We have a lot of cars in the Indian market offered by a lot of global carmakers. We have options in abundance and due to so many good cars, some gems don't get the limelight they deserve. As we care about good cars and want you to buy good cars, we have compiled a list of the most underrated cars currently present in India and they truly deserve to become your next car purchase. Let's get on to the list!
Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks has been one of the most underrated cars since its launch in India and it carried its own share of pros and cons. But the cons never overcome the pros and those were in plenty. Talking about the BS6 Nissan Kicks, it gets a new super powerful 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine which is currently the most powerful car you buy in India in this segment. The engine produces 156 PS of power and 254 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual and 7-step CVT box. The Kicks feels like a mixed bag in terms of features but it can't be referred as a lack-lustre, instead, Kicks was the first car of its segment to offer 360-degree parking camera and connected car features.
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The new and powerful engine outshines the engines we see in the Creta and the Seltos. Moreover, as this engine has been developed with Daimler AG, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA will also be powered by the same petrol engine Nissan offers in the Kicks. Nissan Kicks is a perfect SUV for spirited driving to owing to its brilliant chassis and feel some hydraulic steering which is a boon to use on the highways. The BS6 Nissan Kicks starts from Rs 9.49 lakhs and goes to 14.14 lakhs ex-showroom, New Delhi. Nissan also offers a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in the base trims of the Kicks but that isn't the engine we recommend to buy.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Yaris is actually the best offering from the brand in the recent time and Toyota packed in a lot in its new sedan. If you look from a family-use perspective, the Yaris is a stellar car with great comfort and space along with the unmatched reliability of Toyota. Few shortcomings of the Yaris were it never launched with a diesel engine and the other one is that it was not exciting to look at. The Yaris is a good looking car but some found it a little meek, to say the least.
As the nation has stepped into the era of BS6, we have only two sedans offered with a diesel engine - Hyundai Verna and upcoming Honda City. Other than that, Yaris is a great package at its price point offering unmatched safety, reliability and peace of mind. You can call it a no-nonsense car and the 1.5-litre petrol engine with the CVT offers a relaxing drive. If you are looking for a comfortable and reliable family sedan, you must consider the Yaris. The pricing of the Yaris starts from Rs 8.86 lakhs and goes to Rs 14.3 lakhs ex-showroom, New Delhi.
Ford Figo/Aspire
These two cars are acclaimed 'underrated' by everyone and no one denies that these cars deserve more buyers. And why not, both the Figo and Aspire are the most fun to drive cars of their respective segments. The best in class and most powerful diesel engine is still unmatched, delivering thrilling performance and respectable fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre diesel produces 100 PS of power and 215 Nm of peak torque mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Talking about the dragon-series petrol engine, it's a 1.2-litre 3-pot petrol engine dishing out 96 PS and 119 Nm of peak torque mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Ford used to offer a 6-speed automatic transmission with the 1.5-litre petrol engine as well but that was discontinued due to lesser demand. Both the Ford Figo and Aspire are also the only cars in their segment to offer up to 6-airbags. The pricing of the Figo starts from Rs 5.39 lakhs and goes to Rs 7.85 lakhs ex-showroom whereas the Aspire starts from Rs 5.99 lakhs and goes to Rs 8.34 lakhs ex-showroom.
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Mahindra Alturas G4
Mahindra Alturas G4 is the rebadged Ssangyong Rexton G4 and Mahindra launched the Alturas G4 in India in 2018. The Alturas G4 is the most premium Mahindra you can buy in India and it comes with a ton of features like 360-degree parking camera and many more. Talking about the powerhouse, its a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 178 BHP and 420 Nm of torque, mated to a Mercedes sourced 7-speed automatic box. The Alturas G4 offers the exquisite experience thanks to its premium interiors and best in class features. The Alturas takes on the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour but couldn't cope up with its rivals. Mahindra Alturas G4 starts from Rs 28.70 lakhs and goes to Rs 31.70 lakhs ex-showroom, New Delhi.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Maruti Suzuki Ignis is the most affordable car one can buy from the premium Nexa chain of dealerships and it is certainly one of the most underrated cars from Maruti in India right now. The Ignis is referred to an Urban SUV now, but in reality, it is just a hatchback in clothes of a crossover. Maruti used to offer a diesel engine as well, but that was called off the shelves even before BS6 came in due to poor sales. The Ignis is a much better car than the WagonR and S-presso Maruti sells through its Arena dealerships at a similar price.
Powering the Ignis is a 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine churning out 82 BHP and 113 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual and AMT box. It offers much better looks, features and a complete package when compared to its siblings. Maruti Suzuki Ignis starts from Rs 4.89 lakhs and goes to Rs 7.20 lakhs ex-showroom, New Delhi.
