitively against rivals like the Creta, Seltos, Kushaq, Taigun, Hyryder and Grand Vitara
• 123 BHP GDI turbo-petrol and 116 BHP diesel, both, offer satisfactory performance
• Multiple engine + gearbox options = there’s something for everyone.
• All 3 engines are offered with a dual-clutch automatic too! The DCT is far, far smoother than the AMTs
• Sorted road manners & high speed stability
• 500-litre boot is accommodating enough for family holiday luggage
• Long list of features includes flush door handles, powered tailgate with gesture activation, 9-speaker JBL audio system (sounds really nice!), panoramic sunroof, recline adjustment for rear seats and more
• Loaded with safety tech like level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree view camera, TPMS, hill hold assist & hill descent control

What you won't:

• Suspension has a firm edge to it due to 18-inch wheels (top variant). Ride is liveable, but you do feel the bad roads underneath you. 17” wheel lower variants could ride better
• While the engines offer good performance, the manual and DCT AT gearboxes aren't tuned for enthusiastic driving
• Backseat is suitable for 2 adults and not 3. Headroom is limited (due to the coupe styling)
• Build quality and fit & finish – while being satisfactory - have room for improvement
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• A few missing features like telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, cupholders for front passengers, a rear sunshade…
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• It's a brand-new Tata launch, so the probability of niggles is high, especially in the initial batches

Tata Curvv EV : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Coupe SUV styling is unique & a great differentiator. Grabs attention on the road
• A good overall package that’s priced competitively against rivals like the ZS EV, XUV400 & Nexon EV Long Range
• 165 BHP motor is very enjoyable. 400 km real-world range is sufficient for city + highway driving
• Sorted road manners & high speed stability
• Zero emissions, cheap “fuel” costs, no gears, light controls make it an ideal city car
• 500-litre boot is accommodating enough for family holiday luggage
• Long list of features includes flush door handles, powered tailgate with gesture activation, 9-speaker JBL audio system (sounds really nice!), panoramic sunroof, V2L & V2V charging, Arcade.ev app suite, recline adjustment for rear seats and more
• Loaded with safety tech like level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, acoustic vehicle alert system for pedestrians, ESP, front parking sensors, 360-degree view camera, TPMS, hill hold assist & hill descent control

What you won't:

• Rear seat is uncomfortable for tall passengers - high floor, difficult ingress & egress and limited headroom (due to the coupe styling)
• Suspension has a firm edge to it due to 18-inch wheels (top variant). Ride is liveable, but you do feel the bad roads. 17” wheel lower variants could ride better
• Build quality and fit & finish – while being satisfactory - have room for improvement
• Rearward visibility is poor, as is the case with most Coupe-SUVs
• A few missing features like telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, cupholders for front passengers, a rear sunshade…
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety etc.)
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• It's a brand-new Tata launch, so the probability of niggles is high, especially in the initial batches

[GTO]

Mahindra Thar Roxx : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Handsome styling, brute character & tough build. Has an air of desirability around it
• Far more user-friendly and upmarket than the 3-door Thar, due to its superior interiors, amenities & the 2 rear doors
• Superbly equipped. Loaded with almost every possible feature we could think of (9-speaker Harman Kardon system, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree cam, ventilated front seats…)!
• Very competent, refined and quick petrol / diesel engine range
• Butter-smooth 6-speed AT available with both engines
• Ride, handling and steering are much improved over the 3-door. Feels more Scorpio-N-like to drive than a Thar. Gets a light EPS (not heavy hydraulic steering like the 3-door Thar)
• 4x4 hardware, off-road capability & high GC. Get ready for slush, muck, deserts, jungles & the mountains!
• Practical cabin with seating for 5 and a fair amount of storage
• 447 litres of boot space is sufficient for holiday luggage
• Top-notch safety kit includes 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ESP, hill descent control and more
• We feel the Thar Roxx is well-priced for the package on offer

What you won't:

• While the ride quality is significantly better than the 3-door Thar, it is not as plush as say, the XUV700 & other monocoque crossovers. The 19” wheels are a contributor too. Ride quality is liveable though and we’ll give it a 7/10 rating
• Some styling elements are either too polarising or too “busy”
• Light-coloured interiors with white seats (!!!) will get dirty easily. Keep the cleaning apparatus ready
• Ingress / egress to the rear is difficult, particularly for the elderly
• No 3rd row of seats, which the Scorpio-N & XUV700 offer
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 174 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Inexplicably, 4x4 option just on the diesel. Petrol is available with RWD only. Mahindra needs to correct this ASAP
• No option of a convertible soft-top (like Thar) or removeable hard-top (like Wrangler) for those who love open-top motoring
• Some missing features such as reach-adjustable steering, keyless entry, rear window shades…
• Niggles are a given with a fresh new Mahindra model. Just ask owners of the 3-door Thar

[GTO]

MG Windsor : Review Link



What you'll like:

• A unique proposition for the Indian market. The Windsor is a Crossover MPV that focuses on practicality and comfort
• Very well-priced! MG has set the cat among the pigeons. Definitely worth considering over the competitors. BaaS (Battery as a Service) option is also available if you want a lower acquisition cost
• A well-built car that doesn’t feel cheap by any standards
• Good looking cabin paired with spacious interiors. Rear seats are especially comfortable with plenty of legroom & headroom
• 134 BHP motor has enough power for the city as well as highway runs. Real-world range of 250 km should be good for urban dwellers
• Selectable drive modes and adjustable regen braking are useful in various driving conditions
• 604-litre boot is great for family outings (note: top variant has ~579 liters of boot space)
• Long list of features includes electronic flush-fitting door handles, ventilated front seats, 135-degree reclining rear seats, 15.6-inch touchscreen head-unit with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, OTT apps and more
• Zero emissions, cheap running costs & green image will appeal to a lot of people

What you won't:

• MPV styling – in this era of SUVs & Crossovers - may not appeal to everyone. Also, the headlight placement makes them prone to damage
• 250 km range is on the lower side by 2024 standards. MG should have given the bigger 50 KWh battery as an option
• Suspension tune is busy at the rear. The ride is liveable, but you do feel bad roads
• Lack of physical buttons is a major inconvenience. Too much dependence on the touchscreen even for core functions (e.g. ORVM adjustment)
• Missing some features like a spare wheel (please get one at additional cost), rear wiper (big miss), ADAS tech, height adjustable seatbelts…
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety, setting up home charging etc.)
• A/C does take some time to cool the large cabin; the large greenhouse & glass roof are contributors

[GTO]

Force Gurkha 5-door : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Macho styling & incredible street presence. Robust build too
• Far more user-friendly than the old Gurkha due to superior interiors & better amenities
• Shift-on-the-fly 4x4 with low range, diff locks, satisfactory all-round visibility & 233 mm GC. Excellent gradability, approach, departure & break-over angles make it a potent off-roader
• Choice of 3-door and 5-door (7-seater) versions gives it an edge over competing off-roaders
• Rides noticeably better than other purpose-built offroaders in the market (especially the Thar)
• 5.5 m turning radius (3-door) is not as wide as its competitors
• Homologated accessories means no cop trouble for owners (windscreen protection bar, roof carrier, ladder, headlamp & fender lamp grilles etc.). Snorkel is factory-fitted!
• 500L boot space (3-door) is enough for a family's vacation luggage
• Features such as the hard top, LED headlamps with DRLs, rear wash & wipe, 9-inch touchscreen HU, power & eco drive modes, TPMS, dead pedal, rear A/C vents...

What you won't:

• High floor makes ingress & egress very difficult for the elderly in particular
• Braking capability is below average. Pedal travel is long too
• No soft-top or convertible options like the Thar. No Petrol engine or Automatic transmission either
• Tall stature equates to lots of body roll and poor handling
• Despite the increased power & torque, the Gurkha's outright performance is mediocre
• Overall fit & finish, quality of interior plastics, ICE audio, camera display…
• Notchy 5-speed MT has long throws and is cumbersome to use
• Missing features such as 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold / descent control, sunroof, auto headlamps, auto wipers, driver's seat height & lumbar adjustment, auto-dimming IRVM, electrically folding ORVMs etc.
• 5-door variant's 3rd-row captain seats cannot be folded or flipped. You'll need to place your luggage on & around them (or get a carrier)

[GTO]

BYD eMax 7 : Review Link



What you'll like:

• The only electric full-size 7-seater MPV in the market with potentially no direct rivals
• A well-rounded product that looks good and has decent cabin space
• 201 BHP motor packs a punch. Does the 0-100 km/h dash in just 8.6 seconds!
• 400-450 km real-world range is great; forget urban commuting, this is enough for road-tripping with the family
• Both battery options (55.4 kWh & 72.8 kWh) are available with 6 and 7-seater configurations
• Good low-speed ride quality, zero emissions, cheap running costs, no gears, and light controls make it an ideal city car
• 8-year / 1,60,000 km battery warranty, 8-year / 1,50,000 km warranty on motor, 6 years of roadside assistance
• Features such as the vehicle-to-load function (A/C power for appliances), powered tailgate, panoramic glass roof, NFC key card, 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen & more
• Safety features include 6 airbags, TPMS, hill-hold, 360-degree view camera, ESP and level 2 ADAS

What you won't:

• At ~Rs. 30 lakh on-road, there is price overlap with the mighty Innova Crysta as well as the even mightier Innova Hycross. Also, there are cheaper 7-seater ICE rivals offering better value
• Conservative exterior & interior design may not appeal to everyone. Doesn’t have a lot of standout elements
• Interior quality is mediocre; seats and some plastics feel budget-grade
• 6-speaker sound system is ordinary at this price point. No subwoofer at 30-lakhs is surprising
• Missing features such as connected car tech, a spare wheel (please buy one yourself), wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, auto wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, dead pedal, sunshades, etc.
• BYD's dealership & service network is currently very small
• The usual EV challenges (charging infrastructure, range anxiety, setting up home charging etc.)

[GTO]

BYD Seal : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Good build quality coupled with very appealing styling
• Punchy motor offers fast performance. RWD variant's 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds is enjoyable; AWD variant's performance is ballistic (0-100 in 3.8 seconds)
• Good high-speed stability coupled with sorted handling
• Spacious and well-built cabin with comfortable seats
• Useable 400-litre boot, along with a 50-litre frunk (in the front)
• Inherent EV advantages such as a green image, zero tailpipe emissions, low running costs (charge at home) & top-notch NVH
• We find the BYD Seal to be well-priced for what it offers
• Selectable regenerative braking and drive modes allow you to extract maximum performance or efficiency, as needed
• Sufficient driving range (approx 500 km) for urban commuting as well as the usual road-tripping with family
• 6-year/150,000 km warranty on the car, 8-year battery & motor warranty, 6-year roadside assistance
• Features such as the vehicle-to-load function, soundproof glass, rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen, climate control with heat pump, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, electrically adjustable A/C vents, NFC key card, etc.
• 5-star NCAP rating, top-notch safety kit & level 2 ADAS to keep you safe

BYD Seal Cons

• 145 mm ground clearance requires you to drive with care over large speed breakers & broken roads
• Firm low speed ride. Liveable, but not plush in the city. You feel bad roads
• Low slung body makes ingress & egress a challenge for the not-so-flexible and elderly
• No option of a lighter-coloured interior theme (cabin is full-black)
• Rear seat offers poor under-thigh support
• Most functions and settings are controlled through the touchscreen, which makes them difficult to access on the move
• Vertical movement over road joints can get annoying
• Missing features such as connected car tech, a spare wheel (in India!!!), wireless Apple CarPlay, etc.
• Poor rearward visibility due to the acutely-angled rear windscreen and large rear headrests
• BYD's dealership & service network is currently very small

[GTO]

Mini Cooper S : Launch Thread

[GTO]

Nissan X-Trail : Review Link



What you'll like:

• Handsome-looking SUV with a perfect blend of conventional & modern styling
• 1.5L turbo-petrol with variable compression is refined and offers decent performance
• Smooth CVT combined with a light steering makes the X-Trail a good urban car
• 585 litres of boot space (3rd row folded) is accommodating enough for family holiday luggage
• 3rd-row of seats gives it an advantage over 5-seater competitors
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, paddle shifters, drive modes, fully digital instrument cluster, etc.
• 5-star Euro NCAP & ANCAP rating. Safety features such as 7 airbags, ESP and brake limited slip differential among others
• 210 mm of ground clearance is great for tackling bad roads

What you won't:

• Missing features in what’s pitted as a premium SUV – lacks leatherette seats, ADAS, a spare wheel, powered and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, connected car tech, hands-free tailgate, rear sunblinds, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, etc.
• 20-inch alloy wheels and shorter tyre sidewalls make the ride firm. Should’ve had smaller wheels as an option
• Since this is a direct import / CBU, the X-Trail will be expensive. Not many people would be willing to pay big money for a Nissan
• Single variant and single powertrain on offer. No turbo-diesel, no AWD
• Cramped 3rd row has very limited usability & is best for kids. This is more of a 5+2 seater SUV than a 7-seater
• Not as engaging to drive as the Kodiaq or Tiguan
• Nissan's tiny dealership network & poor after-sales service

[GTO]

Kia Carnival : Review Link



What you'll like:

• A ​t​op-class luxurious MPV that’s also high on practicality​ - beats most same price SUVs on both parameters
• ​H​as a sturdy build and excellent fit & finish
• Large size and imposing road presence​
• Spacious & comfortable interiors. 3rd-row is usable for adults too
• Fantastic engine & gearbox combination! 2.2L diesel & 8-speed AT impress
• Comfortable ride quality & neutral road manners​ - ride comfort is superior to the Toyota Vellfire
• 627L boot space with all three rows up​; massive cargo space with the third row down
• Impressive kit (2 sunroofs, ​12-speaker Bose sound system, relaxation seats, electric rear doors, sunshades, drive modes, paddle shifters​ which the outgoing Carnival didn't have, ​e​tc.)
• 5-star safety rating​ in the ANCAP. Kit ​includes ​8 airbags, ADAS Level 2, ESC, HSA, 360-degree camera etc.

What you won't:

• ​Twice as ​expensive​ as the outgoing car! ​E​x-showroom price is 64-lakhs (IMHO, it's fully worth the asking price)
• Massive size can make it cumbersome in the city, while parking & in narrow lanes​. Majority of Kia Carnivals are chauffeur-driven for good reason
• Available in ​m​erely 2 colour options, 1 variant and 1 seating configuration
• No petrol​ or hybrid powertrains on offer
• Ordinary urban fuel economy due to the heavy weight, 190 BHP engine & AT gearbox
• 3rd​-row access is difficult for larger adults and the elderly
• Quality of some of the interior materials ​i​s more comparable to a Hyundai Tucson than a Mercedes
• Some misses such as a ​f​ull-size spare tyre​ (you get a skinny 135 mm space saver which will cap your cruising speed to 80 km/h), cooled glovebox, fully electric second row seat adjustment, etc.