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After two unsuccessful years, the Indian passenger car market finally got back on track in 2015. While the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle sales declined in the year, the passenger car market is expected to close this year at around 6 per cent year-on-year growth. Besides several highly-anticipated car launches, low crude oil prices and several investment announcements in infrastructure sector helped car market record a positive growth. Now that the calendar year 2015 is about to end, here's our list of top 5 mass-segment new cars that were launched in the year:
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<b>Renault Kwid:</b> Creating a unique identity in the budget hatchback segment, that's led by the country's two largest carmakers, is an uphill task. Many carmakers tried to capitalize on the ever-expanding segment but failed. Renault, however, did something that is least expected from a fairly young brand – all thanks to the Kwid. Things that worked in favour of the Kwid are its extremely competitive pricing, a never-seen-before design in the entry-level segment and several first-in-class features. Available in a total of 6 variants, this small wonder from Renault is priced in the range of Rs 2.56 lakh – Rs 3.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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<b>Hyundai Creta:</b>Another super successful product that was launched this year was Hyundai Creta that is priced between Rs 8.69 lakh – Rs 13.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Ever since its launch in July 2015, the Creta has been generating huge volumes for the Korean carmaker. As a matter of fact, total sales of Hyundai's compact SUV in the last 4 months is more than the Mahindra Bolero that has been the top-selling sports utility vehicle in the country for almost a decade. The Creta also won the coveted Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) Award 2016.
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<b>Maruti Suzuki Baleno:</b>Maruti Suzuki India tried to lure premium car buyers in India in the past as well, but it failed each time. Even after announcing a separate dealership brand – Nexa – for its premium products, all of its efforts in making the S-Cross a success went in vain. The next product under Nexa – Maruti Suzuki Baleno – however proved all the critics wrong who were doubtful of Maruti Suzuki's success in the 'premium' space. Not just that, the Baleno outsold the Hyundai i20 in the first full month of its sales. Competitive pricing and a standout design helped the Baleno attract buyers who were otherwise going to Hyundai or Volkswagen.
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<b>Ford Figo Aspire:</b>The sub-4 metre sedan segment is probably one of the most challenging ones in the Indian market as almost all the leading carmakers have their product in it. Ford India launched its highly anticipated sub-4 metre sedan, the Figo Aspire, in August that had made its debut as a concept at the 2014 Auto Expo. Similar to Tata Zest and Hyundai Xcent, this too failed to outnumber the Maruti Swift Dzire, but it continued to bring in decent numbers for Ford India. It has been giving a close fight to Hyundai Xcent to clinch the number 2 spot in the sub-compact sedan segment.
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<b>Mahindra TUV300:</b>Launched in the price range of Rs 6.90 lakh – Rs 9.12 lakh, the Mahindra TUV300 was M&M's first ever sub-compact SUV. With an average monthly sales of over 4,200, the Mahindra TUV300 outsold Ford EcoSport ever since its launch. Despite being below 4 metres in length, the TUV300 can accommodate 7 passengers.
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