The price bracket from ₹ 5 lakh to ₹ 10 lakh is the one where the majority of Indian come to and buy their cars. This price bracket caters to all sorts of segment such as the hatchbacks, compact sedans, compact SUVs and so on. Here is our pick of the top 5 cars in the ₹ 5 lakh to ₹ 10 lakh bracket.



1. Ford EcoSport: 

The EcoSport was one of the earliest sub-compact SUVs to have come to India. It is a well-built car and has the typical solidity associated with Ford cars. Another advantage is that the Ford EcoSport has multiple engine options with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which has been voted as the engine of the year on multiple occasions as well. Should you choose the automatic variant, you can specify it with a dual-clutch transmission, which is the only one in its class. There are 11 variants to choose from so there are enough options for the buyers as well. Apart from these, the Ford EcoSport also comes with a host of features and safety systems. The highway and city manners are impeccable and thanks to its size, it is easily manouvreable in the city and to park as well. The top end models come with Ford's SYNC system with voice control. The 1.5-litre diesel variants have an ARAI rated efficiency of 22.27 km/l, while the 1.5-litre petrol variants have an ARAI rated efficiency of 15.85 km/l. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost variants have an ARAI rated efficiency of 18.88 km/l. The prices for the Ford EcoSport start from ₹ 6.93 lakh and go up to ₹ 9.82 lakh (All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).

2. Hyundai Elite i20: 

There is little to doubt the fact that the Hyundai Elite i20 is one of the best models that can be bought in this price range. It was voted the Indian Car of the Year in 2014 and is the benchmark for premium hatchbacks in India. The Hyundai i20 has three different engine variants which are a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.4-litre diesel and a 1.4-litre petrol which comes only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The petrol engines are paired to a 5-speed manual transmission unit while the diesel engine variants are mated to a 6-speed manual. Like all Hyundai models, the Elite i20 comes with a long list of features. It looks really good and has a solid build quality. The ride quality is great and the Elite i20 handles decently well too. Step inside the car and you can see that the quality of materials used along with the upholstery and plastics are of good quality and give you that premium feel. ). The ARAI rated fuel efficiency of the Elite i20 petrol, Elite i20 diesel and the Elite i20 automatic are 18.6 km/l, 22.54 km/l and 18.6 km/l respectively. There are 11 variants of the Hyundai Elite i20 and the prices start from ₹ 5.59 lakh and goes up to ₹ 9.01 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno: 

It's been a little less than a year since Maruti Suzuki launched the Baleno and it has done wonders for the company. With a known nameplate and an all-new car, the Baleno is a premium hatchback and looks the part every bit. The Baleno is good value for money and spacious interior, which is comfortable for 5 passengers. Now the biggest advantage is the fact that with the Maruti Suzuki Nexa showrooms, customer experiences have improved and there is a lot of value addition to the entire car buying experience. The Baleno can be bought either with a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.2-litre diesel engine which have a fuel efficiency of 21.4 km/l and 27.4 km/l respectively. There are 10 model trims of the Baleno with prices starting from ₹ 5.25 lakh to ₹ 8.35 lakh. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno can be purchased only from Maruti Suzuki Nexa outlets.

4. Ford Figo Aspire: 

Perhaps the best looking compact sedan in the segment, the Ford Figo Aspire has a proportionate design too. It is built solidly and is fully loaded with some impressive features such as optional six airbags, two standard airbags across all models, Ford's SYNC system, a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and so on. The cabin is spacious and the interior trim is really attractive. That itself might be a deal-maker for many. The Ford Figo Aspire has a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine which have an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 18.16 km/l and 25.83 km/l. There are 9 models whose prices starts from ₹ 5.28 lakh to ₹ 8.20 lakh.

5. Skoda Rapid/Volkswagen Vento: 

These two cars share the same underpinnings and share the same engines as well. Of course, the two sedans look and feel different. The trim and equipment levels are different as well. The Volkswagen Vento is the more premium looking and feeling of the two while Skoda is offering some really good after sales and service packages with the Rapid. This gives the Rapid a slight edge as far as value for money is concerned. There is enough kit in both the cars and the build quality is great too. Both the Rapid and the Vento get 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.5-litre diesel engines. One can also choose from a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. There are 15 model trims for the Skoda Rapid and the prices start at ₹ 8.02 lakh and go on till ₹ 12.32 lakh. Similarly, the Vento has 10 model trims and the prices start at ₹ 8.26 lakh and go on till ₹ 12.71 lakh. (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Source : Top 5 Cars Between ₹ 5 Lakh to ₹ 10 lakh

New Delhi: Japanese two wheeler manufacturer, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited has launched the special edition of Access 125. The Access 125 Special Edition will be available exclusively in Pearl Mirage White colour and will cost Rs. 55,589 and 58,900 for the Drum Brake and Disc Brake respectively (Ex Showroom, Delhi).

According to Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, SMIPL, "The Access 125 has been one of our most successful models. We have enhanced the fashion quotient and introduced the Access 125 Special Edition to diversify our presence in the segment and cater to the evolving needs of our customers. The Access 125 Special Edition is an indivisible combination of substance and style which gives it a retro feel and makes it stand out in the crowd."

Suzuki unveiled the Access 125 Special Edition at a fashion show, where models walked the ramp sporting Jack & Jones clothing, matching the trendy outlook of the Special Edition. Suzuki has formed a strategic business partnership with Jack & Jones, and the fashion show was a collaboration by both brands.

The scooter comes with a trendy, maroon coloured leatherette seat cover. It comes with a special edition logo, round shaped chrome mirrors and brown coloured floor board which give the scooter a retro look and make it stand out in a crowd. This retro style is guaranteed to appeal to trend conscious riders.

The Access 125 Special Edition is equipped with convenient everyday features such as an easy self-start, chrome styled headlamps, analog-digital display and a mobile charging socket as standard equipment. The scooter will also be available with an optional front disc brake. All these features make the Access 125 Special Edition pleasurable and easy to use as your daily vehicle!

Source : Suzuki launches Access 125 special edition at Rs 55,589 (Ex-Delhi)

NEW DELHI: Government will soon make rear view sensors or backup cameras mandatory in all new vehicles to avoid mishaps.   

Even though cars come equipped with rear view mirrors which are adequate for looking at vehicles behind, they are inadequate in detecting small children or objects close to the ground, falling in car's blind spot. 

To rectify this, "the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will soon issue a notification to make rear view sensors mandatory in all vehicles", Joint Secretary of the Ministry Abhay Damle said. 

Addressing the curtain raiser event for  World Roads Meet (WRM 2017) organised by International Road Federation (IRF), he said more than 50,000 fatal accidents take place in the country due to over speeding and hence the government is planning to make audio warnings also mandatory in vehicles.    

"Government is also planning to make audio warning mandatory in vehicles on similar lines of seat belt wearing sign. At the speed of 80 km/hr small beep sound warning will come and after the speed of 90 km/hr a continuous beep will alert the speeding driver," Damle said.

He said the government has already made it compulsory for all two-wheelers, which account for the highest share of accidents, to either have the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the combined braking system (CBS) by April 2019. 

Apart from rear view sensors and speed warning, air bags will also become mandatory in all vehicles soon, he said adding, from October 1, 2018 vehicles will have to go in for automated inspection and fitness certification test with hardly any human intervention.   

Similarly, driving license test will also become automated by that time and will help reduce road accidents, he added.  

He said in the proposed Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, which will be introduced in the Winter session of Parliament, provisions have been made for legal protection of Good Samaritans who help accident victims.   

Government has added a significant clause under which a Good Samaritan's affidavit will have the legal force of a statement, and if a statement is required, it should be recorded in a single examination and for any further information the judicial or law officer will have to go to his or her house and record the statement, he said.   

IRF Chairman KK Kapila said India will host, for the first time, World Road Meeting from November 14-17, 2017. 

The major highlight of the WRM 2017 will be a summit of transport ministers from various parts of the globe. The theme would be 'Safe Roads and Smart Mobility : The Engines of Economic Growth', Kapila said.  

Source: Government to make rear-view sensors mandatory in all cars soon. 

NEW DELHI: Italian car manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India, today inaugurated its first Jeep Destination Store, Concept Motorcar Pvt. Ltd.,in Ahmedabad.

This outlet is first among the 10 Jeep Destination Stores that are on-schedule to be opened in nine Indian cities by the end of 2016. With this outlet becoming fully operational, customers in Gujarat can now book and own Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Concept Motorcar Jeep's first showroom is spread over 7500 square-foot showroom located on the Ground Floor of Ganesh Meredian, opposite Kargil Petrol Pump on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. The Jeep Destination Store is complemented by a 12,000 square-foot workshop facility located in TalukaSanand, Block No - 298 Paiki and 300, MoujeSanathal.

At the inauguration of the Ahmedabad Jeep Destination Store Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director said, "We have been noting the growing interest around the Jeep Brand among customers in Ahmedabad. Many have been contacting us, inquiring about bookings and deliveries of the iconic Jeep Wrangler and the luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I am pleased to be able to deliver to their enthusiasm today, with the launch of our first Jeep Destination Store in this fast-growing metropolis."

As a part of its retail strategy, FCA will focus a lot on providing the original Jeep off-roading experience to customers in Gujarat with an aim to bring them closer to the virtues of the Jeep brand and its Product Capabilities.

Flynn added, "Jeep pioneered the SUV segment and the concept of off-roading. Now we are ready to give our Indian customers the opportunity to own our iconic SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler, the most capable production 4x4 vehicle in the world and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV of all time."

FCA has also focussed on After-Sales as one of its key drivers of growing business in India. For Jeep vehicles, the company has crafted innovative schemes that will give customers peace of mind and a satisfying Jeep ownership experience. The company will offer a two-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty as standard on both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. The warranty will have international coverage and will be transferrable to the second owner.

Branded Jeep Assist, a 24/7 helpline and roadside assistance program is part of the comprehensive package which will cover the vehicles for a two year, unlimited mileage period. Toll free assistance will be provided 24/7 in case of accidents and breakdowns and additionally, customers will be provided with a return journey Business Class air ticket or a hotel stay. FCA's extended warranty on these Jeep vehicles is very competitive and offers comprehensive coverage. Concept Motorcar Pvt. Ltd. will have an exciting range of Jeep branded merchandise and accessories at their showroom.

Those who cannot visit the Jeep Destination Store can visit Jeep India's website and contact Jeep customer care through toll-free numbers and connect with specially trained Jeep sales consultants. After Ahmedabad, Jeep Destination Stores will go live in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Bengaluru.

Source: Jeep India opens its first showroom in Ahmedabad

MUMBAI: India is emerging as an export base for mid-size cars, SUVs and engines as it builds on the image as a key supplier of small cars. India-made Vento sedan is one of Volkswagen's top selling models in Mexico. According to people in the know, Hyundai Motor, the biggest auto exporter from India, is considering exporting its new generation mid-size Verna, codenamed HCI, from next year. Creta SUV from Hyundai's Chennai factory has also got acceptance abroad.  

Premium brands like Chrysler and Land Rover, too, are considering exporting vehicles made in India to right-hand-drive markets, said people with knowledge of plans. Ford Motor will start exports of EcoSport SUV to North America from here next year, while the Suzuki BSE -1.24 % Baleno hatchback is supplied to Japan by the company's Indian unit, Maruti Suzuki BSE -1.24 %.

With Indians increasingly opting for bigger cars and local quality standards similar to those abroad, it has become easier for manufacturers to pick models for exports from India, said Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst for forecasting at IHS Automotive. Exports allow them to post "better operational performance domestically due to combined volumes of domestic (sales) and exports," he said.

India is already a key exporter of the likes of Hyundai's Grand i10, Ford Ka and Chevy Beat. For some global automakers, such as General Motors and Nissan Motor, exports have helped offset weak demand in the Indian market. Hyundai is looking to ship about 11,000 units of the next gen Verna from India in 2017 and take it to 70,000 by 2019-2020, said three component suppliers to the local unit of the South Korean carmaker. Indian manufacturing will ease production load on its Korean operations, allowing it to use the factories there to increase the production of  Elantra and Sonata which are in demand in its home market. 

"We are planning to make a new version of the Verna next year in the second half. India is one of the countries which will see increase exports of Verna," Hyundai Motor India managing director YK Koo told ET. "Volume for Verna exports is yet to be finalised, but it will be significant," he added.

The Hyundai Creta has a one- to two-month waiting period in overseas markets, Koo said. "We are exporting 5,000-6,000 units a month,the numbers of mid-size cars will go up with new model."

Apart from fully built cars, vehicle makers plan to source engines from India. Ford India is set to begin exports of 2- and 2.2-litre Panther engines from its factory at Sanand in Gujrat from 2017-18. Its plan is to produce 2 lakh engines at Sanand and export to all over the world. Panther engines will be supplementing a new range of smaller petrol engines, internally named Dragon, which will power the next gen Figo and Aspire cars. A Ford India spokesperson said as a policy, the company does not comment on speculations on products or manufacturing plans.

Exports of cars longer than 4 metres accounted for 20% of total exports of 6.5 lakh vehicles in fiscal 2016 — the share has more than doubled in three to four years. If vehicles like Toyota Etios and EcoSport are included — these are slightly smaller — mid-size segment will account for almost 30% of India's total car exports. 

Experts say though the domestic market share for many MNCs has remained modest, it is the export strategy which has help them justify big capital investments and break even in India with economies of scale.

Source : India enhances its repute in auto exports