Competition is really tough in the Indian car market due to the high number of models from innumerable buyers. Such is the level of rivalry that cars from different segments compete with each other, a scenario improbable but true. A recent example of the same would be the upcoming diesel version of Honda City, which could give Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster a run for their money. For a lot of people, this might seem like a non-plausible scenario but it is quite a possibility. Notably, Duster and EcoSport are categorised under compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment while Honda City diesel is a full-fledged sedan.
No one is unaware about the phenomenal success that Duster and EcoSport have cumulated from the Indian automobile market. Ford EcoSport has created a sensational wave throughout the market and has played a key role in the rising demand of compact SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle). Renault Duster, too, has not remained untouched from such sensational reviews from customers and car lovers. Both these vehicles have been able to successfully harness the craze for utility vehicles as reflected by their sales. With rising popularity of these two utility vehicles, the registered sale numbers are also inching up progressively. Indeed, the testimony of impactive sales across the country has brought humongous hope to the respective auto manufacturers.
Ford India recently announced a healthy sales on the back of its popular car EcoSport. The manufacturer of Duster too saw a pretty similar trend. Ideally, it is a win-win situation for both car manufacturers, but in the meanwhile, the popularity of Honda City too has gained huge momentum. This sedan has been able to get pretty good response from domestic customers and car enthusiasts. In fact, it is one of the best selling car modes of Honda in the country. The sale figures of Honda City are high and show strong inclination and liking of buyers towards it. With this perspective, we can indeed say that Duster and EcoSport could see a drop in sales when diesel version of Honda City is launched.
Moreover, with a phenomenal market response of the petrol model already in hand, the probable launch of diesel model of Honda City is likely to penetrate market with even more intensity. One key aspect that will play a crucial role in determining the competition between City diesel and the likes of Duster and EcoSport will be the pricing strategy adopted by Honda. Diesel version of City has a great chance of replicating successes of EcoSport and Duster if priced aggressively.
There are several reasons why experts are betting high on the excellent performance of diesel version of Honda City. In the first place, the fact City has been able to sustain itself in India for so long says a lot about its fan following in India. Thereby, in times like these, wherein maintenance costs are really high, people want a car that delivers in terms of fuel economy and efficiency. Honda has already achieved great success with its first diesel model, Amaze, which is also a sedan. City diesel is likely to get the same engine as Amaze with minor tweaks in terms of output, sources have claimed.
According to the information available, Japanese car maker Honda is planning with great zeal and zest to unveil the next generation model of City. Sources claim that, in all likelihood, Honda is going to include a diesel variant as well. Notably, the next generation model is expected to be unveiled in India on 25th November, 2013. As per speculations, some dealers of Honda have already started booking for this new version by availing a huge advance from intended customers. The booking price of this most anticipated car range from Rs. 40000 to Rs. 50000.
However, Honda is yet to reveal any concrete information about this new model. Many industry experts, taking cues from the prompt success of its petrol version, are of the opinion that this new City will be able to create sensation in the Indian automobile market. And that it will be able to scale high sales as compared to its existing version.
