As the automotive industry continues its relentless pursuit of innovation and evolution, each passing year brings a mix of new launches, updates, and unfortunately, the discontinuation of certain models. The year 2023 was no exception, witnessing the exit of several cars from the Indian market. From compact hatchbacks to robust SUVs, the automotive landscape bid farewell to some familiar names. Let's take a closer look at the cars that bowed out in 2023:
1. Maruti Alto 800: The End of an Era
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 3.54 lakh to Rs 5.13 lakh
- Engine: 0.8-litre (Petrol / CNG) engine (5-MT)
- Debut: 2012
The Maruti Alto 800, a name synonymous with affordability and reliability, took its final bow in 2023. Introduced in 2012 as a cost-effective alternative to the Alto K10, the model played a pivotal role in making car ownership accessible to a wide spectrum of consumers. However, the inevitable arrival of the BS6 Phase-2 norms led to its discontinuation, marking the end of an era for this iconic hatchback.
2. Honda Jazz: Harmony Comes to a Close
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 8.01 lakh to Rs 10.32 lakh
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT/CVT)
- Debut: 2009
The Honda Jazz, known for its spacious interior and versatile design, bid farewell in 2023. Making its debut in 2009, the Jazz underwent significant updates over the years. However, with the advent of the BS6 Phase-2 norms, Honda decided to discontinue the model altogether. The absence of a diesel variant and the evolving preferences in the premium hatchback segment contributed to this strategic decision.
3. Honda WR-V: Wrapping Up the Crossover Journey
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 9.11 lakh to Rs 12.31 lakh
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol (5-MT) / 1.5-litre diesel engine (6-MT)
- Debut: 2017
In 2017, Honda introduced the WR-V, a sub-4m crossover based on the Honda Jazz. Equipped with both a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the WR-V aimed to offer a blend of style and practicality. However, the absence of an automatic transmission and increasing competition in the crossover segment led to a gradual decline in sales. As a result, the WR-V joined the list of discontinued models in 2023.
4. Honda City 4th-generation: Shifting Gears to the Next Chapter
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
- Engine: 1.5-litre-petrol engine (6-MT)
- Debut: 2014
The fourth-generation Honda City, a name associated with elegance and performance, exited the stage in 2023. Launched in 2014, this iteration of the City witnessed a midlife update in 2017. With the introduction of the fifth-generation Honda City in 2020, the older sedan continued to be available as a more affordable alternative. However, as the fifth-gen City received a facelift in March 2023, Honda made the strategic decision to phase out the fourth-generation model.
5. Nissan Kicks: Conclusion of a Short Expedition
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 14.90 lakh
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine (5-MT) / 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (MT / CVT)
- Debut: 2019
Introduced in 2019 as a compact SUV, the Nissan Kicks aimed to rival popular models like the Hyundai Creta. Initially offering both petrol and diesel engines, the Kicks underwent changes with the transition to BS6 norms, discontinuing the diesel option and introducing a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. However, in 2023, Nissan announced the conclusion of the Kicks' life cycle, citing the arrival of the new RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms.
6. Skoda Octavia: A Farewell to Elegance
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 27.35 lakh to Rs 30.45 lakh
- Engine: 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)
- Debut: 2001
The Skoda Octavia, an epitome of elegance and performance, bid adieu to the Indian market in 2023. With its debut in 2001 and the final generational update in 2021, the Octavia garnered a loyal fan base for its handling and premium features. Sold as a CKD (completely knocked-down) model, the stringent BS6 Phase-2 norms marked the end of the Octavia's journey in India. Despite its exit, the global markets continue to witness the Octavia's presence with new features and powertrain options.
7. Skoda Superb: Closing the Chapter of Luxury
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 34.19 lakh to Rs 37.29 lakh
- Engine: 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)
- Debut: 2009
As Skoda's flagship sedan in India, the Superb bid farewell in 2023. Introduced in 2009 with both petrol and diesel engine options, the Superb transitioned to petrol-only offerings in 2020 with the shift away from diesel engines due to BS6 standards. In 2023, as the demand for non-luxury executive sedans dwindled, Skoda decided to phase out the Superb. The new-generation Superb has already been unveiled globally, hinting at a potential return to the Indian market in 2024.
8. Mahindra KUV100 NXT: Closing the Chapter of Quirky Design
- Last Recorded Price: Rs 6.06 lakh to Rs 7.72 lakh
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT)
- Debut: 2016
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT, known for its unique and quirky design, reached the end of its journey in 2023. Launched in 2016 and facelifted in 2017, the KUV100 NXT featured both petrol and diesel engine options. However, as the industry witnessed a shift in consumer preferences and the demand for the KUV100 NXT declined, Mahindra halted reservations for the model in 2023, marking its discontinuation.
In conclusion, the year 2023 saw the automotive industry bidding farewell to a diverse range of cars, each with its own legacy and impact on the market. As the industry continues to evolve, the exit of these models opens doors for newer, more advanced vehicles, setting the stage for the next chapter in the Indian automotive landscape.