Popular Cars and SUVs In The Market Right Now
2021 and early 2022 were great years for the automotive industry. Learn about five of the most popular vehicles and what to look for when car shopping.
Top car manufacturers in India include Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Honda. The automotive industry has seen a surge of new vehicles over the last few years. Not only are the big names experimenting and producing new types of vehicles, but smaller brands have thrown their own vehicles into the market. Part of the change comes from technological advancements. Parts are less expensive to produce, and more tools are available to enhance your driving experience.
With so many vehicles coming out each year, it can be difficult to keep track of what is on the market. If you are planning to purchase a new vehicle, there are many popular choices from both 2020 and 2021 worth considering. Listed below are some of the most popular vehicles currently on the market, as well as tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
Planning and Research
Before you look at vehicles, consider exactly what you want from a vehicle. One of the most important decisions you must make is your budget. Set a maximum amount you are willing to spend on your car. While looking at your finances, make sure you are being realistic. Do not spend all your savings on a new vehicle. Consider how much you make each month versus how much you spend. If you go to a dealership without a price limit in mind, it is easier to be talked into buying a car you cannot actually afford. When calculating costs, keep in mind other car related fees, such as registration, taxes and insurance costs.
Once you have a budget, consider what you need from your vehicle. Are you more concerned with highway driving, or do you want a rugged vehicle for off road camping trips? Do you need cargo space for your family, or do you want a smaller, faster car? What safety or entertainment features are most important to you?
Kia Caren
One of the most anticipated vehicles for 2022 is the Kia Caren. When it was first announced, there were almost 8,000 pre-orders for the Caren on the first day. The design is visually based around an SUV, but it has the practical of an MPV, meaning it gets much better mileage and performance without sacrificing power. There are five different trims available. The basic trim is six seats, but additional packages have a seven-seat configuration. The basic engine is 1.5 liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine, with upgrades available to make it a turbo-diesel or turbocharged petrol options. Both manual and gearbox variants are available as well. The price for a basic trim is around 14.50 Lakh, while advanced trims cost as much as 19.00.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R
The Wagon-R features a powerful looking frame, but in terms of performance, it offers a light drive, offering plenty of control behind the wheel. The vehicle was designed to perform well in tighter urban environments as well as the wide-open road. Even on rough terrain, the Wagon-R does not feature any performance drops. The seats were made higher than previous models, giving drivers a better view of the road.
A few convenience features were added as well, such as easier to access USB chargers and cup holders on the sides of the doors, leaving the center console free for other storage. The Wagon-R also has improved gas mileage from previous versions, getting around 22kmpl while driving in the city. It is also one of the more affordable cars on the market, costing between 4.8 and 5.1 Lakh.
Toyota Hilux
Toyota is more popular across the globe for their line of trucks, but the majority of vehicles were underwhelming in India. The Hilux is designed with a broader audience in mind and is being advertised as a lifestyle utility vehicle. Instead of focusing purely on engine power, the Hilux offers superior handling and provides much better mileage driving in the city. While it is classified as a truck, it shares many components with an SUV and MPV.
While it does not have as big of an engine as the other line of Toyota vehicles, it still boasts an impressive 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, easily able to put out 2904 PS of power and provide 420 NM of torque. It has a six-speed manual and torque converter with an automatic gearbox. Several trims are available, including a larger 4x4 configuration, which also include electronic differential locks for extra security. As of writing, the Hilux is slated to come out in March and cost around 35 lakh.
2022 MG ZS EV
As of writing, there are few electric SUVs available in India. The British designed MG ZS EV is one of the newest models of electric vehicles, meaning it has some of the best performance and safety features. It is loosely based on the older Astor model.
The infotainment system comes standard with a voice-controlled AI assistant. The LED headlamps were redesigned from previous models and include integrated daytime lights, draining less power while driving during the day and providing greater visibility in the evening. It also comes standard with an advanced driver assistance system, which includes lane keep assist and departure prevention, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
The interior of the vehicle was also redesigned, making it more akin to an SUV. It is designed with a 51kWh battery pack, which has enough power for about 480km, making it one of the most efficient electrical vehicles on the road. As of writing, it is expected to launch at 22.00 lakh.