Choosing a car is never an easy decision in today’s times. Car choices are always tough and demanding especially when the market has been flooded with multiple models of varying makes and types. The Indian automobile market presents a fabulous proposition for all types of customers in itself. The automobile market is now one of the fastest growing and emerging markets in the world and global car manufacturers are now sitting up and taking note of the proceedings. India is now an automobile hub and there are multiple vehicles across all major segments for customers to choose from.
Indian customers are literally spoilt for choice in this market. There are plenty of choices for discerning customers in recent times. The Indian automobile market has brands from biggies like Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest selling and most popular brand, Hyundai, Honda, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Ford, Mahindra & Mahindra, Force Motors, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Tata, Chevrolet, Audi and the like. There are multiple car models to choose from in almost every car category that you can think. Alongside, the market is in a constant process of evolution. Newer categories are being discovered by both manufacturers and customers and demand is rising for newer and more efficient vehicles.
In this situation, choosing a car can be a difficult decision especially when multiple car segments and models are all very enticing for customers. How do you choose the best car for you and your family? This requires a basic understanding of the car segments on offer in India and the benefits and customer segment it basically caters to. Here are the top car segments available in India at the moment:
Hatchbacks
This is the biggest and most versatile market segment in India at the moment. The auto industry in the country runs on sales volumes racked up by hatchbacks. Hatchbacks are a steady winner for their parent companies and manufacturers with regard to sales, popularity and steady demand. Indian customers have always had a thing for cute and compact hatchbacks. The Maruti Suzuki 800 was one of the biggest draws in the country and was an iconic hatchback to say the least. It was replaced by the Maruti Suzuki Alto as the largest selling car in the country. This is one segment where Indian customers are not hard to find.
Hatchbacks are primarily aimed at city drivers who have three to four passengers to accommodate. Today’s hatchbacks provide ease of maneuvering, parking and driving amidst congested traffic. They come with good features and other benefits. They are also priced on the lower side with greater mileage. The latter factor translates into fabulous benefits with regard to overall savings on maintenance and running costs. Service parts of hatchbacks are also easier to find and cost comparatively less if you take other car types into account. Top draws in this segment include the new Alto 800, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai i10 Grand, Honda Brio, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Stingray and so on.
Sedans
Sedans are for the fastidious customer; those who want legroom, large space and ample features. Most sedans come with premium luxury features and amenities. They offer greater comfort and better handling. They are hard to maneuver and park in crowded cities but are of course, pleasurable to drive. They are more powerful and are feature packed as well. They cost a lot more quite naturally and do not provide very good fuel economy or mileage.
This can make sedans expensive to maintain and use on a regular basis. Sedans can be very costly with regard to servicing and maintenance as well. Maintaining and repairing sedans can be tough especially with regard to the availability of components and car parts. However, sedans are great cars for individuals who love a little luxury and driving pleasure. They are not ideal as family cars if you have a large family to carry around. Top draws in this segment include the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Elantra, Maruti Suzuki SX4, Mercedes Benz E and S class, Audi A4 and A8 and many more.
SUV’s
Sports Utility Vehicles or SUV’s are eye catching and rugged to say the least. These cars have tremendous pulling power and are ideal for long trips and highway driving. They offer fabulous driving position, driving pleasure and are great for off roading at times. They are safer as compared to regular cars and suitable for harsh roads and weather conditions owing to their height and huge size. They are also packed with luxurious features and amenities in most cases and are ideal for large families with seven and even nine seater capacities.
However, it is difficult to park, maneuver and drive SUV’s in crowded areas, even more difficult than using sedans which are still good city cars. SUV’s provide reasonable fuel economy if you take a diesel motor into account but they are not for everyone.
There are other categories in the market now like compact SUV’s, compact sedans, crossovers, MUV’s and so on and so forth. However, you should make your choice based on the kind of usage experience you prefer and your familial needs as well. Compact SUV’s and sedans are a great choice for Indian customers these days as these vehicles offer the power and luxury associated with SUV’s and sedans respectively in a much more compact and usable package. Alongside, the lower prices of these compacts also make them a viable market proposition.
You can also take a look at crossovers which are being newly launched in the market. All in all, take a decision based on your own lifestyle and your prevalent needs. Buying a car is not an easy affair and this is pretty natural considering the sheer plethora of choices on offer. However, you will need to do a little homework beforehand with regard to choosing your cars. Compare features and benefits and judge accordingly. Choosing the car type first is very important. Follow these tips to choose the best car for yourself!