Top 10 Cars in India in 2021

The Indian auto market is going to welcome many new car launches by the end of this year. This article will come up with the top 10 cars in 2021 along with details about the features, specs, mileage, and prices of each. Read on to find out.

1. Maruti Swift 2021

Price: Rs 5.73 - 8.41 lakh*

Our list of Indian’s top 10 cars in 2021 starts with the Maruti Swift. It comes in four variants, namely the LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. In its latest avatar, the hot hatch received a mid-facelift. Visually, the Swift now boasts of a more attention-grabbing look thanks to the sportier mesh and attractive chrome insert styling. Inside, the domestic auto giant also added to the cabin a wide array of new features and comforts, including a new 4.2-inch colored driver’s display and cruise control. On the other hand, the Swift facelift is equipped with additional safety essentials such as hill-hold assist and ESP, as well.

Under the hood of the 2021 Maruti Swift houses a new 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as seen in the Dzire facelift. With this engine in place, the new hatchback is capable of developing 90PS of power, which is 7PS higher than the previous model, and 113Nm of torque. Transmission-wise, Maruti offered its best-selling hatchback with the existing 5-speed MT and AMT options. In terms of fuel economy, it claims a high mileage figure of 23.20kmpl and 24.76kmpl for the MT and the AMT, respectively.

2. Hyundai i20

Price: Rs 6.79 - 11.32 lakh*

The next candidate in our list is the third-gen Hyundai i20 which is available in four variants: the Magna, Sportz, Asta, and Asta (O). In the premium hatchback segment, the Hyundai vehicle gains popularity thanks to its attractive appearance, premium cabin, and exceptional performance. While the i20 lures the domestic car enthusiasts with its edgy and aggressive look, what seems to set it apart from other vehicles should be its extensive list of high-end quality features. In particular, the i20 hatchback sports a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an air purifier, BlueLink connected car tech, and a sunroof. On the safety front, the Korean automaker offers it with six airbags, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control.

In its recent avatar, the new Hyundai i20 shares the same three engines with its Venue sibling, including:

• an 83PS/114Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit

• a 120PS/240Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit

• a 100PS/240Nm 1.5-litre diesel unit

In terms of transmission options, the 1.2-litre petrol motor is available with a 5-speed MT and CVT while the 1.0-litre one comes with either a 6-speed iMT clutchless or a 7-speed DCT. The diesel one, on the other hand, only gets a single option of a 6-speed MT.

3. Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs 9.99 - 17.53 lakh*

Hyundai Creta is among the top 10 cars in India in 2021. It is offered in five variants: the E, EX, S, SX, and SX(O). In its 5-seater configuration, the Creta wins the heart of the domestic car lovers with its impressive look and feature-loaded cabin, even in the entry-level variants. To name a few, the Hyundai compact SUV employs such elements as a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and connected car tech. Apart from that, it is also offered with a well-equipped safety kit, including up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control (ESC).

Under the hood, the Hyundai Creta receives three engine options as follows:

• a 115PS/144Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill

• a 140PS/242Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol mill

• a 115PS/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel mill

Transmission-wise, both two 1.5-litre units come equipped with a standard 6-speed MT. Apart from that, the petrol motor also gets a CVT as an alternative. Meanwhile, the diesel one is offered with a 6-speed torque converter, as well. The 1.4-litre petrol engine, however, is mated to a 7-speed DCT only. Apart from the 5-seater variants, the Korean auto giant is going to launch the 7-seater version of the Creta SUV soon this year.

4. Mahindra Thar

Price: Rs 12.10 - 14.15 lakh*

The list of top 10 cars in 2021 cannot miss out on the Mahindra Thar. The famous SUV comes in two variants which are the AX(O) and the LX. Having undergone some upgrades, the vehicle now comes with some tweaks both on the outside, inside, and under the hood. Visually, the new Thar stands out with a tougher and more muscular road presence. Meanwhile, Mahindra improved its departure angle and breakover angle as well as raised the ground clearance, allowing the SUV to deliver a better off-road driving experience.

Coming to the inside, the cabin also witnesses a host of feature additions. Notable elements include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electrically operated AC, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, and a digital MID in the instrument cluster, and a washable interior and removable roof panels. On the safety front, the Thar SUV is offered with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and front seatbelt reminder as standard.

The new Mahindra Thar is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit making 150PS of max power and 320Nm of max torque. Besides, it also available a 2.2-litre diesel engine returning 130PS and 300Nm. Both units are paired with a 6-speed MT transmission as standard and get a choice of a 6-speed AT as well.

5. Kia Seltos

Price: Rs 9.89 - 17.45 lakh*

The next model on the list is the Seltos SUV from the Kia family. The Korean compact SUV is available in two trims - the Tech Line and GT Line, and a total of seven variants. Outside, it grabs the attention of domestic car enthusiasts with its striking design and expensive look. Inside, Kia packs its charming 5-seater SUV with a host of premium features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Kia's UVO connected car technology, an air purifier, ambient lighting, and an 8-inch head-up display. Apart from that, the Seltos also receives ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, a 7-inch multi-information display, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a sunroof. In terms of safety, the vehicle comes with essentials such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, emergency stop signal, vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), and hill assist control (HAC).

Performance-wise, the Kia Seltos brings in three engines, namely:

• a 115PS/144Nm 1.5-litre petrol unit

• a 140PS/242Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit

• a 115PS/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel unit

While the 1.5-litre engines are available in both trims, the 1.4-litre one is offered in the GT Line variants only. Transmission-wise, the Seltos SUV is available with either a 6-speed MT as standard and an automatic gearbox as an alternative. In particular, the petrol unit can be had with either a 6-speed CVT or DCT. Meanwhile, the diesel one and the 1.4-litre turbo petrol get a choice of 6-speed AT and a 7-speed DCT, respectively.

6. Toyota Fortuner

Price: Rs 29.98 - 37.58 lakh*

The list of top 10 cars in India in 2021 also features the Toyota Fortuner which has recently been given a facelift in a 7-seater configuration. The vehicle is currently available in two variants: the base model and the Legender. Besides, the Japanese automaker also provides the facelifted SUV with some enhancements. Notably, the new Fortuner now appears more luxurious and stylish while the front end, LED headlamps and taillamps and bumper have been significantly tweaked to give it an edge. At the same time, the interior also witnesses new feature additions such as connected car tech and a more extensive infotainment system. While the base model gets an 8-inch unit, the Legender variants are equipped with a 9-inch one. Apart from that, the top-spec also gets brand new, high-end features like a 360-degree parking camera, wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, a mildly updated instrument cluster, and a kick-to-open powered tailgate.

Powering the Toyota Fortuner facelift is the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine as seen in the previous model. While the former continues to return the same 166PS/245Nm tune, the latter is now capable of developing 204PS/500Nm, higher than the past figures of 177PS/420Nm. In terms of transmission options, the 7-seater Fortuner SUV is equipped with either a 6-speed MT or AT gearbox.

7. Kia Sonet

Price: Rs 6.79 - Rs 13.19 lakh*

The Sonet is another Kia model which makes it to the list. It comes in six variants, namely the HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX. HTX+, and the GTX+. In its recent 5-seater layout, the sub-4-meter SUV stands out with its stunning compact look as well as a practical, premium cabin albeit at an affordable price range. Remarkable features include a lavish 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with UVO connected car tech, an air purifier, a sunroof, and wireless charging. More to that, the Korean car manufacturer also packs the Sonet with such safety essentials as six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and vehicle stability management.

Under the hood, the Kia Sonet borrows the three outgoing engines from its Venue cousin, namely:

• an 83PS/115Nm 1.2-litre petrol unit

• a 120PS/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit

• a 115PS/250Nm 1.5-litre diesel unit

While the 1.0-litre petrol motor is available with a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT, the 1.2-litre petrol one solely gets a 5-speed MT gearbox. Regarding the diesel engine, it is mated to either 6-speed MT or AT transmission.

8. Hyundai Venue

Price: Rs 6.86 - 11.66 lakh*

Hyundai Venue has been one of the best-selling cars in India ever since the very first days of its launch. It is available in six variants: the E, S, S+, SX, SX+, and SX(O). Apart from its classic boxy appearance, the Korean SUV also steals the hearts of domestic car lovers with its ample interior layout and feature-loaded cabin. Notable elements include auto climate control with rear AC vents, Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech, wireless mobile charging, cruise control. Additionally, Hyundai also offers its popular sub-4-meter SUV with a push-button start/stop, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, six airbags, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management.

Mechanically, the Hyundai Venue is powered by three engines. They include:

• an 83PS/114Nm 1.2-litre petrol motor

• a 120PS/171Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor

• a 100PS/240Nm 1.5-litre diesel motor

While the 1.2-litre petrol engine comes equipped with a 5-speed MT, the turbo petrol and the diesel ones get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Besides, the 1.0-litre mill can also be had with a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch AT.

9.  Mahindra Scorpio

Price: Rs 11.99 - 16.52 lakh*

Joining the list of top 10 cars in India in 2021 is the value-for-money Mahindra Scorpio SUV which acquires its popularity thanks to the attention-grabbing design, practical and flexible nature, and exquisite performance. Currently, the vehicle comes in five variants, including the S3+, S5, S7, S9, and S11, and is available in either 7-,8-, or 9-seater configurations. In the latest avatar, Mahindra offers its aggressive-looking SUV with a host of features like cruise control, auto AC, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, and auto headlamps with LED DRLs. Meanwhile, the standard safety kit comes with dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS, and speed alerts.

Under the hood of the Mahindra Scorpio houses the single 2.2-litre mHawk engine which contributes to its excellent city driveability. In the base-spec S3+ variants, this unit is paired with a 5-speed MT and generates 120PS of power and 280Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the remaining variants are offered with a 6-speed MT gearbox, allowing the model to churn out 140PS/319Nm.

10. MG Hector

Price: Rs 12.89 - 18.42 lakh*

Topping off our list is the MG Hector which is available in four variants: the Style, Super, Smart, and Sharp. Visually, the MG mid-size SUV catches the eye of the domestic buyers with its stylish look, especially regarding the newly-added impressive 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin sports revised ventilated front seats, wireless charger, Hinglish commands for connected car tech, and auto-dimming IRVM. Otherwise, highlights of the existing Hector are also carried over, including the 10.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Infinity sound system, panoramic sunroof, and cruise control, to name a few. Safety essentials consist of six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera.

The MG Hector facelift is powered by a 143PS/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 170PS/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine. Transmission-wise, both units come equipped with a 6-speed MT as standard. Apart from that, the turbo petrol one also gets a choice of either a 6-speed DCT or an 8-speed CVT gearbox.

That completes our article on the top 10 cars in 2021. Which model do you prefer the best? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below!

For more information about the automotive space in India, please visit us at carnewsindian.blogspot.com.

*These prices are all ex-showroom prices in New Delhi.

**All image credit goes to the owner.