Top 5 Car Brands Still Not in India

Top 5 Car brands

Which Top 5 Car Brands Are Still Absent in India as of 2015?

Indian automotive industry is witnessing transformation, as many more foreign brands are setting up their bases India. People in India while buying a car are looking at those brands which provide more options & value for money in their vehicles. However, still, a few very-well known and established brands have not yet landed on Indian shores. We have compiled a list of some of the top 5 car brands & their stunning cars which, we feel should be driving on Indian roads sooner than later.

When will these popular top 5 car brands drive on Indian roads?

  1. Peugeot:

The PSA Group, which owns Peugeot, was rendezvousing with India some time back. Peugeot was one of the first companies to set up its base in India in 1990s. Peugeot first tied up with its Indian partner Premier Automotive Ltd (PAL) in 1996, had formed a new JV company – PAL-Peugeot & launched the popular Peugeot 308 in India. However, its partnership with PAL collapsed due to differences and Peugeot exited from the venture around 2001 and vanished from the automotive scene in India.

Peugeot 308 (Image Courtesy: Peugeot)
Peugeot 308 (Image Courtesy: Peugeot)

Peugeot has many cars which can compete in the Indian market such as Peugeot 208, Peugeot 2008 Crossover, and the new 308 & 508 etc.; which are promising. Peugeot also has a proven TUD-5 diesel engine technology, with which it could easily re-establish its cars in India. Peugeot’s two-wheeler arm was recently acquired by Mahindra, which will also be looking to bring its products into the market thru’ Mahindra Two-wheelers.

More information: http://www.peugeot.com/en

  1. Mazda

Mazda has some of the most desirable cars, which are the in the bucket-list of many people. Especially the Mazda3 has the most adorable styling and look that makes it one of the most desirable cars. While Mazda3 was first introduced in 2003 / 2004, the 2nd generation was launched in 2010. Mazda3 was upgraded in 2012 by offering the newly developed ‘SkyActiv’ technology featuring more rigid body, a new direct-injection petrol engine and a new 6-speed transmission.

Mazda 3 (Image Courtesy: Mazda)
Mazda 3 (Image Courtesy: Mazda)

Mazda3, which is based on the Ford’s global platform C1, is available in 4-door sedan & 5-door hatch body shapes. Mazda3 has both petrol & diesel engine options – A 2.0 / 2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol-engines and a 2.2 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve intercooled turbo-diesel engine, which could well suit Indian conditions. However, it is not known if and when will Mazda come to India.

More information: http://www.mazda.com/

  1. Jeep

One of the most favourite & desired SUVs – ‘The Jeep’ is yet to drive on Indian terrain in the 21st century. Every Utility Vehicle launched in India was once branded as a Jeep. But not many people know that ‘Jeep’ is not a vehicle body shape, but a brand which makes SUVs. Earlier Willys Jeeps were manufactured under licence by Mahindra & Mahindra. Mahindra’s own products such as Commander, Armada, Thar and even Scorpio carry forward the design legacy of the original Jeep theme. However, the Jeep’s ownership changed many hands and it is currently owned by the Fiat-Chrysler Group.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (Image Courtesy: Jeep)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (Image Courtesy: Jeep)

It is learnt that Fiat India is planning to bring back the iconic ‘Jeep’ brand to India in 2016 with Grand Cherokee & Wrangler SUVs. The new avatar of the Jeep is ‘rugged and refined’. Although the new Jeep has changed its body styling, headlights & contours, its traditional grill remains the same; retaining its original classic looks. Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 3.0L V6 CRD Diesel engine delivers 184kW power and 550Nm torque, whereas the 2-door manual Wrangler with 2.8L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder CRD engine delivers 147kW of power and 460Nm torque.

More information: http://www.jeep.com/en/

  1. Subaru

The manufacturer of some of the finest cars to drive, Subaru, is very popular in the world; with its sales grew at whopping 45% since 2011. Although Subaru Forester was launched in India by General Motors under Chevrolet brand for a limited time, Subaru then simply vanished from India. Why? We can’t guess…!!! But, Subaru cars such as Liberty, Impreza, Outback and WRX are not only stylish & superior in technology but also a great value for money, which are a perfect fit for the young and aspiring Indians.

Subaru WRX (Image Courtesy: Subaru)
Subaru WRX (Image Courtesy: Subaru)

Subaru uses only horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engine design & Symmetrical All Wheel Drive drive-train layout for most of its cars. The Liberty is powered by 4-cylinder petrol engine with 2.5L & 3.6L capacities. The WRX is powered by a 2.0L & 2.5L petrol engine options. On some cars, Subaru also offers an option of a 2.0L, horizontally opposed, common-rail turbo-diesel engine with rated output of 150PS & 350Nm of torque.

More information: http://www.subaru-global.com/

  1. Lexus:

Toyota Motor Corporation’s luxury arm, Lexus, is Japan’s largest-selling brand of premium cars. Lexus is also absent from the automotive scene in India. Lexus has some of the luxurious cars only to be envied of. The Lexus line-up includes different sized & classes of sedans, such as the compact IS & HS models, mid-sized ES & GS models and the full-size flagship LS model. Lexus directly competes with the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW & Audi – the top 3 luxury car makers in the world. However, Lexus has minimal presence in the sub-continent. It will be exciting to have Lexus on Indian roads as it will offer more options in the luxury cars segment. Although there is a distinct possibility, it is still not known whether & when Lexus would come to India.

Lexus LS 460 (Image Courtesy: Lexus)
Lexus LS 460 (Image Courtesy: Lexus)

More information: http://www.lexus.com/

Indian automotive industry would become comprehensive in true sense when these legendary top 5 car brands will come to India…!!!

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