There are so many cars that are now forgotten. Cars have to some become generally more dull and uninspiring. There has been a general change in the way people look at cars. Things like mileage, comfort, space and features took higher importance over speed, handling and performance. These are some of the cars that offered the most bang for the buck in the Indian car market.
The Cedia carried on the torch for performance from the Lancer in India. The Cedia came with all the modern safety equipment like dual airbags and ABS. The car was powered by a 2.0-litre engine that generates a maximum of 115bhp and 175Nm of Torque. It was very powerful in its time but did not offer good fuel efficiency. The car was also let down with one thing us Indians had become aware of-FEATUREs! The car was was completely overshadowed by the Honda City that had made it’s place in the upper middle-class’ minds as the car to have.
The Fabia came at when the Skoda really need something to crack the small car market. The car was available with a 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol motor. The diesel was a 1.4 too and was a fun machine. Push the throttle and there is was instant wave of torque that you could ride. The handling is as good as the modern Volkswagen Polo.
The car that was a the first sedan for many Indian families had an evil side to it. We still see it around the country tearing up rally circuits with easy. It was the choice of so many back then. The 1.6-liter engine made 94bhp and made one grin with happiness. The car is still used as a platform by tuners for modifying their cars. want to go drag racing? This is car to start with.
The first car in the small car segment to make 100bhp. The original ‘hot-hatchback’. This car packed a 1.6-litre petrol engine which made driving this car ample fun. Handling and ride quality were amazing. Also with the top-end Palio costing just around Rs. 6 lakhs, it was an amazing deal.