More than a dozen cars have been discontinued from the Indian auto industry this month – As they were not updated to meet the new emission norms
Indian automotive industry witnessed two major transitions since the beginning of this decade. The transitions were regarding emission norms, which would lead to a cleaner and greener future. In a country like India where EVs are just catching up, the phase-wise BS6 emission norms play a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive sector.
With stringent emission requirements and compatibility, manufacturers left behind unfit powertrains and unfit vehicles too. The same is re-iterating in 2023, now that Phase II is brought into effect along with RDE norms and E20 compatibility. Here’s a list of cars discontinued from 1st of April 2023.
List Of Cars Discontinued – Honda and Hyundai
Kicking things off with Honda, the Japanese manufacturer has the most to lose. 5 in total. Jazz, City 4th gen and WR-V crossover are being dropped completely. Honda has cut off diesel powertrains with City 5th gen and Amaze. Diesel popularity is declining in the recent past and especially in compact and sub-compact hatchback and sedan spaces.
Diesels in compact and sub-compact segments are getting less favourable in hatchback and sedan body styles. Hyundai i20 is no stranger to this, losing its 1.5L diesel option. Its arch-rival Tata Altroz was supposed to take a similar route, but in the end, has retained its diesel. Now, it is the only premium hatchback with a diesel option. New gen Verna does not get diesel option, marking the end of Verna diesel in India
Skoda, Nissan, Mahindra, Toyota
Sedans are not dying, but the ones at the premium end are. Skoda Octavia and Superb are to be retired in style as they are supposedly equipped with EA888 evo3 DQ381-7F powertrain, which doesn’t meet RDE norms. This is a 2.0L TSI petrol with FWD architecture. The EA888 evo4 DQ381-7A powertrain with AWD found on Kodiaq, Tiguan and certain Audis, will live on.
Nissan Kicks has taken the same route as its French cousin Renault Captur did, and is now being discontinued for good. It came with a choice between a 1.5 petrol or a 1.3 turbo petrol.
Mahindra KUV100 has been discontinued from the Indian market after being on sale for over 7 years. It was the smallest and the most affordable Mahindra car to be on offer. Innova Crysta has been reintroduced in the country with a facelift. Whilst it is back, it had to shed its 2.7L petrol engine in favour of a sole 2.4L diesel. Not that it will be missed, right?
You’ll Be Remembered, 800cc Engines
BS6 phase II will be a mark in history, remembered as the end of 800cc engines in India. Especially the four decades old F8D 3-cylinder engine on Alto 800. Also, Renault’s 3-cylinder 800cc engine on Kwid will be axed as well, favouring a 1000cc option in both cases.
