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Goodbye 2022: Top 10 cars launched this year that impressed us the most


As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the series of launches that have taken place in India, all with the sole goal of attracting potential buyers – you and me. The Indian auto market is absolutely vibrant with new and updated models – across segments and price brackets – all of which grab your attention.

Via:
Shubhodeep Chakravarty

|
Update on:
15:10 pm December 23, 2022

Here's a quick roundup of the best cars we've tested throughout 2022.
Here’s a quick roundup of the best cars we’ve tested throughout 2022.

Almost every car launched throughout 2022 made a big splash as the country emerged from the gloom of the Covid-related restrictions of the previous two years. But while not every model can claim to be a hit, the order books of most manufacturers have never been so good.

Here are some of the most important auto launches in India in 2022 – significant not so much from potential sales but because these demonstrate how vibrant the market is:

Citroen C3

Citroen C3 is recommended for its powerful performance and unique youthful appearance.  But Citroen is still a new brand in India with rather limited customer touchpoints.

Citroen C3 is recommended for its powerful performance and unique youthful appearance. But Citroen is still a new brand in India with rather limited customer touchpoints.

The second product of the French manufacturer in the country, the Citroen C3 is like a breath of fresh air, complete with fun body color themes. For a small car, it offers an impressive amount of space in the cabin and has a strong driving characteristic. Available with two petrol options and a manual transmission only, it may not dampen the market for traditional behemoths but it makes the list nonetheless for a bold challenge.

(To watch Citroen C3 is working here)

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 continues to deliver dependable drivability but cabin quality remains fairly mediocre..

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 continues to deliver dependable drivability but cabin quality remains fairly mediocre..

A car that needs absolutely no introduction and one that, despite its small proportions, still has its place on lists like this – the Alto K10 by Maruti Suzuki. The Alto K10 itself is a segment and this year, has seen an upgrade that gives it a more modern appeal. There are some mechanical tweaks here and there but this model will continue to be a success thanks to its affordable price, range and quiet running characteristics.

(Clock Alto K10 hit the Kerala road here)

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is now more like an SUV than ever.  Its automatic transmission is quite jerky though.

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is now more like an SUV than ever. Its automatic transmission is quite jerky though.

Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza is perhaps the biggest launch of the year in the Indian car market. And that says a lot considering how busy Maruti Suzuki has been throughout the year. The small SUV segment is vibrant and the Brezza, complete with a massively updated look from every angle, has become a ubiquitous sight on India’s roads. Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and with two gearbox options, the model now also has a host of new features, including a Head-Up Display (HUD).

(Clock Brezza glides through the beautiful Chennai roads here)

Tata Tiago . tram

The Tata Tiago EV can run for miles on electric power but mostly within city limits.

The Tata Tiago EV can run for miles on electric power but mostly within city limits. (Sabyasachi Dasgupta/HT Auto)

The Tiago EV has always been one of the most eagerly awaited battery-powered options in the country. The title of being the most affordable electric car in India helps but this model is much more than that. Available in two battery pack options, the EV claims a range of more than 300 km and has some key features never before seen in a vehicle in this segment – automatic climate control, telematics through ZConnect, etc.

(Clock Tiago EV hits waves in Goa)

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara checks all the right boxes but its most powerful hybrid variant is a rather expensive proposition.

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara checks all the right boxes but its most powerful hybrid variant is a rather expensive proposition.

Yes, Maruti Suzuki has indeed had a busy year and the Grand Vitara is one of the main reasons for that. As the country’s largest automaker’s first mid-size SUV, the model’s main USP is also its powerful hybrid technology. It has stylish looks, Suzuki All Grip technology and, for some on a tight budget, a mild hybrid version as well. It is the sibling of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and both models are being produced at the Toyota plant in Karnataka. However, boot space is compromised on both models.

(Payment procedures Grand Vitara in some dirty off-road action)

Mahindra Scorpio-Women

A solid choice, Mahindra's Scorpio-N is equally powerful and sophisticated.  However, do not ask us for mileage details.

A solid choice, Mahindra’s Scorpio-N is equally powerful and sophisticated. However, do not ask us for mileage details.

If you’re after a bully SUV, the Scorpio-N is the undisputed choice. Just don’t confuse it with his Scorpio which is now known as Scorpio Classic. The Scorpio-N may share its name with the iconic model, but it’s an all-new model, complete with fresh looks, an all-new cabin, and a wealth of features also available on the XUV700. The SUV is clearly 4×4 capable but the high wait times for Mahindra models could harm its prospects.

(Clock Scorpio-N climbs the beautiful peaks of Lonavala hit by the monsoon)

Honda City Hybrid

The Honda City eHEV is a reliable option for frequent city commutes but without subsidies, which can be expensive when purchased upfront.

The Honda City eHEV is a reliable option for frequent city commutes but without subsidies, which can be expensive when purchased upfront.

The Honda City Hybrid was never meant to be a best-selling car, but rather a very strong statement of intent about the Japanese’s powerful hybrid technology. Putting it into a sedan at a time when sedans’ popularity continues to decline is a brave move and the City Hybrid has earned a spot on our ‘respect’ list. There’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine under the hood but also a pair of electric motors. The sedan claims to have outstanding mileage and also offers ADAS – Honda Sense – highlights. However, the boot space is affected again.

(Payment procedures Honda City eHEV AD ADAS capabilities)

jeep meridian

The Jeep Meridian balances solid drivability with a luxurious cabin.  But space in the third row is quite limited.

The Jeep Meridian balances solid drivability with a luxurious cabin. But space in the third row is quite limited.

Jeep saw a gap in the space of the three-row premium SUV. Jeep intruding with the Meridian. Now, challenging the legendary reputation of the Toyota Fortuner requires courage and enough points for Meridian in that regard. It also has a very premium cabin and some serious 4×4 capabilities. The third row can be rather limited, but as a premium option, the Jeep Meridian still makes a lot of sense.

(Clock: There’s nothing stopping the Jeep Meridian. Is not)

Charger Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers a lot of power, but potential customers may have to wait a long time to get one.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers a lot of power, but potential customers may have to wait a long time to get one.

It certainly may not be as luxurious as some of the more expensive luxury electric SUVs but the Volvo XC40 Recharge is probably the most enjoyable EV we’ve driven throughout 2022. Based on the petrol-powered XC40, the XC40 Recharge has 78 kWh battery pack and claims to last more than 400 km per charge. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and delivers 408 hp and 660 Nm. Domestic assembly means it’s relatively inexpensive, too.

(Clock: Get ready, fire! Volvo XC40 Recharge in action)

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz EQS is quietly stylish, silently powerful.  Rear seat space though is not as much as on the S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz EQS is quietly stylish, silently powerful. Rear seat space though is not as much as on the S-Class.

When it comes to assembling a luxury electric car in the country, Mercedes beats it with its flagship electric sedan – the EQS. The $The 1.50 crore price tag might still mean it’s not for everyone but with a claimed range of over 850 km, one can take it to anyone, anywhere. Obviously, it boasts a luxurious cabin and some very luxurious driving features.

(Clock: Why EQS is the pinnacle of luxurious electric power)

Notable mentions: From the updated Maruti Suzuki XL6, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus to the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLB and even niche products like the Lexus NX350h, options are virtually unlimited. No vehicle can be perfect in every way for any customer, but there’s certainly a lot to enjoy about each product we offer. Onward and onward in 2023

First published date: December 23, 2022, 15:10 pm IST

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