The Government of India has taken a significant step by implementing new emission norms. Now, Govt. has implemented stricter emissions norms commonly known as BS6 phase-2 or RDE norms. Manufacturers have tweaked the engines of their cars to comply with new emission norms and support E20 fuel. While several makers have upgraded their cars, some have opted to discontinue several cars from the market. In the following section, we will take a look at the cars that have been discontinued due to the new norms: –
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the most popular car in India. This generation of Alto 800 was first launched in 2012. But Maruti kept on giving it cosmetic revisions several times. The USP of this iconic car was its compact size, practicality, usability, and reliability. This car was a perfect package for first-time buyers with the necessary features and peace of mind.
Powered by the 800cc petrol engine producing 47ps and 69nm, this engine was mated to a 5-Speed Manual Transmission. Unfortunately, the sales of Alto 800 dropped post bs6 norms. Resulting in Maruti Suzuki has discontinued the iconic hatchback from the market.
2. Honda WR-V
The Honda’s answer to the crossover trend in India was the WR-V. Launched in 2017, the WR-V had crossover aesthetics that distinguished it from its hatchback sibling. Honda WR-V looks bold and rugged in design with cladding all around to stand out from the crowd. The WR-V had 188mm of ground clearance which makes it easier to tackle the undulations.
Mechanically, Honda WR-V was powered by the 1.2L i-vtec petrol and 1.5L i-dtec diesel engine. The former engine produced 89hp and 110nm meanwhile the latter engine produced 100ps and 200nm of output. Honda WR-V was only available with 5-Speed or 6-Speed Manual Transmission options. Recently, Honda has axed out the diesel engine from all of its cars. Now, due to low demand and the expensive cost of upgradation, Honda has discontinued the WR-V altogether.
3. 4th Generation Honda City
India’s most popular sedan, Honda City got its new generation in 2020. But, Honda decided to continue the old generation Honda City as well. The 4th generation City was first launched in 2014 and got a mid-life facelift in 2017. The design was spectacular and bold with attractive cues in its aesthetics. It even had some premium features to cater to sedan buyers.
After the Bs6 was implemented, Honda City was only available with 1 engine option. Under the hood was a 1.5L i-vtec petrol engine making 117ps and 145nm of output. This car was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, this car was not properly positioned in the line-up. As tight-budget buyers have opted for Amaze. And premium buyers were more attracted to 5th generation City. As a result, Honda has discontinued the 4th generation of the sedan from the market.
4. Hyundai i20 Diesel
The Hyundai i20 is one of the most popular premium hatchbacks in India. It received its last comprehensive update in 2020. The new i20 got a refreshingly new design with more features. Also, Hyundai introduced turbo petrol and a new diesel engine in the i20. While other manufacturers had discontinued the diesel cars in this segment, Hyundai was still selling diesel in almost every segment.
The 3rd generation i20 is based on the K2 platform with a 1.5L U-Line CRDi diesel engine. This engine produces 100ps and 240nm of output and is paired with a 6-Speed Manual Transmission. Now, Hyundai has decided to discontinue the diesel variant of the i20 due to upgrading costs and its poor demand. However, the Hyundai i20 will be available with 1.2L Kappa2 and 1.0L T-GDi petrol variants. After the discontinuation of the i20 diesel, Tata Altroz is the only diesel hatchback available in India.
5. Hyundai Verna Diesel
One of the premium mid-size sedans, the Hyundai Verna has just received a new generation update. With this update, Hyundai has discontinued the diesel engine from this sedan. However, Hyundai has also introduced a new 1.5L T-GDi turbo petrol engine for performance enthusiasts.
The last generation Hyundai Verna was powered by a 1.5L U-Line VGT CRDi diesel engine. This engine produces 115ps and 250nm of output and is paired with a 6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. Now, Hyundai has decided not to provide diesel variants in Verna due to upgrading costs and its poor demand for diesel in this segment. With the discontinuation of the Verna diesel, the cheapest diesel sedan in India is the BMW 220d starting at Rs. 44.50 Lakhs Ex-showroom.
6. Mahindra KUV 100
Mahindra KUV100 is an economical cross hatch from an Indian carmaker. This car was designed to cater to the needs of a common man with higher ground clearance and necessary features. Later on, Mahindra changed its name to Kuv100 NXt with a facelift. The facelift comprises a new fascia, new alloys and more features was added.
Powered by a 1.2L m-falcon G80 petrol engine making 82hp and 115nm of output. The Kuv100 was only available with a 5-Speed Manual Gearbox. However, this car deserved a new generation with a better design and more features. Unfortunately, Mahindra didn’t update this car due to extremely poor demand. As a result, Mahindra has discontinued the KUV100 from their line-up.
7. Mahindra Alturas G4
The Mahindra Alturas G4 is a global SUV that shares its platform with the Ssangyong Rexton G4. Mahindra imported the Alturas G4 into India through the CBU route and made it available at select dealerships. The SUV boasts a sturdy and elegant design and provides immense comfort. Additionally, the Alturas G4 is loaded with features that enhance the overall experience.
The Mahindra Alturas G4 was equipped with a 2.2L diesel engine that produced 178hp and 420nm of output. The SUV featured a Mercedes-derived 7-Speed Automatic Gearbox and offered 4×4 drivetrain options. Although the SUV had many strengths, it faced stiff competition from popular rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and the new MG Gloster. Therefore, Mahindra has discontinued the Alturas G4 from their SUV Line-up.
8. Mahindra Marazzo
Mahindra Marazzo was an attempt by the brand to fill the void between Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta. This MPV was designed with shark inspiration at the MANA facility in Detroit, USA. Based on the Ladder Frame Platform, this MPV had a unique drivetrain layout sending power to the front wheels only. Mechanically, Mahindra has plonked in a 1.5L diesel engine making 121ps and 300nm of output. The Marazzo was only available with a 6-Speed Manual Gearbox. However, the brand didn’t focus on its marketing and giving it a new petrol engine. As a result, Mahindra has discontinued the Marazzo due to its low popularity.
9. Skoda Octavia and Superb
Both these sedans were designed to cater to premium sedan buyers in India. Skoda Octavia and Superb were imported to India via the CBU route. Skoda has brimmed these sedans with a plethora of features for user convenience. Moreover, these sedans had a 2.0L TSI petrol engine underneath. This engine produced 190ps and 320nm of output and was mated to a 7-Speed DSG gearbox. The demand for SUVs is increasing every month in the country. Therefore, Skoda has discontinued Octavia and Superb. Now, the brand has shifted its focus to Slavia and Kushaq under the 2.0 project.
10. Nissan Kicks
The Kicks was Nissan’s answer to the popular compact SUV segment. Nissan Kicks was positioned against Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder etc. Launched in 2019, the Kicks was based on the B0 platform which shared its underpinnings with Duster and Terrano. It was the first compact SUV in its segment to feature a 360-degree camera.
Mechanically, Nissan Kicks was available with 2 BS6 compliant engine options. There was a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.3L TCe turbo petrol engine. While the former produced 102hp and 142nm, the latter produced 154hp and 254nm of output. The Kicks were available with 3 gearbox options. However, this SUV didn’t stand at sales against its rivals. Therefore, Nissan has discontinued this SUV and has only one product in its line-up, the Magnite.
11. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz was a practical premium hatchback that catered to the needs of family buyers. Its Magic Seats and roomy boot made it a convenient option for carrying passengers and luggage comfortably. The car was first launched in 2015 and received its latest update in 2020 with a BS6-compliant engine and minor design changes.
The Honda Jazz was powered by a 1.2L i-vtec petrol engine that delivered an output of 89hp and 110nm. Buyers could choose between a 5-Speed Manual and a CVT gearbox. However, this car has failed to justify its package due to its high pricing. As a result, Honda has discontinued Jazz from the market. Instead, they currently offer the City and Amaze models, with plans to launch a new compact SUV in the near future.