These are the ‘Top 10’ cars launched in 2016.

Like every year, the year 2016 too remained mixed with opportunities and shocks for economy and markets. The automobile industry set new records in sale and launch of new vehicles. Like every year, this year too, almost all car manufacturers launched new vehicles or variants of existing vehicles with new features. People liked many new launches or re launches. Here we present top 10 launched vehicles of 2016 which were admired by consumers.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza – Without a doubt the veritable trump card once again has been played by the market leader. It has long been said that no one understands the Indian market like Maruti Suzuki and the Vitara Brezza goes a long way to prove that amply. The subcompact SUV was launched at the Auto Expo in Feb 2016, and within few weeks after the launch, vehicle got such response from the buyers that new consumer had to wait for four to six months to get the delivery due to long queue of people who booked it. Expect more fireworks when the AMT and petrol versions arrive in 2017!

Tata Tiago – Tata motors, which was struggling to retain its market position in passenger segment, got some boost with launch of hatchback Tata Tiago. A major boost to Tata’s monthly sales, the Tiago has proved not only to be a hit, but the much needed resurgence vehicle for Tata as well.

New Toyota Fortuner – The mighty Fortuner nameplate – Toyota’s strongest in India – is something people swear by. The older car’s butch looks are almost gone, and have been replaced by an attempt at sophistication and beauty. Contemporary bits like DRLs simply add to it. The Fortuner’s big improvement is a much much better ride quality and comfort. It’s already a hit, and expect waiting periods to only grow on this baby.

Hyundai Elantra – The Korean carmaker Hyundai has brought us one hit after another. Despite its hands still being full with the Creta and i20, out comes another one. The Elantra though is not a massive volumes model but has breathed life into an almost defunct segment. That it carries Hyundai’s Fluidic 2.0 styling, a more modern manufacturing process and is loaded with creature comforts and gizmos is only more reason to applaud the Elantra.

Ford Endeavour – Endeavour came back in a new generation avatar at the 2016 Auto Expo as well. And what we got was a hulk alright, but one with a silken or velvet touch. Much-improved ride and comfort, massively better performance and the choice of two diesel engines. Throw in the 4WD/2WD and automatic/manual options and you also realize that all variants come pretty much fully loaded. Good value and way better than the last car make the new Endeavour a worthy top ten.

Toyota Innova Crysta – The new generation Innova adds Crysta to its name. The car exemplifies all that Toyota gets right – and adds to it a more premium feel that the last Innova lacked. The new car is a runaway hit despite much increased prices, and with sales to fleet buyers also begun expect to see lots of them, and for Toyota to have long waiting periods on this too.

Hyundai Tucson – The Tucson does everything you expect from a Hyundai today – great looks, efficient drive, comfort, loads of equipment and value. The Tucson scores big and also offers a compelling offering in the compact SUV space, going way ahead of the XUV500 and Rexton.

Volkswagen Ameo – The Volkswagen dealerships finally look a bit busy and the Ameo is the reason. The car is not just well priced, but offers a tonne of things in this segment. It’s easily the best performer in this class, and also offers excellent ride and comfort. It throws in the segment’s most powerful diesel and also the DSG auto gearbox to make it a winner.

Datsun redi-GO – Speaking of much needed hits, Datsun surely would be a much-relieved company now with the redi-GO proving to be a success. Built on the Kwid’s CMFA platform, and yet offering a tallboy car which is totally different – has been its success mantra. The good looks, mileage claims and brand ambassador Sakshi Malik have all come together well for the Japanese brand.

Renault Kwid AMT – An AMT in the segment may not be new, but adding the 1.0 litre engine and the funky rotary dial AMT has been another master stroke in the Kwid playbook. Manual variant of Kwid is already a hit with a waiting period of 4-5 months to get delivery to to the customers.

These were the top 10 car launches in year 2016. In year 2017 too, many cars are expected to be launched. How the 2016 launches will retain its position in 2017 and remain in top sold cars, will depend on the consumers trend in making their buying selection. Till then, all the best to 2016 launches!