2023 must go down as the biggest milestone for the Indian automotive industry, from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introducing Bharat NCAP, making India the fifth country to have its own car safety assessment system, to the record-breaking sales achievements as November marked the highest-ever month for vehicle sales in the history of the Indian automotive market. Customers across various segments and categories purchased a total of 28.54 lakh units, surpassing the previous record of 25.69 lakh units set in March 2020. In fact, even after driving over 50 new cars and motorcycles of all shapes, sizes, and colours this year, we can’t say we’ve driven them all. We have been surprised, disappointed, and completely blown away by the cars and motorcycles we have sampled this year, and here are the ones that left us impressed.
Car of the year
Hyundai Verna
At a time when SUVs are all the rage, the Hyundai Verna was a refreshing sedan to drive this year. Though the looks may be polarising, with a slew of features on offer, Hyundai could have gotten away with pricing the Verna a little above the threshold the competition has set. However, Hyundai has decided to take on the competition and plan to double the sales volume of the Verna. With that goal in sight, it is safe to say that Hyundai seems to have hit the sweet spot when it comes to the overall package, with plenty to offer for a varied group of buyers. Though it may not be as much of a driver’s car as its rivals, it ticks most of the boxes to make it our car of the year.
Mid-size SUV of the year
2023 Kia Seltos Facelift
Kia updated the Seltos for 2023 with important feature additions and changes to the design and the interior, and we are happy to report it worked wonders. Headlining the new additions is an ADAS Level 2 suite that makes it the best-equipped in the segment when it comes to active safety tech. There is a large, curved glass panel that now houses the infotainment display and instrument cluster. Rounding off the major changes is the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes it the quickest (0-100kmph) vehicle in its class. More importantly, it is seriously well-equipped now, much like it was when it launched. With prices starting at Rs. 10.89 lakh for the base variant and going up to Rs. 19.99 lakh for the top-spec X-Line variant, the pricing is competitive as well. After a slight dip in interest, the Kia Seltos has made a strong comeback with this update.
EV of the year
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Shah Rukh Khan recently added one of these to his garage. And if you don’t just blindly follow celebrities, the Ioniq 5 has also found more than 500 homes in India so far. What sets it apart, besides the fact that it is the bleeding edge of EV tech in India at the moment, is that there’s nothing quite like it in the Indian market, unlike its more expensive cousin from Kia the EV6. The retro design language and the cabin also preview the larger design direction Hyundai is taking for their cars of the future. If you want to experience the cutting edge of EV tech without being anxious about range, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the perfect option.
Compact SUV of the year
Tata Nexon facelift
The Nexon is Tata’s best-seller, and the carmaker has upped the ante to make sure it stays the same. In my 200-odd km drive in and around Jaipur, the Nexon fell from a couple of segments above. While touches like the backlit logo on the steering wheel and capacitive touch buttons on the central console make the cabin now feel like a much more premium space to be in. Overall, the Tata Nexon facelift reflects a thorough overhaul to mark a significant leap from the previous model. No wonder it’s regained its best-seller title in the segment again.
Luxury sedan of the year
BMW 7-Series
If you are turned off by the polarising grill and overall design language, you’ll only go as far as exploring the tip of this iceberg of technology and opulence. The BMW 7-series pushes the envelope for flagship luxury sedans in India. From the 31.3-inch 8K screen at the back, AR features for the driver and front passenger, and the flow of lights on the dash, doors, and glass roof makes you feel like you’re in a spaceship. If you want to make a statement, while being politically correct, nothing fits the bill like this flagship BMW limousine which also comes with green number plates.
Luxury SUV of the year
Range Rover SV
The Range Rover SV is capable of delivering the same luxury experience as any of its other competitors but in a subtle, sophisticated way. There are minimum compromises on functionality over form, or the ride quality on offer while things inside keep you cocooned in luxury. Despite being a behemoth, the luxury SUV doesn’t intimidate you like its German or Italian counterparts. But rather, it impresses you. It isn’t exactly flashy but opulent, similar to the difference between old and new money. The focus here is to not be garish or loud like certain European brands, but quiet and subtle with something along the lines of Loro Piana. As someone famous would say, it is, in fact, a serious car for serious people.
Performance car of the year
BMW M2
It’s impossible to live up to expectations that have been built by a legend, but BMW has been bold with its attempt to resurrect this beast from the past. The latest M car in India can’t be directly compared to the older M2 without leaving room for more expectations, but the evolution in terms of performance and quality is undeniable. Like a good sportscar, it lets you have lots of sideways fun with all the electronic aids off. What’s new is that it’s fairly practical too – with a decently sized boot and backseats. Heck, it even comes with a manual transmission option to tame those 430hp.
SUV of the year
Mercedes-Benz GLC
For Mercedes-Benz India, the GLC has always held significance, being a strong seller in the past. And with this latest iteration, it seems primed to regain its top position in the luxury SUV segment. With its evolved design and modern tech, the 2023 GLC feels like a culmination of Mercedes’ legacy and vision for the future. While it retains the elegance of its predecessor, the numerous updates make it feel fresh and up to date. Although some purists might miss the tactile feel of certain controls, the overall package is compelling. The SUV is well-rounded, with a mix of style, space, modern interiors, and commendable performance. If you’re looking for an SUV that combines luxury with performance and modern tech, this appears to be a strong contender in the current market.
Hatchback of the year
Hyundai I20 N line MT
The Hyundai i20 N Line MT is a compelling option in the premium hatchback segment, offering a blend of sportiness, features, and performance. While it may not be the definitive “best” hatchback for every buyer, given individual preferences and priorities, it certainly stands as a strong contender, especially for those prioritising a sporty driving experience and a well-rounded feature set. Its closest competition, in terms of driving dynamics and features, appears to be limited within its price range, giving it a unique position in the market
Bike of the year
2024 KTM 390 Duke
Describing the new 390 Duke without using superlatives is difficult. It manages to blend the ruggedness and approachability of the first-gen Duke with the sharpness and adrenaline-pumping performance of the second-gen, providing a friendly motorcycle that arguably boasts the highest potential among all motorcycles in India. A decade from now, you’ll still be discovering new aspects of the Duke, evolving as a serious motorcyclist with every kilometer you ride. It stands as the best motorcycle money can buy at this moment. Full stop.
ADV of the year
2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield is one of the few brands that tosses the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy to the wind and still succeeds with an unprecedented margin. In a market where almost every other manufacturer offers a sense of adventure, the earlier Himalayan packed the most tools to embark on one. The new-gen model not only does what it used to do best but also pushes the envelope in terms of performance, refinement, rideability, and features while still maintaining a non-intimidating price.
Retro Motorcycle Of The Year
Triumph Speed 400
In a market where OEMs conceal performance behind shiny retro elements on modern motorcycles, Triumph does something different. It provides all the glossy and curvy neo-retro elements on the Speed 400 while ensuring it delivers capable performance for experienced riders yet remains welcoming to beginners. It looks great, rides great, and costs what it costs. Retro done right? Absolutely, yes.
EV bike/scooter of the year
Ultraviolette F77
There are two sides to the F77. One is what it currently offers, and the other is its potential. The former stands as a testament to India’s burgeoning EV startup space, which the F77 honors by delivering a performance unprecedented in the Indian electric vehicle market. It’s not a hair trimmer; it’s an eco-friendly salvo, performing like one. The interesting aspect though lies in the other side of the conversation. Ultraviolette has demonstrated that electric motorcycles transcend novelty and can genuinely capture the essence of motorcycling. This alone positions Ultraviolette as the one to watch out for.
