Team-BHP - Media bias against underdog car companies in the International market!

The Indian car market is currently dominated by two heavyweights- Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. These two stalwarts have kept International players like Ford, FCA, Renault and many others at bay, with the products of the two well received by the Indian media. However, the tables turn in the International market where Ford and the others claw back! Their products are consistently well received by International publications, while Suzuki and Hyundai cars, while better received than before are still perceived as inferior to their European/American competitors.

For example:
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/hyunda...-sonata-review

It's a little too critical, especially considering it is just a prototype.

If this review was of a Ford Mondeo prototype, the reviewer would have probably written off the hard plastics as a trade-off for great handling.:Frustrati
Another example is the Suzuki Swift Sport, now more popular than before, it is still unfavourably compared to the Ford Fiesta ST, with most reviewers ignoring the fact that it provides excellent Dynamics and similar thrills and an extra cylinder (though smaller displacement) at a way cheaper price!.

If you have made any similar observations, please add them below!

I think we've to look at 2 things before coming to a conclusion that India is not a favorable market for 'underdog' auto-makers.
1. Product
2 Price & brand experience

Let me explain why product is very important:
1. Toyota and Honda's global best-sellers are Corolla, Camry, Civic and Accord. These cars are premium cars which can't get volumes in India (Toyota is happy sitting with the UV segment in India)
2. Suzuki and Hyundai have a competent lineup of small hatchbacks and sedans where majority of volumes lie
3. Suzuki didn't do too well with the Baleno and SX4. Ciaz is a wonderful product for the Indian market and is doing well against the City and the SUV competition.

I can think of 'unknown' manufactuers getting their share of limelight in India-
1. Renault Duster- the car was never replaced with the next gen product to compete with the Creta
2. Nissan Sunny and Micra were reasonable successes in the initial years. No updates and horrible service network has killed them.
3. VW Polo/Vento & Skoda Rapid sell in good numbers considering their age, dealer network and reliability (some models)