2019 In Review: Top Sub-4 Metre Cars In India

The sub-4 metre rule was a supply-side relief to the automotive industry. It incentivised small cars which, until a few years ago, were mostly hatchbacks. Sub-4 metre sedans like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire were received so well that manufacturers were compelled to experiment with other body styles. Today, the sub-4m Vitara Brezza is the best-selling SUV in India. So even though small hatchbacks are on the decline, the compact car segment is living its best days. Here’s our list of the top compact cars which were launched in India last year: 

Hyundai Venue 

Hyundai’s compact SUV offering became the bestseller in its segment just months after its launch. It was the first compact SUV to offer a dual-clutch automatic transmission with a turbocharged engine. Its sweet proportions and driving dynamics with a flat, comfortable ride make this a desirable package in a hotly contested segment. 

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso 

Maruti Suzuki launched the S-Presso on the tail of Renault’s facelifted Kwid. It sold as rapidly as you would expect a Maruti to sell in India. Its peppy BS6 1.0-litre petrol engine is also efficient, good for 19.96kmpl. To know why the S-Presso leads the compact car segment, read our comparo here. It retails for an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.69 lakh to Rs 4.91 lakh. 

Renault Triber 

While the Lodgy couldn’t shift cars off dealership lots quick enough, Renault’s Triber sub-4 metre MPV quickly overtook even the Kwid’s sales figures. The Triber is a lot of car for Rs 4.94 lakh to Rs 6.65 lakh. It has seven seats and a removable third row. Could this be the car to turn around Renault’s fortunes in India? Read our recent sales story here. 

Hyundai i10 Nios

The Grand i10 Nios might share its name with its predecessor, but it is an entirely new car. Atop a new platform sits an all-new rounded form. Inside, the fresh new interior is as ergonomic as before. Its petrol engine is now BS6-compliant. It is not a surprise that soon after its launch, the Grand i10 clawed its way past the Venue to become the best-selling Hyundai car. 

Tata Altroz

The Altroz will officially arrive in January, but we got a chance to drive it at the unveiling event. Read about our first drive here. The Altroz’s biggest selling point is its aesthetic. Sharp lines and a layered backside make this one of the best-looking Tatas around. This is one of our favourite concept-to-production transformations. It will cost between Rs 5.5 lakh and Rs 8.5 lakh and rival the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Elite i20.