8 Cars That Did Not Do Well After Launch

Cars are a unique piece of engineering. For some, these are mere machines to take people from one place to other. And for the rest of the people like us, these are like an emotion. For this very emotion, the carmakers give in some extra efforts to make the vehicle, more entertaining, useful and at times fun to drive. All this depends on the vehicle category and purpose. But at times the cars like these that are not built for the masses end up not selling in large numbers. All of the engineer’s hard work goes in vain. To give them the deserved credit, today we count 8 cars in the Indian market that failed to create a buzz just after their launch.

Here are 8 cars in India that did not do well after their respective launches.

1. Nissan Kicks
   

   

   Starting with one of the most underrated cars in the Indian market right now, Nissan Kicks. Considering all the aspects of the vehicle dynamics, like the way this SUV handles to how it rides, Kicks is mature and ready to go anywhere. Minus an AWD drivetrain, the 2020 Nissan Kicks comes with a mighty 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.

   

   This motor is capable of generating max power of 156ps and comes mated to either a 6-speed MT or a CVT transmission. This powertrain makes the Kicks the most powerful compact SUV in its segment. More powerful than its rivals that include Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and also newly launched Skoda Kushaq.

   Here are 10 Reasons Why Nissan Kicks should be your next Compact SUV

2. Honda BR-V
   

   

   Another vehicle here to not be able to make a dent in the market is the Honda BR-V. Essentially the BR-V is a little beefed-up version of the Honda Mobilio which also mostly saw dark days in India. Nevertheless, Honda BR-V was one of the finest vehicles in its category.

   

   After its launch, this SUV (MPV in disguise) was set to rival the likes of the still segment leader Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Though BR-V was a fair attempt by Honda, it was not able to shake the market. But this in no terms was an inferior vehicle. It was practical, it offered a roomy cabin and a couple of engine options.

   GoMechanic News: Honda BR-V Makes A Comeback. India Bound?

3. Renault Lodgy
   

   

   There was a time when the carmakers here were trying to beat the Ertiga in terms of sales numbers, Renault Lodgy was the attempt from the French carmaker. As the other vehicle in the segment, the Lodgy was the roomiest and offered the most when talking about the cabin space.

   Must read: 8 Indian Cars With Maximum Number Of Haters

   The same was the case under the hood as it offered the same set of engines like the ones in Duster. To be exact, a 1.5-Litre diesel engine. Also, there was no option for a petrol motor. Despite being a potent vehicle it flopped upon its launch and not many customers flocked into Renault’s showrooms for Lodgy.

4. Tata Hexa
   

   

   Well-engineered cars failing in the Indian market is not a surprise, Tata Hexa is one of the prime examples. Based on the rugged Aria, Hexa was an MPV with a lot of character. Also, it was among the only MPV in the segment to offer a 4X4 drivetrain.

   

   Meaning, if off-roading was your thing, in Hexa you could have done it with your family (just saying). Having a ladder on frame chassis even the dynamics were unlike an MPV and the vehicle felt more of an off-roader. Alas, it died in a very less time because of low demand.

   Also read: 8 Most Underrated Cars In India | From Punto Abarth To Tata Hexa

5. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
   

   

   No one associates a car with tremendous power and sporty handing characteristics from a brand like Maruti Suzuki. But it is the S-Cross from Maruti we are talking about here which was exactly the opposide of a typical Maruti. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is another vehicle in the market that is super underrated. At the time of its launch, Suzuki S-Cross was offered with a powerful 1.6-Litre DDIS320 diesel engine and a 1.3-litre diesel.

   

   The DDiS320 was capable of generating 120ps of peak power and whooping 320Nm of peak torque. For a Maruti, it was considered expensive and rarely people bought one. Moving on, after Maruti ditching the diesel, now the S-Cross comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, that generates a peak power of just 105ps. Though this one is higher than the 1.3-litre DDiS 200 that was offered earlier. Still, it was not able to attract many customers.

   Recommended: 2020 Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Petrol (Torque Converter Automatic): In-Depth Review

6. Toyota Yaris
   

   

   Sedans in the Automotive industry are generally not doing good. The things escalate further if you are Toyota. Right now there are very limited vehicles in India that are a part of the true Toyota DNA, Yaris is one of them (which is also in danger and may be replaced by a rebadged Ciaz, later to be called Toyota Belta).

   Interesting read: 5 Reasons Why We Want The Toyota Yaris Hatchback In India

   With that aside, Toyota Yaris is like a Jack of all triads but master of none. Meaning, from behind the wheel to its dynamics, from aesthetics to the features offered all are plain vanilla. Well, this could be the sole reason for Yaris not doing good after its launch.

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7. Mahindra KUV100
   

   

   If we make a list of quirky looking vehicles, Mahindra would have the maximum number of the car in it. But let me get it clear, it is a good thing as Mahindra likes to experiment a lot. Another experiment from this never giving up carmaker is the KUV100.

   

   Mahindra, the company known to only have SUVs in its lineup dedicated itself to make a micro SUV, KUV100 was exactly that. Speaking of which, this was or rather is among the first micro SUVs in India. Because of its weird proportions, it is not so common on the road. By now it seems in India, jo dikhta hai voi bikta hai.

   GoMechanic News: Production Spec KUV100 EV Spied Ahead Of Year End Launch

   Meaning the things that look good sells well. Moving on, it was practical on the inside as this micro SUV could seat a maximum of 6 people in decent comfort (yes it gets an option of a 5 as well as a 6 seater).

8. Renault Capture
   

   

   The other vehicle in the compact SUV segment was failed soon after its launch is the Renault Capture. Like the Nissan Kick, this too shares its platform with the rugged Renault Duster. This means the basic attitude of this SUV was carried over from the Duster into the Capture.

   Consider reading: 5 Good Discontinued Crossover Cars In India

   For typical Indian roads, driving one is like a dream. None of the bumps and potholes will filter in. And, if you pair this vehicle with a lag-free diesel engine (same as the Duster and Kicks) you’ll have a ball of your time behind the vehicle. Along with that, this SUV also offered many unique features on the inside. But in this world of tremendous competition, it was not the SUV that sealed after its launch.

Tell us whether these cars should get what they deserve? Also, help us with part two of this article.