Small Cars that ruled the year 2010

Year 2010 has been a blessing for the Indian Automobile market as it witnessed exponential growth during this period which made many companies launch their models to get their share of pie. Simultaneously the companies realised the big fact that Indian Auto market is hugely based on the small car segment. As much as 70 per cent share is bagged by this lucrative segment thus lines up abysmal opportunities for small car manufacturers. Looking at the scenario, Global majors like Volkswagen also launched a small car to enrich their Indian portfolio with Toyota being next in line.

See More Chevrolet Beat Pictures                                                                                                Read More on Chevrolet Beat

Indian Auto Market is worlds second fastest growing market which is the major reason it faced many cars making their debut here. The month of January 2010 brought Chevrolet Beat from German manufacturer General Motors which was based on the Indian customer needs completely. Till then the market was ruled by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai but this model ranged between Rs 3.34 lakh and Rs 3.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) changed the scenario and made the GM's entry in compact segment successful. The beautiful hatchback was powered by 1.2-litre petrol engine and managed to mark a striking sales of 33,845 cars since its launch. It is based on the 300 series platform will soon come in a diesel version as well.

 See More Nissan Micra Pictures                                                                                                     Read More on Nissan Micra

Next in small car segment comes the Nissan Micra from the Japanese car manufacturer launched in the month of July 2010. The beautiful car is tagged between a price range of Rs 3.98 lakh and Rs 5.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and marked the company's entry in small car segment. By 2012 the company has plans to introduce 9 variants under this successful model and grab a market share of 5.5 per cent in Indian Auto market in coming future. The powerful model is loaded with 1.2-litre petrol engine and diesel option is available at 1.5 litre engine. The manufacturing plant is situated in Oragadam, near Chennai. The product has marked a total export of 15,737 units and domestic sales of 5,371 units since its launch.

See More Volkswagen Polo Pictures                                                                                      Read More on Volkswagen Polo

German car manufacturer also launched its all exclusive Volkswagen Polo in February 2010 adding a great variety to the small car segment. The car comes with engine options- 1.2-litre petrol and 1.2-litre diesel and comes at a price tag of Rs 4.34 lakh to Rs 5.32 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi). With this product, the company plans to capture as much as 10 per cent of market share in small car segment. The car is manufactures at the Chakan plant and has marked a total sales of 17,000 units.

 See More Ford Figo Pictures                                                                                                                 Read More on Ford Figo

Next in line comes the all famous Ford Figo which made its first appearance in Indian Auto market in March 2010. The striking beauty comes with 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine options and is tagged at a price range of Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 4.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The company sold total of 58,000 units of this model which is manufactured at the company’s Chennai plant and is exported to countries like Nepal and South Africa.

 See More Maruti Alto Pictures                                                                                                             Read More on Maruti Alto

Last but not the least comes the ever favorite Maruti Alto marking striking sales of 50,000 units within four months of its launch. The car comes at a price tag of Rs 3.03 lakh to Rs 3.16 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The car is one of the most famous model from Maruti stable leading to immense popularity and demand.