Which one would you choose?

BMW 3-Series

What you'll like:

• Just the right size for a luxury sedan for India
• Punchy rev-happy engine & well-tuned gearbox deliver superb performance
• Great combination of ride and handling; just how a 3-Series should be
• Big step up in interior quality & design (from the F30)
• Loaded with tech, new style speedometer & more. iDrive 7 is nice to use

What you won't:

• Sad boot space with the spare wheel underneath
• Features like keyless entry, HUD, Adaptive LEDs are expected at this price
• 330i's 42 - 49 lakh price is stiff, although fat dealer discounts are available
• Fake engine noise piped in; tad too fake for my tastes

Link to Official Review

Mercedes C-Class

What you'll like:

• C300d's powerful engine with a 0 - 100 time of ~6 seconds
• Lovely 9-speed gearbox
• AMG Line body kit looks hot; beautiful interiors as well
• Good feature set (e.g. panoramic sunroof)

What you won't:

• Limited rear seat space
• Firm ride quality
• Very expensive

Link to Ownership Reviews (1, 2)

Jaguar XE

What you'll like:

• Sporty styling & sharp looks
• Excellent suspension setup. Easily the best in the segment
• Updated driver cockpit area
• Loads of new tech

What you won't:

• More cramped interiors than its rivals
• Gearbox tuning is pretty sad
• Boot is the smallest in the segment @ 410 liters
• Jaguar's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss

Link to Official Review

Skoda Octavia RS 245

What you'll like:

• Explosive performance from the turbo-petrol. Fast DSG too
• Sharp handling, solid stability & strong brakes
• Top quality interior with enough space, sporty seats & a cavernous boot
• Loaded with features & tech
• 5 star NCAP rating
• Sportiness & practicality in one package. Work on weekdays, play on weekends

What you won't:

• Overpriced. Plus, the BMW 330i isn't too far away
• Ride quality is noticeably firmer than the regular Octavia's
• Powerful engine guzzles fuel in the city. Also, runs best on pricey high-octane petrol
• Steering feel from the EPS is missing (it's precise though)
• Unusually tall floor hump makes things uncomfortable for the 5th occupant
• Concerns about long-term reliability & Skoda’s ill-famed service network

Skoda Superb

What you'll like:

• Well-priced for all it offers
• Timeless, elegant styling. Fit, finish & build quality are top notch
• Amazing rear seat comfort. Beats luxury cars costing twice as much
• Classy cabin is practical & user-friendly. Cavernous 625 liter boot!
• Terrific petrol engine mated to a fast gearbox
• Loaded with features & technology. Equipment list runs pages long
• 5 star safety rating & kit - 8 airbags, ESP, TC, ABS + EBD, EDL and lots more

What you won't:

• Diesel is gone! No clue when VW-Skoda will bring their BS6 diesels here
• DSG is known for breakdowns. Old Superb's long-term reliability was overall poor
• Skoda's scary after-sales service. Dealer network doesn't understand customer service
• Starting to show its age now. Feels bland compared to newer competition

Link to Facelift Thread & Official Review

Toyota Camry Hybrid

What you'll like:

• An extremely well-rounded luxury sedan. Lots of road presence due to its sheer size too
• Spacious, comfortable & well-equipped cabin. Ideal for self-driven or chauffeured owners alike
• High-tech and environment-friendly hybrid powertrain mated to a butter-smooth CVT automatic
• Terrific fuel efficiency! 15 km/l or more in the city
• Compliant ride quality with sorted road manners
• Loaded with kit (amazing sound system, ventilated front seats, reclinable rear seats, head-up display)
• Top-notch safety ratings. Equipment includes 9 airbags, ESP & more
• Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability and superb after-sales service. Camrys age very well

What you won't:

• Weird front styling isn't to everyone's taste. You'll either love it or hate it
• Expensive! The VW Passat & Skoda Superb are both priced noticeably lower
• Not as much fun to drive as its German competitors (although it's no longer boring either)
• A couple of missing essentials (rpm counter, folding rear seat...)
• Back seat is better suited to 2 adults, rather than 3
• Just a single trim. No choice of variants at all

Link to Official Review

Toyota has increased the price of the Camry Hybrid in India. The car is now priced at Rs. 39.02 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Earlier, Toyota had announced that it was planning to increase the prices of some of its models including the Camry, sighting a rise in exchange rates.

The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid which produces 176 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm, along with an electric motor generator that is rated at 118 BHP and 202 Nm. The car comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Thanks to BHPian sv97 for sharing this information with other enthusiasts!

Toyota has announced that the prices of the Camry Hybrid and Vellfire MPV will be hiked from July 2020. The company claims that the rise in exchange rates has necessitated this hike in prices.

At present, the Camry Hybrid BS6 is priced at Rs. 37.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while prices for the Vellfire start at Rs. 79.50 lakh. Both cars are imported as completely built units (CBU).

The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid which produces 176 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm, along with an electric motor generator that is rated at 118 BHP and 202 Nm. The car comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Vellfire also gets a hybrid powertrain. It uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine developing 115 BHP and 198 Nm along with dual electric motors rated at 105 kW and 50 kW at the front and rear respectively.

Toyota has silently launched the BS6-compliant Camry in India. The car is priced at Rs. 37.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Camry comes with an updated engine that meets BS6 emission norms. The 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid produces 176 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm, while the electric motor generator is rated at 118 BHP and 202 Nm. The car comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Apart from the upgraded powertrain, no other changes have been made to the Camry. It comes with LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a touchscreen infotainment head-unit, heads-up display, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control among others.

The Camry is equipped with a host of safety features including 9 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, parking assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child safety seat anchors.

Think of it as a 70 kg boxer fighting a 90 kg one. Oxford says:

Punch above one's weight = engage in an activity or contest perceived as being beyond one's abilities.

The list of overpriced cars in India runs long. However, what about special cars that offer more than you'd expect for the asking $$$? Surely, there are a couple of such gems in India. Here is GTO's list.

BHPians: Please add to this list with cars which you think punch above their weight!

Tata Nexon

5-star crash test rating in the NCAP - need I say anymore? It's also got nice engines (love that diesel) and is well-priced. Not for nothing is this Tata's 2nd best-selling car today.

Skoda Superb

If you are chauffeur-driven and don't want to spend E-Class / 5-Series money for cruising in luxury, look no further than the Superb. Not only does it match sedans costing TWICE as much in comfort, but it also comprehensively beats some of its own siblings (from Audi). Classy, comfy, solid, well-equipped.

Kia Seltos

A well-engineered all-rounder that has taken India by storm. A truly premium product that offers an experience matching far more expensive cars. That's precisely why it's consistently selling 10,000+ units / month in a damp market. My sister said that her 50-lakh rupee Land Rover Freelander felt grossly overpriced, after sitting in the Seltos (I agree). This is India's best-selling SUV.

Toyota Innova 2.8 Automatic

Is the Innova expensive? You bet. Still, there is nothing that touches it in terms of practicality, durability & comfort (just ask the industrialists who use its captain seats). Plus, the Crysta 2.8L Automatic has blurred the line between premium MPV & SUV (well, at least the FWD ones).

Skoda Octavia

The definition of VFM! The Octavia 1.8 / 2.0 easily meet or beat the C-Class, 3-Series & A4 in most important areas. Bring in the vRS variant and you are talking about outperforming far more expensive cars from far higher price points.

Ford Endeavour 3.2L

One of my favourite cars on sale in India. A BHPian who owns a Discovery & this Ford said "I cannot understand how the Endeavour offers 90% of the Discovery at 50% of the cost". The Endeavour 3.2 AT is a terrific all-rounder that matches so many SUVs costing 70-lakh rupees or more. No wonder it's selling a consistent ~600 units every month, despite its age, the Ford brand and a tough market.

Tata Hexa

The Hexa might be a flop, but it is one heck of a UV with its magic carpet ride, solid build, classy styling, brilliant automatic gearbox, AWD, spacious cabin and impressive kit (including safety equipment). In terms of product, Tata got this bang on!

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Surprised? You won't be after driving it. IMHO, the 2019 Camry is a Lexus with a "T" badge (it was usually the other way around for the Lexus ES). Yes, it's moved the game that much forward. Just like the Skoda Superb, the Camry delivers comfort levels & tech (including a proper hybrid) that meet or beat the 70-lakh rupee Germans. Heck, it's almost the same car as the Lexus ES at a significantly lower price point.

Skoda Kodiaq

Is the Kodiaq overpriced by 5 lakhs? You bet. When I mentioned this to a senior Skoda official, his response was "tell me something I don't know" ! But it still sells. You know why? Because the car is an a-w-e-s-o-m-e package. Despite its plain styling & strictly "adequate" power, the overall product screams "proper luxury SUV". The Skoda dude told me that he is offering a 70-lakh rupee SUV for 35 lakhs. After taking one on a highway trip, I couldn't agree more. Build + space + intelligence + features + gearbox + road manners + safety are all fantastic.

P.S. Would have loved to include the Abarth Punto here for the sheer performance on tap, but it's (sadly) not had a single factory dispatch since April 2019. Hence, RIP.

P.P.S. Skoda is the only manufacturer to have 3 cars on this list! Says a lot...

Toyota has launched the eighth generation Camry Hybrid in India. The car is available at an introductory price of Rs. 36.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new Camry is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). It measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width and 1,455 mm in height. The car has a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and is fitted with a 50 litre fuel tank.

The eighth generation Camry comes with an updated front end design. It features a chrome grille with LED projector headlamps that have integrated LED DRLs and follow-me home function. The front bumper has a large trapezoidal air dam with LED fog lamps placed in either corner. At the rear, there are wraparound LED tail lights and a dual-tone bumper.

On the inside, the new Camry Hybrid comes with beige leather upholstery. It has ventilated, 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver seat and power reclining rear seats with armrest-controls for the audio, rear sun shade and the 3-zone automatic climate control. The car comes fitted with a 9-speaker JBL audio system that has Bluetooth and navigation. Other features include wireless charging, 10-inch heads-up display, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, ECO meter among others.

The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 176 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm of torque @ 3,600-5,200 rpm. The Hybrid System Motor Generator delivers 118 BHP and 204.1 Nm of torque. The powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. It has three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Power. Toyota claims a fuel economy figure of 23.27 km/l.

The list of safety features that are offered as standard include 9 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, brake hold function, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, park assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child safety seat anchors.

The new Camry is available in 7 colour options - Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Burning Black, Red Mica, Phantom Brown and Graphite Metallic.

The eighth-generation Toyota Camry Hybrid will be launched in India on January 18, 2019.

The new Camry is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). It features new exterior styling comprising of a V-shaped grille and a massive air dam. The car has sweptback headlamps and wraparound tail lamps. It gets a dual-tone rear bumper that has integrated reflectors.

Inside, the new Camry comes with a redesigned dashboard featuring a touchscreen infotainment system. It has a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a twin-pod instrument cluster. In India, the Camry Hybrid is likely to get features like a 9-speaker JBL audio system, wireless charging, 10-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function, 3-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and sunroof. 

The Camry Hybrid is expected to be powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 174 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm and an electric motor. It could come with an ECO Mode and a full-electric mode. The Camry Hybrid could also get Auto Glide Control.

Toyota is gearing up to launch the eighth-generation Camry in India on January 18, 2019. The first cars have already started arriving at dealerships.

The eight generation Camry is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). It has a V-shaped grille with chrome inserts and wraparound headlamps on either side. A large hexagonal air dam dominates the front end. The car has wraparound tail lamps and a dual-tone rear bumper with integrated reflectors. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

On the interior, the Camry gets a redesigned dual-tone dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system in the centre. The car has a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a twin-dial instrument cluster with an MID in the centre. The India-spec Camry is likely to come equipped with a 9-speaker JBL audio system, wireless charging, 10-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function, head-up display, sunroof, 3-zone automatic climate control and cruise control among other features. The car also gets Auto Glide Control which lets the vehicle decelerate slower to improve fuel efficiency.

In India, the Camry will be offered with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 174 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3,600-5,200 rpm. It has an ECO mode and a full-electric mode.

The new Camry is expected to be available in 7 colour options - Attitude Black, Graphite, Burning Black, Silver, Phantom Brown, Pearl White Premium and Red Mica. 

The Toyota Camry Hybrid will compete with the Honda Accord Hybrid in the Indian market.

Source: Gaadiwaadi

In 2017, the eighth-generation Toyota Camry made its debut in the international market. Toyota has now launched the model in Thailand.

The new Camry is based on the TNGA platform. It is longer and wider than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also grown by 50 mm. The Thai-spec Camry looks similar to the car sold in the US market. It has a large trapezoidal grille at the front and sweptback headlamps. The car features chrome window trim and chrome door handles. At the rear, the new Camry gets wraparound tail lamps and a dual-tone bumper with integrated reflectors.

The new Camry comes with black interiors and a redesigned dashboard. It has a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a twin-dial instrument cluster. The car comes with features like 8-way adjustable front seats, 8-inch infotainment system, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, head-up display, rear reclining seats and 3-zone automatic climate control. 

In Thailand, the Camry is offered with 3 engine options. A 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine makes 165 BHP and 199 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. A 2.5-litre, petrol with 206 BHP and 250 Nm of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a hybrid featuring a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to a CVT gearbox. It has a combined output of 208 BHP and 202 Nm.

The Thai-spec Camry comes equipped with safety features like ABS with EBD, airbags, traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, hill start control among others.

Thanks to BHPian GTB/4 for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

The eight generation Toyota Camry has been spotted testing in Bangalore, which suggests that the model could be launched in India sometime in the near future.

The new Camry is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The car has a V-shaped grille and a dual-tone bumper with a large trapezoidal air dam. The redesigned rear end features wraparound tail lights and bumper with integrated rear reflectors. The test car is riding on silver multi-spoke alloy wheels and has a single exhaust tip.

The eight generation Camry was launched in the international market in June 2017. In the US, the Camry comes with 3 powertrain options - 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol which produces 200 BHP @ 6,600 rpm and 249 Nm of torque @ 5,000 rpm, 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine which makes 297 BHP @ 6,600 rpm and 362 Nm @ 4,700 rpm and a hybrid featuring a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 174 BHP @ 5,700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 5,200 rpm. Transmission options include an 8-speed automatic and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT).

Although, Toyota hasn't made any announcement regarding the new Camry yet, we can expect to get the hybrid variant in India.