Cars that should make a comeback in India

The list includes models like the Renault Duster, Skoda Octavia, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Tata Sierra and more.

BHPian MotorDev recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I came across this recent thread 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 — 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?

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

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).

Here's what BHPian ramki.grandhi had to say about the matter:

I personally love to see Nano, Civic, Grant Vitara, X-Trail, Accord V6 and diesel engines from the 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 a 5-pot engine.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

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 come back to our shores with a sensible product.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.