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Over the years, India has gone through different kinds of car models which have become favourites to car enthusiasts and daily users in society. As with any trends and developments, there are several cars which they look back fondly and wish could be produced again. Here's a look at some iconic models that deserve a second innings on Indian roads -
Popular for its tough build and good handling, the Volkswagen Polo has been embraced by lovers of hatchbacks. Models such as the GT TSI featured a turbocharger that generated 103 bhp of power and 175 Nm of torque, making it a thrilling package overall.
The Ford Endeavour represented robustness combined with comfort and it created new standards in the SUV market. Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 168 bhp and 420 Nm torque, it simply handled the terrain of the city as well as rough terrains. There was a 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine on offer as well that produced 197 bhp and 470 Nm.
The Tata Sierra is a real legend of the Indian automotive industry since it had a rather aggressive-looking exterior and a large cabin. The large rear window panel design and three-door format were way ahead of its time. While its electric iteration is nearing launch, it would not hurt to revive this SUV coupe with new ICE engines.
Class and performance were the two major areas under which Skoda Octavia was regarded as a prestige vehicle with good mechanical design. Extended to the Octavia RS which is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 227 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, which indeed provided more performance and great handling. Don’t forget those 18-inch alloy wheels on the RS 230.
A car that attracted a lot of attention during its initial years was Nissan’s entry in the compact SUV segment with the Kicks which was praised for its excellent design of exteriors and interiors with requisite features. Notably, the 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, which also featured in the A-Class.
The Jazz was a stellar product from Honda which was extremely high on space and comfort. What also helped was the i-VTEC 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that was high on refinement and performance. A new Jazz from Honda would be just the right entry at a time when the sub-compact hatchback segment is lacking sales.
Despite Mahindra’s focus on the luxury brand with its positioning of the Alturas G4 as a new-generation premium SUV, the vehicle could not convert the same into good sales numbers. However, with buyers attracted to the SUV segment in the present scheme of things, Mahindra can capitalise on this and relaunch its Alturas G4 in the domestic market.
The coming back of the Honda Civic would turn the heat again on the sleek-looking and high-performing sedans. Though the Japanese carmaker did try to bring back the whole aura of the OG Civic recently, it was not appreciated by car buyers and had to be discontinued. A digital speedometer in the 2000s was the selling point of the car which looks nice to date. The 2006-2010 model had a 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which powered 138 bhp and 174 Nm torque. Overall, the car was fun to drive with optimal reliability from Honda.
Regarded as an adventurous and dependable vehicle, the Mitsubishi Pajero was a success story that is fondly remembered in India. The Pajero was immensely popular among politicians and true offroading enthusiasts. An update in the current line with raising off-road performance and hybrid powertrains would be seen as beneficial by both off-road fanatics and people who are conscious of environmental issues.
Suzuki’s try at participating in the premium sedan segment with the Kizashi fared fairly well when it nailed the refined and potent 2.4-litre petrol engine developing 175 bhp and 230 Nm, respectively. With the arrival of a new edition sporting changes in the exterior and interior design as well as with the support of hybrid powertrains from Maruti could turn this car into a worthy participant in the segment of premium sedans.
Also read - Top Reasons Why Mahindra Scorpio Classic Is So Popular