The new emission standards termed real timing emissions (RDE) have come into effect in India from April 1, 2023. These new norms have mandated vehicles to meet stringent requirements of BS6 in real-world driving conditions (against the lab testing of previous version) which led to many car manufacturers pulling the plug on their models owing to failure to meet these new standards. Here is the list of the cars which have been axed from the Indian automobile market from the 1st of April this year:
1) Nissan Kicks: After Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks exited the Indian market. The SUV was available in India with two petrol engines with a starting price of Rs 9.49 lakh. However, Nissan has decided to discontinue the model in the face of stringent RDE norms as Kicks failed to achieve desired levels of emission standards.
2) 4th generation Honda City: After the arrival of the 5th generation, it was speculated that Honda would axe the 4th Generation model sometime in the future. The move has now actually materialized with old-generation City packing its bags and exiting the market as it failed to meet RDE emission norms.
3) Honda WR-V: Another Honda model that hit the wall in the wake of new emission norms is WR-V. The crossover made its market debut in 2017 and was offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. Honda has discontinued WR-V for now although the company might bring it back in the future owing to its robust appeal among the target audiences.
4) Mahindra Marazzo: At the outset, Mahindra Marazzo raked in impressive sales numbers though gradually lost its steam to new models that debuted later in the market. Priced between Rs 13.70 lakh and Rs 15.95 lakh, the MUV has now been discontinued and no longer exists as the part of product portfolio of Mahindra in the Indian market
5) Mahindra KUV 100: Mahindra KUV 100 had impressive credentials for a compact SUV but with the passage of time, the availability of more contemporary offerings completely clouded this product in the market. The compact SUV came at a starting price of Rs 6.01 lakh and is now been discontinued in the face of strict emission norms.
6) Maruti Alto 800: One of the most popular and best-selling cars in India, the Maruti Alto 800 has also come under the chopper thanks to the onset of RDE norms. Maruti has decided not to upgrade its engine of the car as it had already introduced the new Alto K10 in the market and the total investment in the engine upgrade could have taken away the value-for-money tag that Alto 800 had offered to buyers since its inception in the market.
7) Renault Kwid 800cc: This popular car from the house of French car maker Renault also figures among the list of axed models. It came powered by a 800cc engine with options of both manual and automatic transmission. The car was priced in the range of Rs 4.70 lakh – Rs 6.33 lakh. all prices (ex-showroom).
8)Toyota Innova Crysta Petrol: The petrol is being taken of the shelves because it does not make sense to keep that and the Hycross together. The latter provides is far better with its new platform and new generation 2.0 petrol and hybrid petrol motor.
9/10) Skoda Superb and Skoda Octavia are also being discontinued because of reasons related to emissions and other aspects as well. They might return though in one way or the other by next year.
11) Hyundai i20 Diesel: One of the two diesel hatchback is gone and that is the Hyundai. Tata Altroz remains the only diesel hatchback
12) Mahindra Alturas G4: After being heavily discounted for almost a year, it has been sold off and discontinued. Since you can sell BS6 Phase 1 cars after April 2023, there might some stock lying around.
13) Honda Amaze Diesel: Another diesel axed from the shelves of the car manufacturer as Honda once again becomes only a petrol only car manufacturer.
