Because of the BS6 emission norms that came into effect in April 2020 and the outbreak of COVID-19, the Indian car industry saw low sales in 2020. Car manufacturers avoided introducing new models due to a drop in demand.
However, 2021 began to show indications of recovery, which gave car manufacturers confidence to start a product blitz to stimulate the market. New cars for India comprised everything from high-performance sedans to feature-rich SUVs. The budget-friendly market typically had the most product debuts in various segments. As the year comes to an end, let's look back at the top five affordable cars launched in India this year.
1. Renault Kiger
Renault Kiger subcompact SUV made its Indian debut in February 2021. Kiger was India's most affordable sub-four-meter SUV when launched. It is still a fantastic value for money even though it no longer controls that title. The French company has seen strong sales growth due to the Kiger. Automatic AC, wireless smartphone charger, rear AC vents, fully digital instrument panel, an eight-inch touchscreen, and three driving modes are just a few of the features.
You can get a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine variant with the Renault Kiger. Automatic or five-speed manual transmission is mated with the naturally aspirated engine's 71 hp and 96 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the turbocharged engine produces 99 hp and 160 Nm of torque and is available with either a manual or CVT gearbox.
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift facelift
Swift facelift got a new engine and a slew of other upgrades. Dualjet VVT petrol engines are now also available on Baleno and Dzire, replacing the older 1.2-liter engine. Instead of 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque, this engine produces 88 hp and 88 Nm torque. It also comes with EGR and idle stop-start systems to boost fuel efficiency.
It also offers automatic outside rearview mirror and a 4.2-inch multi-information display in addition to the new engine and cruise control. The facelift includes a few minor cosmetic changes, including a new mesh grille with horizontal chrome slats.
3. Renault Kwid
The new 2021 Renault Kwid features two front airbags, a new dual-tone color scheme for the Climber model, an electronic outside rearview mirror, a night IRVM (internal rear view mirror). The upgrades have made the hatchback's entry-level model a more complete package than before.
You can choose from two different petrol engines. The Renault Kwid's 0.8-liter Kwid engine produces 53 bhp and 72 Nm torque in terms of power and torque. There's also a 1.0-liter engine with 67 bhp and 91 nm of torque, which is a bit more powerful.
4. Tata Punch
Tata Punch, the company's entry-level SUV, launched in October 2021. The Punch has the highest NCAP rating of 5 star in the segment. Its 1.2-liter petrol engine produces 85 bhp and 113 Nm. This engine is available with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
It features automatic AC, rain-sensing wipers, an iRA connectivity suite, a semi-digital instrument panel with a seven-inch TFT, Harman Kardon sound system, a seven-inch touchscreen system, and automatic LED headlamps.
5. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
New generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio features all-new styling, larger cabin space, a larger boot, an all-new powertrain, a new K10C three-cylinder 1.0-liter petrol engine with dual jet technology. The engine's 66 bhp power and 89 Nm of torque are impressive. The new Celerio features steering-mounted controls, push-button start-stop, idle stop-start technology, keyless entry, electrically foldable ORVMs, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a driver seat height adjustment.
