Over the past one year, we have seen a lot of car launches right from the entry-level Renault Kwid to the gorgeous looking sportscar the Mercedes-AMG GT S. While some of these cars are an evolution of their previous generation models some others have managed to set new benchmarks in their respective segments. To help you choose smartly, here's a list of nominees for the 2015 ZigWheels Readers Choice Car of the Year award and how they have shaken up the segment.
1. Renault Kwid: The entry-level hatchback segment is one of the most difficult ones to get into, but that hasn't stopped Renault from taking the challenge head-on to bring in the Kwid. Entirely developed in India, the Kwid boasts of 98 per cent localisation which has allowed Renault to price it competitively. The Kwid also offers some first-in-class features like touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity, best-in-class boot space and more. And then let's also not forget the unique design.
2. Tata Bolt: Launched in January 2015, Tata started the year with quite an interesting product. The Bolt sports the same engines that we experienced on the Zest but promises to be a bit more than its elder sibling. With a long list of features like projector type headlamps, navigation system and more; a reliable engine, and decent build quality, the Bolt is a strong contender in our 2015 Readers Choice Car of the Year awards.
3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno: For long has Maruti Suzuki been avoiding the premium hatchback space, but no more. This year they revived the Baleno marquee and entered the segment with a bang. With the trusted 1.2-litre petrol mill and the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre diesel, good ride-handling balance, a truck load of features and of course the 'Maruti bharosa' to go with it, the Baleno has been quick to gain popularity in India.
4. Honda Jazz: The premium hatchback space saw a lot of movement this year. As an answer to the popular Hyundai Elite i20, Honda introduced the 2015 Jazz this year. And unlike last time, Honda has fitted it with a diesel mill too. And then of course, the Japanese car maker has smartly retained the Jazz's DNA of space and practicality.
5. Ford Figo Aspire: It has been a good year for Ford. Although a little late to join the party, the Figo Aspire proved set new benchmarks in the sub-4 metre sedan segment of cars. Unlike most cars in this segment, the Figo Aspire gives a rear combination of looks, performance, space and features. The Figo Aspire also took top honours in our compact sedan comparison where it won against the Hyundai Xcent and the Honda Amaze.
6. Mahindra TUV300: Ever since the Ford EcoSport, not a single manufacturer has entered the sub-4 metre compact SUV segment. The TUV300 is Mahindra's answer to the ExoSport. Although its boxy design language might not turn a lot of heads, the car gains an edge in terms of build quality and space. Most importantly the TUV300 gives buyers the option of an SUV at a premium hatchback's price point.
7. Hyundai Creta: At the 2014 ZigWheels Awards Hyundai bagged a lot of prizes for its Elite i20. It seems like this year they have been striving to repeat the feat. The Creta is a complete package andndash; it looks great, has a refined engine and gearbox, has ample of space and is priced pretty well too. Moreover, it also offers more bang for your buck than any of its rivals. The Hyundai Creta is not just a promising product for this year's Readers Choice Awards but also for the Car of the Year.
8. Fiat Abarth Punto: While all the aforementioned cars appealed to the mind, 2015 brought with it something for the enthusiasts too andndash; the Abarth powered Fiat Punto. Ever since it has been launched last year, the Punto Evo has ranked among the best looking hatchbacks. In this Abarth avatar, the Punto gets a dual tone paint scheme with Abarth decals and sportier looking alloy wheels. That's not all, the 1.4-litre T-Jet motor that makes 145PS delivers the sting that the Abarth badge promises. And at Rs 9.5 lakh it isn't priced exorbitantly either.
9. DC Avanti: After being under development for quite some time, DC finally introduced India's first home grown supercar in the form of the Avanti. Although its design might surely not suit the taste of a lot of supercar buyers there is no doubting that it is quite a head turner. It's actually not fair to compare the DC Avanti to other established sportscar brands but as a first attempt ever made by India it is surely deserves an applause.
10. Volvo XC90: Its luxurious, it's spacious and it's safe. That's the story of the Volvo XC90. Launched in May 2015, the Volvo XC90 was quick to gain a fan following. And why shouldn't it, considering its modern looks, comfort, usable 7 seats and great road manners. The Volvo XC90 is giving its German rivals a run for their money.
11. BMW i8: It isn't unexciting as any other hybrid car, nor is it like the performance cars that we know, the BMW i8 is different. It is the future. It sports a 1.5-litre three-pot engine and the worst efficiency that we got on it was around 8.6kmpl. And for a car that sips fuel that judiciously, it can also do the o-100kmph dash in just 4.4 seconds. Does it need any more reasons to demand your vote?
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