[MotorDev]

Doesn't the Polo still look good today?

I came across this recent thread (Car names that have made comebacks in unexpected avtaars) which gave me the idea to create this thread. Over the past few years in the Indian automotive scene, several cars were launched but didn't perform as expected and eventually disappeared from our market. Some of these discontinued cars were actually quite good and have continued to sell globally with improved versions.

Here are a few cars that, IMO, deserve a second chance:

Tata Sierra

I'm absolutely in love with the appearance of this car. It looked M-A-G-E-S-T-I-C when Tata unveiled it at the Auto Expo. Although the original Sierra had a rugged charm, in its EV form, the car feels more user-friendly and modern. I really hope it makes a comeback. I would definitely be one of the first to buy it. P.S. I currently have zero rupees in my bank account .

Nissan Kicks

The Kicks struggled against its competitors, failing to sell at least 500 units monthly. It lacked the W-O-W factor and the features that competitors offered. The Kicks' final chink in the armour was Nissan's after-sales service. However, Nissan has recently unveiled the new-generation Kicks globally, which looks promising. Enthusiasts have praised the current-generation Kicks' turbo petrol variant, so the new model is expected to be even better.

Skoda Octavia

I've always been a big fan of the Skoda Octavia. When Skoda launched the new generation back in 2021, I was glad, but the pricing was a disappointment. However, I now appreciate its pricing, especially after Skoda's DOA pricing of the Superb (Scoop! Skoda Superb to be relaunched in India on April 3. EDIT: Launched at Rs. 54 lakh) — Skoda guys seem to have lost their minds. Although it lacked a few features and was overpriced by 3 to 4 lakhs, Octavia still offered a good overall package. It has received a facelift in global markets, and the car looks even better now.

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris was launched to compete with the well-known Honda City. However, it never quite captured buyers' attention due to its average petrol engine performance, modest space, and plain Jane looks. However, it offered 7 airbags from the base variant, and Toyota's reliability was a strong selling point. Now, Toyota has introduced the new generation Yaris globally. In a market dominated by cars like the Slavia and Virtus, this could become a strong new competitor that boosts interest in the sedan segment.

Renault Duster

There was a time when the Duster was the Creta in its segment, and Renault was synonymous with the Duster. I can say that the Duster was a true SUV. However, the lack of timely updates hurt its sales. Renault has been quiet in the Indian market, with its last new launch being the Kiger three years ago. The new Duster looks promising and can be called a true SUV as well. This car will surely increase Renault's sales and could be a game-changer if it arrives here.

Mahindra Marazzo

The Mahindra Marazzo was a commendable product from Mahindra but suffered due to the company's lack of interest. While the car had its strengths, it wasn't a compelling overall package. The absence of a petrol engine was a significant drawback, and its looks weren't particularly appealing. Recently discontinued, I hope Mahindra reintroduces this MPV in a new and modern form to compete with models like the Ertiga and Carens. By the way, the Marazzo also had a 4-star safety rating.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz was a stylish yet practical hatchback that unfortunately met its demise due to overpricing. It initially offered cool features like magic seats, which Honda later removed — why, Honda!? The new Jazz looks promising, and if Honda prices it right, it could be a good hatchback option again. After all, it's a Honda — can you ever go wrong with a Honda!?

Mahindra Alturas G4

The Mahindra Alturas G4, an SUV that never quite gained a positive image, was essentially a rebadged Ssangyong. It had impressive features and quality unseen before in Mahindra cars — it struggled due to the brand's image. IMO, it was well-priced and superior to the Fortuner. Unfortunately, it failed to appeal to consumers. I hope Mahindra brings back this car with a modern touch.

So, this was my list. Which cars do you think are worthy of making a comeback in India?

[ramki.grandhi]

I personally love to see Nano, Civic, Grant Vitara, X-Trail, Accord V6 and diesel engines from VW/Skoda group.

I want to add Kizashi and CR-V as well, but I'm 100% sure it wont happen. And I'm sure Ford fanboys would love to see Endeavour with 5 pot engine.

[saikishor]

I expect a lot of Ford fanboys/stans making an appearance on this thread. Apart from that, some cars that come to my mind are
Innova Crysta Diesel Automatic
Tata Zest
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Honda CRV
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Global Fiesta
Skoda Yeti

[Raghu M]

The 800 in it's original form. Would like the first generation Zen too. The Marazzo makes sense too.

[m3t4ph0r1c]

Honda Civic (The first car that comes to mind and sadly this isnt in the OP's list)
Maruthi Suzuki Zen (one of the best looking hatches)
Maruthi Suzuki 800
Volkswagen Polo (the GOAT)
Ford Ikon, Fiesta, Ecosport, Endeavour (Everyone loves these)
Honda Accord (this ones unlikely)
Skoda Octavia (most millenials dreamed of owning this, as kids)

[sharmanova]

Here's my list.
Ford Endeavour/Everest
Skoda Fabia
Toyota Innova Crysta AT
VAG TDi engines

[Karthik1100]

In my opinion with proper marketing and present day competitive features, new looks and price for its category these cars should comeback.

HM Ambassador EV and Contessa EV
Tata Nano Turbo petrol, CNG and EV
Punto Abarth 2.0L Turbojet, Fiat Uno EV / Hybrid
Mitsubishi Lancer Crossover / Pajero
Gypsy AT with AWD

[ssjr0498]

VW Jetta
Maruti Zen

[IshaanIan]

I miss the S-Cross and if Maruti won’t launch a sensible crossover with the ultimate Ingress and Egress, then I wish Skoda would launch the Kamiq here in India.

That aside the obvious candidates are Honda’s CR-V and the Jazz, Ford hatchbacks because boy did they know a thing or two about mass market transportation, and even though I really miss the D-Segment sedans, due to the trend towards SUVs no one has made a truly desirable D-Segment sedan in a while that I’d like them to bring back. I do however wish that Toyota would bring the Yaris back.

Oh and how could I forget Mitsubishi please comeback to our shores with a sensible product

[gt3t0uring]

1.The Tata Nano Pelican

This one is at the top of my list. Tata even put test mules on road. This was supposed to have a new 3 cylinder engine with other several upgrades but we know how Nano died a slow death.

2. Localised/CKD Polo GTI Manual

VW had everything at their disposal, they already had the engine in Octavia, they already had the chassis. It would've been just fine with the Indian Polo interior. The main part, how cheaper it would've been compared to the CBU Polo that we actually got.

[bmuser]

Old Santro Xing in it's original form and quality. I would any day buy it over any hatchback car present in market today. We had it for 20 years!

[Axe77]

Erstwhile car models that I’d love to see back in the market in their latest avatars (in no particular order):

1. Toyota Corolla Altis (specially if it could come in hybrid format)
2. Honda CR-V (but with some decent powertrains).
3. Honda Jazz (with the original magic seats format).
4. Honda Civic
5. VW Polo
6. VW Jetta & Passat
7. Skoda Octavia and Superb
8. Skoda Fabia
9. Ford Endeavour / Everest
10. VW Beetle (if BMW can still sell the Mini Cooper, why can’t we have the Beetle too).

[Cresterk]

The endeavour. Please I don’t want the next Fortuner to cost 1 crore.

[GTO]

We can only dream on guys. These cars are never coming back due to a variety of reasons:

- They won't meet current emission norms and future safety norms

- Replaced by newer models, hence the production dies etc. are all gone.

- A lot of them were flops! Or their sales had dwindled by the time of their demise.

- Launching such an old product is detrimental to the image of the manufacturer.

- The brand gave up on India (e.g. Ford).

On the other hand, some nameplates could return, but on brand-new models (e.g. Sierra).

[DicKy]

TATA Sumo - TATA has abandoned BoF segment, but do want them to revive the Sumo brand and pit it against the upcoming next gen Bolero. Though pray they don't think about massacring the brand like putting the Safari badge on the Harrier pro max.

Toyota Corolla - The segment and body shape is dead. They didn't bring the Corolla Cross whihc they should have. They wanted to develop a 7 seater version of the Corolla Cross for India, but then abandoned it. There sure is a segment for people who want a smaller Toyota than Innova, but don't want a rebadged Maruti.

Originally Posted by MotorDev

Now, Toyota has introduced the new generation Yaris globally. In a market dominated by cars like the Slavia and Virtus, this could become a strong new competitor that boosts interest in the sedan segment.

Long shot, but the only way for that to happen is Maruti finding the Ciaz too difficult to upgrade for norms and phasing it out, Dzire not able to fill the shoes and Suzuki not developing any sedans in this age. Call to big bro Toyota, and the Yaris may find its way here.

Originally Posted by MotorDev

Renault Duster....The new Duster looks promising and can be called a true SUV as well. This car will surely increase Renault's sales and could be a game-changer if it arrives here.

Lack of diesel would be its shortcoming. It is no longer the early 2010s and the segment is now called the Creta segment.

Originally Posted by MotorDev

[center][h3][u][b]Mahindra Marazzo....I hope Mahindra reintroduces this MPV in a new and modern form to compete with models like the Ertiga and Carens.

It is too early as the Marazzo was just phased out. Though agree that they should target the Ertiga and Carens but with a monocoque design. Or go after the Innova Crysta. As a segment, Mahindra should address it, but as a vehicle, the Marazzo is compromised.

Originally Posted by MotorDev

[center][h3][u][b]Honda Jazz.... why, Honda!? The new Jazz looks promising, and if Honda prices it right, it could be a good hatchback option again. After all, it's a Honda — can you ever go wrong with a Honda!?

The new Jazz has gone so cost prohibitive that Honda has launched a City hatchback instead of the Jazz in ASEAN markets, which itself is too long for our sub 4m norms. Otherwise the new Jazz with the hybrid engine would be a dream come true.