5 cars that are BEATING the slowdown: Hyundai Venue to Kia Seltos

The auto industry in India is currently witnessing one of its worst slowdown in decades. This has lead to an adverse effect on jobs as well as the country’s economy among other things. Manufacturers are constantly trying to beat the slowdown by offering discounts and other schemes so as to attract buyers. Several cars which used to be the top sellers of their segment are now lagging far behind in sales numbers. However, there are a few cars which have not been affected much by the economic slowdown and are still doing pretty well relatively. Let’s take a look at 5 such cars which are BEATING the slowdown like a boss.

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

Starting off the list is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, which probably would surprise a lot many people. Unlike other cars on this list which had several class-leading features along with tons of variant on offer, the Eeco is a modest people’s carrier. However, that is its biggest selling point too as it is the most affordable way to move 7 people in India. The base model of the Eeco is priced at just Rs. 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). One of the major reasons behind its sales is the discontinuation of the Omni, which has left the Eeco as the only option in this price range. The availability of a CNG option is definitely a plus point for the Eeco.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai’s first new car in 2019 came in the form of the Venue and the sub-4 meter SUV conquered the market shortly after. It took the coveted bestseller tag from the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza which had been leading the segment since a long time. Despite being a late entrant in the sub-4 meter SUV game, the Venue quickly found success due to various reasons including its strategic pricing.

It also has a fresh design and looks quite premium in-person. The availability of both petrol and diesel engines along with an auto box option further made it likeable as there was something for every buyer. It is also stuffed with features and the trusted Hyundai aftersales support is another reason behind its success. No doubt Hyundai didn’t see a steep fall in overall sales in this period thanks to the Venue and the latest Grand i10 Nios.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Next up is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which was among the most affordable MPVs one can buy in India until now. Maruti gave a generation update to the popular nameplate at the end of 2018 and sales of the MPV have only gone up ever since. While the exact sales figures of the Ertiga are not out yet, Maruti did release a statement saying that its utility vehicle segment has shown the least amount degrowth and has been doing pretty well relatively. The Ertiga offers immense practicality along with a reasonably powerful engine which makes it a high seller. The lack of any sort of competition is another favourable point in its bag. Maruti also offers a CNG and a fleet-operator special version of the MPV, which further help its sales.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is another SUV that has beaten the slowdown and has performed spectacularly in terms of sales. Kia Motors has sold 6,200 units of the Seltos compact SUV in August 2019, breaking the record of India’s best debutant automaker in terms of sales. Rival to the likes of the Hyundai Creta and MG Hector among others, the Kia Seltos has a base price of Rs. 9.69 lakhs which is among the reasons behind its success.

Also, Kia offers the Seltos spread across a host of trim levels, engine options and gearbox options which means there is something for everyone looking to buy the SUV. The fact that it is a looker and comes loaded to gills with features further help the case. The Seltos is also the choice for those who want a powerful and well equipped SUV but don’t want a very big vehicle like the Tata Harrie or the MG Hector.

MG Hector

MG launched the Hector in June this year and the SUV has been selling like hotcakes ever since. Bookings of the SUV have been halted ever since they reached 28,000 in number. In August 2019, MG Hector clocked 2,018 units, which is more than 30 % higher than July 2019 sales of 1,508 units. One of the major factors for the success of the Hector is its pricing (starts at Rs. 12.18) and value for money prospects. It comes with a ton of features, f which several are segment firsts. It is also the largest SUV in its segment and looks pretty good, both of which are important factors in India.

Another reason could be the attractive offers and schemes MG is offering which includes the buyback guarantee and the waiting period rewards, where a certain amount of credit is given to those who have booked the SUV but have not received it yet. This credit can be later used to purchase official accessories at the time of delivery.