10 GREAT cars & SUVs India should buy more: Ford Figo to Tata Hexa

An average car buyer in the mainstream market is generally spoilt for choice. However, the fact that Maruti Suzuki alone enjoys an almost 50% market-share goes on to hint at the really small market share that many other car manufacturers have. No surprise, then, that there are many good cars coming from these companies that simply fail to garner interest from the car buying lot. Here, in this list, we take a look at 10 GREAT cars and SUVs India should buy more

#1 Datsun RediGo

The RediGo is the cheapest car from the Nissan-Datsun group and rivals the likes of Maruti Alto and Renault Kwid. However, it is yet to start doing even half of the kind of sales numbers that Kwid has been clocking. The Alto, of course, remains a really distant dream. The RediGo is, however, a well-sorted car that is really high on space and practicality. Maintenance is easy and the performance figures are on par with what the rivals offer. The RediGo is surely one car that deserves a better fate.

#2 Tata Tiago

The Tiago is slowly but steadily making a place for itself in the market. However, in spite of being a decent product, it is yet to find anywhere close to as many buyers as, we feel, it should. The Tiago has to be the best small car from Tata Motors. It offers a decent build quality, sufficiently powerful engines, a comfortable ride, many features, and is easy to maintain. However, Tata Motors is yet to totally get rid of the ghosts of the past, which means that many still shy away from putting their money on this great li’l hatchback.

#3 Ford Figo

The enthusiasts feel that the new Figo isn’t as sharp as its predecessor but that doesn’t make it a bad buy. No, not at all! In fact, the Figo Diesel is still one of the most fun hatchbacks you can buy without really having to break your bank. Powerful engines, many features, enough space and low cost of maintenance – the new Figo has a lot going for it. It’s a pity we don’t see too many of these on the road.

#4 Tata Tigor

The Tigor is basically a notchback sibling of the Tiago. Easily the prettiest Sub-4m sedans around, the Tigor has pretty much failed to leave a lasting impression on the car buyers. Good looks apart, there’s still a lot going for this car. You get pretty much the same qualities that make Tiago a decent buy. The only negative we can think of is the rather mediocre performance of the Diesel engine. The Tigor is still a lot of car for your money. Definitely deserves more success, this one.

#5 Skoda Rapid

The Skoda Rapid has seen a huge decline in its popularity over the last few years. The Rapid is based on the Vento but offers a slightly sportier suspension setup. Also, it offers an optional 7-speed DSG on the 1.5 Diesel variant. Other likable bits include a fairly comfortable cabin, enough features, and a great build quality. Sadly, maintenance is slightly on the expensive side. Still, we feel that the Rapid is a well-sorted deserves a better fate.

#6 Fiat Linea 125S

The  125S is another great car that has pretty much failed to find enough buyers. The Linea has always been a comfortable car that has enough cabin space and good ride and handling characteristics. The 125S, however, is even better due to its powerful 125 bhp 1.4-litre Turbojet engine. Akin to other cars in its manufacturer’s portfolio, the 125S deserves more attention from new car buyers.

#7 Urban Cross 1.4 Petrol

The Urban Cross is nothing but a slightly jazzed up Avventura, which, in turn, is a pseudo-crossover based on the Fiat Punto.  The talking point of this car, too, is its powerful petrol engine. Powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Abarth Punto, the Urban Cross has similar performance levels to offer. However, here again, thanks to the poor image of the company, the Urban Cross 1.4 fails to find any takers. Sad!

#8 Renault Duster AWD

Well, the Renault Duster has definitely seen much better days in India. The Duster was the highest selling small SUV in its segment until the advent of the Hyundai Creta. Sure, the Creta is a lot more modern and deserves the top spot, but the Duster has a clear advantage over the Korean crossover due to its excellent AWD system. Also, the Duster AWD is pretty well priced and should definitely appeal to all those looking for a rugged small SUV that is high on comfort and is easy to maintain.

#9 Tata Hexa

The Hexa is yet another Tata car that deserves a better showing on the sales charts. The Hexa has a lot going for it, really! You get a very spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, a powerful engine, many features, and an excellent 10-speaker sound system. You also get optional automatic transmission and 4×4. The icing on the cake is the attractive pricing. The Hexa is one of the best we’ve seen from Tata Motors in recent times.

#10 Hyundai Tucson

The most expensive car on our list is the Tucson. We’ve always felt that the Tucson makes incredible sense for everyone upgrading from the likes of a Creta or a Duster. It is spacious, well-equipped, powerful and good-looking. However, it has pretty much failed to find enough buyers. Another underrated car, this one.

So, what do you think about our list of 10 GREAT cars & SUVs India should buy more?