In 2023, the Indian automotive market witnessed significant changes with the introduction of the BS6 2.0 emissions norms, also known as RDE norms. This led to the discontinuation of several cars and SUVs, particularly affecting models with small-capacity diesel engines and those at the end of their product lifecycles. We provide an overview of the major vehicles that were phased out in India during this year.
Cars Discontinued in India in 2023
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
A longstanding budget-friendly option, the Maruti Alto 800 was retired, marking the end of its iconic 3-cylinder, 796cc petrol engine (F8D), a staple for the brand over four decades. The launch of the Alto K10 in August 2022, which overlapped in pricing, prompted Maruti to streamline the Alto range to just the K10 model.
Mahindra KUV100 NXT
Mahindra’s smallest and most affordable model, the KUV100, was available only with a petrol engine and featured a unique 6-seater layout in some variants. Due to its dated design and modest sales figures, Mahindra decided not to update it to meet the new emission standards.
Honda Jazz, City Gen 4, and WR-V
Honda discontinued three of its models – the Jazz, the WR-V, and the City Gen-4. The City Gen-4 was phased out as the Gen-5 model was already in the market. The fourth-gen Jazz, introduced globally in 2020, never reached India due to high development costs and limited projected sales. The WR-V struggled against newer, more competitive models in the compact SUV segment and was replaced by the more upscale Elevate. The RDE norms also led to the discontinuation of Honda’s diesel engines in India.
Nissan Kicks
The Kicks midsize SUV, launched in 2019, was Nissan’s attempt to compete in the segment dominated by models like the Creta. Despite competitive pricing and a robust engine lineup, including a 156hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit, it failed to gain significant market traction. The model became outdated as newer rivals entered the market, leading to its discontinuation.
Skoda Superb and Octavia
Both the Superb and Octavia, sharing a 190hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine, saw dwindling sales in the executive sedan segment. This decline in interest led to their gradual phase-out. The 2.0-litre TSI engine, however, continues to power the Kodiaq SUV. While there was speculation about the Octavia returning in an RS plug-in hybrid variant, this has yet to materialize. The Superb is expected to make a comeback as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) with an updated engine ahead of the next-generation model’s arrival.
Kia Carnival
The Carnival was removed from Kia’s lineup in mid-2023, with dealerships ceasing orders from April due to the RDE norms. While there were a few units available for some time, the model was effectively discontinued. An all-new generation of the Carnival is slated for release in India in the second half of 2024, promising to be larger, more luxurious, and in line with the global models, unlike the outgoing generation.
These discontinuations reflect a significant shift in the Indian automotive landscape, driven by stricter emission norms and changing consumer preferences.
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