[MotorDev]

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift

What you'll like:

• A well-rounded, fun-to-drive hatchback. This Hyundai will leave you grinning.
• Precise build & quality (including interiors) are among the segment best.
• Balanced road manners & easy-to-drive nature.
• Features such as all-black interiors, projector headlamps, wireless phone charging etc.
• Hyundai's competent after-sales, fuss-free ownership experiences & (upto) 5-year standard warranty.

What you won't:

• Merely 2-stars in the GNCAP crash tests.
• 175 mm economy-oriented MRF tyres give up easily. An upgrade to 185 / 195 rubber is mandatory.
• Narrow width makes it a 4-seater. Some competitors offer more spacious cabins.
• Low-speed ride quality is firmer than what one expects in a Hyundai. Bad roads are felt.
• Ordinary stereo. Hyundai’s ICE hasn’t kept up with the times (sound quality = 6/10).

Market Response: The Grand i10 Nios's sales are quite average and fall behind the Wagon R, Altroz, Tiago, etc.

[MotorDev]

Hyundai Aura Facelift

What you'll like:

• An all-rounder of a compact sedan. Very well-priced for what it offers.
• Precise build & quality (interiors) are easily the segment best.
• Balanced road manners & easy-to-drive nature.
• Features such as cruise control, wireless phone charging, rear view monitor & more.
• Safety kit inckudes 6 airbags, ABS & ISOFIX child seat mounts among others.
• Hyundai's competent after-sales, fuss-free ownership experiences & customisable warranty.

What you won't:

• Its hatchback sibling - the Grand i10 Nios - got just 2 stars in the GNCAP crash test.
• Narrow width makes it a 4-seater. Some competitors offer more spacious cabins.
• Low-speed ride quality is firmer than what one expects in a Hyundai. Bad roads are felt.
• Ordinary stereo. Hyundai’s ICE hasn’t kept up with the times (sound quality = 6/10).

Market Response: The Aura's sales are quite average and fall behind the Dzire.

[MotorDev]

Hyundai i20 Facelift

What you'll like:

• The design, both inside and outside, especially the stunning black front grill and skid plates.
• Rear aesthetics with admirable tail-lights, a trademark for hatchbacks.
• Good interiors with a premium feel.
• A powerful turbo petrol engine option, adding a performance boost.
• Great music system.
• Ergonomics are well-sorted, and touchpoints are within easy reach.
• Spacious rear legroom, surpassing some sedans in the market.
• Convenient features like auto-folding ORVMs, eliminate the need to fold them when parking.

What you won't:

• Poor GNCAP safety rating with only 3 stars.
• Unfavourable width-to-length ratio, making the car look either too short or too wide for its size.
• Outdated 1.2L petrol engine; Hyundai could have offered a better or upgraded option.
• Hyundai CVT behaves more like an AMT, unlike the expected behaviour of a traditional CVT.
• Mediocre horn quality, contemplating an upgrade in the future.
• Non-illuminated power window switches in all trims (except the driver's switch) with poor switch quality.

Market Response: It's reasonably successful with an average of 5,000 units sold.

[MotorDev]

Tata Nexon / Tata Nexon.ev Facelift

What you'll like:

• Funky styling ensures that the Nexon stands out from the crowd.
• 5-star NCAP safety rating & a solid build, unlike many of its flimsy competitors.
• Nice, spacious cabin with comfortable seats. You get a practical 382-litre boot too.
• 1.5L diesel & 1.2L petrol offer good performance. Diesel is especially impressive.
• Balanced road manners for such a tall car. Fine EPS & 208 mm of ground clearance!
• Loaded with features: 6 airbags, LED DRLs with welcome function, reversing camera, ventilated seats etc.
• Available with a variety of gearbox options including AMT and DCT.
• Features an impressive electric (EV) option with two distinct battery packs.

What you won't:

• 3-cylinder petrol can't match 4-cylinder competition in NVH. Has lag too.
• The observant eye will notice some rough edges in fit, finish & quality.
• Early batches may experience a few minor issues.
• Concerns over long-term reliability.
• Tata's inconsistent after-sales experience is far from that of Maruti & Hyundai.
• Shorter service/checkup interval of 6 months & 7,500 km (rivals have 12-month gaps).

Market Response: The biggest hit of the year is the Nexon, averaging sales between 14,000 to 15,000 units per month.

[MotorDev]

Kia Seltos Facelift

What you'll like:

• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp.
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers.
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality.
• Loved the 1.5L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel.
• Mature on-road behaviour, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well.
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone.
• Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, TPMS, rear parking sensors, 3-point seatbelts for all, etc.
• Impressive kit (ADAS Level-2, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, wireless charger with cooling function, cooled seats, UV cut glass, & loads more).

What you won't:

• Scored just 3-stars in the GNCAP crash tests.
• Turbo-petrols are very sensitive to driving style. FE will drop drastically when you drive hard.
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults.
• Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you.
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India.
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread!
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV700).

Market Response: The Seltos has been successful, and off to a strong start, outperforming its competitors with 7,000-11,000 units per month.

[MotorDev]

Honda City / Honda City Hybrid Facelift

What's you'll like:

• Benchmark C2-segment sedan with a lively 1.5L petrol engine.
• Smooth gearbox & responsive steering, enjoyable up to 120 km/h.
• Comfortable ride quality with improved part quality.
• Spacious cabin, practical boot, and impressive safety features: 6 airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist.
• Noteworthy extras: sunroof, Honda connect with Alexa, cruise control.
• Impressive fuel efficiency of 27 km/l for the hybrid version.

What you won't:

• Rear can get bouncy at high speeds on uneven roads.
• Chassis & suspension don't match the potent engine beyond 120 km/h.
• Jerky rev-limiter in the petrol variant.
• Outdated audio head-unit interface with average sound quality.
• Low seating is not senior citizen-friendly; poor sound insulation at high speeds.

Market Response: It's quite ordinary, and sales have dropped since the launch of the Verna, Slavia, and Virtus.

[MotorDev]

MG Hector / Hector Plus Facelift

What you'll like:

• Big size & lots of bling for the money! The Hector is well-priced.
• A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587-litre boot too.
• Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic.
• Compliant ride quality. The suspension is tuned for comfort.
• Lots of kit (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.).
• ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality.
• 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance.
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more.

What you won't:

• Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles.
• Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer.
• The petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Its guzzling Automatic variant is unimpressive.
• No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, XUV700, Safari offer this combination, which we love).
• Some annoyances like the ~6-meter turning radius, strange rpm meter, etc.
• Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns.
• The waiting period runs into a couple of months.
• Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car.

Market Response: It's pretty ordinary, but it sells quite well for a Chinese brand.

[MotorDev]

Tata Harrier Facelift

What you'll like:

• Boasts a solid 5-star GNCAP safety rating.
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• Far improved over the 2019 work-in-progress Harrier beta.
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too.
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con.
• Fantastic audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable.
• The Harrier's 2.0L diesel offers good performance.
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more.
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, ventilated seats, etc.

What you won't:

• Harrier AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; the gearbox is not the most responsive.
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability associated with Tata cars.
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12-months is the norm today).
• Diesel engine does get loud at 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too.
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either.
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble.

Market Response: It's too early to say for sure, but things seem promising. In a segment where everyone is into features and automatics, Tata is going the right way with the Harrier.

[MotorDev]

Tata Safari Facelift

What you'll like:

• Boasts a solid 5-star GNCAP safety rating.
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too.
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con.
• Extra 3rd row of seats brings lots more practicality & utility.
• Superb captain chairs are available as an option for the middle row.
• Fantastic audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable.
• 2.0L diesel offers good driveability and a punchy mid-range.
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission.
• Sufficient ground clearance + terrain response system for rough and wet roads.
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, rest break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more.
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, ventilated seats, etc.

What you won't:

• 3rd row access is too difficult in the captain seat variant.
• Negligible boot space with all the seats up - a paltry 73 litres.
• Safari AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive.
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Our test car had a problem too!
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12-months is the norm today).
• Diesel engine does get loud above 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too.
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either.
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble.

Market Response: It's too early to say for sure, but things seem promising. In a segment where everyone is into features and automatics, Tata is going the right way with the Safari.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

Going to our homepage in the coming days

[Masalawheelz]

While the Hyundais gave incremental updates/upgrades for their 2023 models, the TATAs seem to have hit it out of the park with fantastic facelifts for the trio - Nexon, Harrier & Safari.

I think the trickle down effect on the punch later next year (may be) would benefit their lower ranges too, considering the absolute craze for the UV body style currently.

The success of the facelifts are immediately visible as I read that sales of TATA cars have crossed that of Hyundai in November 2023. If only QC and service issues are addressed, TATA can give Hyundai and Maruti a serious challenge!

Kia have been on a home-run spree with their models! These guys have to take marketing lessons for Honda, Renault and Nissan!

[ampere]

Agree. I really like the way the Harrier has evolved over time. One of the few spacious 5 seaters in the market ideal for mile crunching.

[ashvek3141]

Originally Posted by Masalawheelz

If only QC and service issues are addressed, TATA can give Hyundai and Maruti a serious challenge!

This IF is indeed the biggest deal breaker! It is rather unfortunate that inspite of these cars being in the market for nearly 4-5 years & TATA being in the industry spanning decades, we still see petty issues in their modern day cars ! Imagine the plight of the owners who spend their hard earned money on something like the Harrier / Safari costing nearly 3 millions and you face issues in the very first week of the ownership. I know so many of them who bought one of their cars for all good reasons and most important of them being their famed ‘vocal for local’ ideology and are now frustrated to the core.

Sad part is, there is absolutely no learning even! Take for example the latest launches - ever car from Nexon , Harrier & the Safari FL are having some or the other issues. Heck, forget TBHP, I’ve personally seen quite a few of them. And this is all in their brand new flagship products.

Agreed, that the Harrier & Safari are indeed fantastic products and I too personally drool over them ! But hey, am I willing to risk my 30 L on them? Today? Maybe not.

If the Harrier was as polished a product as the Seltos / Creta and if their service was even half as good as Kia / Hyundai, I would have booked the Harrier in a blink of an eye !

Having said that, I truly hope TATA reaches that level someday. High hopes !

[RD410]

Originally Posted by MotorDev

• Concerns over long-term reliability, more so of the freshly developed engines.

Freshly developed engines? It's been 7 years since the Nexon was launched

[46TheDoctor]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

This IF is indeed the biggest deal breaker! It is rather unfortunate that inspite of these cars being in the market for nearly 4-5 years & TATA being in the industry spanning decades, we still see petty issues in their modern day cars ! Imagine the plight of the owners who spend their hard earned money on something like the Harrier / Safari costing nearly 3 millions and you face issues in the very first week of the ownership. I know so many of them who bought one of their cars for all good reasons and most important of them being their famed ‘vocal for local’ ideology and are now frustrated to the core.

Sad part is, there is absolutely no learning even! Take for example the latest launches - ever car from Nexon , Harrier & the Safari FL are having some or the other issues. Heck, forget TBHP, I’ve personally seen quite a few of them. And this is all in their brand new flagship products.

Agreed, that the Harrier & Safari are indeed fantastic products and I too personally drool over them ! But hey, am I willing to risk my 30 L on them? Today? Maybe not.

If the Harrier was as polished a product as the Seltos / Creta and if their service was even half as good as Kia / Hyundai, I would have booked the Harrier in a blink of an eye !

Having said that, I truly hope TATA reaches that level someday. High hopes !

I have owned following cars till date:
Maruti - Original Zen, Swift ZXI
Fiat - Punto MJD, Palio 1.6
Tata - Safari 2.2 dicor, Nexon Diesel AMT
Mitsubishi - Pajero Sport, Outlander
Skoda - Octavia vRS
Renault - Koleos
Toyota - Etios

My 2010 Tata Safari had lots of issues but Nexon is fairly reliable.

My feedback as a Nexon Diesel AMT owner after 85000 km and 4 years:
1. Car has been definitely not as reliable as the Japanese cars but definitely better than the other brands listed above.
2. Car is built very solid, even after 4 years, 85000km, it isnt showing any signs of ageing, looks like this can easily last for 2-3 lakh km more.
3. Whatever minor parts i needed to replace/repair doesnt pinch you much since parts pricing isnt high compared to other brands. Ex. I had to replace all the AC vents at front because their adjustment knobs came off, definitely quality control issues but replacement cost me Rs. 2500 in total, so can be ignored.
4. Parts longevity is also good, i had to replace only suspension bushes, rest of the suspension is working fine. Brake pads' life is also good. Nothing else has been replaced till date, only the parts as per Service Book's recommendations.
5. Service - This has been the biggest surprise. My aftersales service experience in Pune/Vadodara/Solapur is close to that of Maruti/Toyota.

I am so happy with my experience with Nexon and Service, that I am even considering buying Nexon EV facelift 2023 and upcoming Harrier EV for our family's usage.

IMO, With these new age Tata cars, Reliability is still not as high as the Japanese, Driving Experience isnt as good as Europians yet, but these cars have become perfect - Jack Of All Trades - beater cars for our usage without sacrificing on Safety, Features, Comfort and Purchase/Running Costs.