As the wheels of time rolled into 2023, the Indian automotive landscape underwent dynamic transformations. Simultaneously, the industry bid adieu to some familiar faces from Honda, Skoda, Nissan, and Mahindra, driven by the imperative need to comply with the stringent BS6 Phase-2 norms. In 2023, the automotive landscape witnessed a flurry of exciting launches and refreshing facelifts from prominent manufacturers such as Tata, Honda, and Hyundai. On the other hand, some models from Honda, Skoda, Nissan, and Mahindra were discontinued in the Indian market, mostly due to the introduction of the BS6 Phase-2 norms, as the respective carmakers did not consider these models popular enough to be worth the high investment needed to make their engines comply with the updated emissions norms. Here are the 8 cars that were phased out in 2023:
The automotive industry in India experienced a transformative year in 2023, marked by the introduction of new models and the discontinuation of some familiar names.
Maruti Alto 800: The End of an Era
The Maruti Alto 800, introduced in 2012, served as a cost-effective alternative in Maruti's lineup. Positioned as the most affordable offering, it offered both petrol and CNG powertrains. However, after over a decade on the market, the Alto 800 faced discontinuation in 2023 due to non-compliance with the BS6 Phase-2 update. While the Alto name lives on with the K10 version, the discontinuation marks the end of an era for the iconic Alto 800.
Honda Jazz: A Jazzed-Up Legacy
The Honda Jazz, making its debut in 2009, underwent a significant update in 2015. Initially offered in both petrol and diesel variants, the Jazz underwent a 2020 facelift, losing the diesel option with the advent of BS6 norms. In April 2023, Honda bid adieu to the Jazz altogether in response to the BS6 Phase-2 norms, marking the end of a jazzed-up legacy in the Indian market.
Honda WR-V: Navigating Changes
Introduced in 2017 as a sub-4m crossover based on the Honda Jazz, the WR-V faced headwinds due to the absence of an automatic transmission and rising competition. By 2023, the WR-V joined the discontinued ranks alongside the Jazz, reflecting a strategic decision by Honda.
Honda City 4th-generation: An Ode to the Past
The fourth-generation Honda City, launched in 2014, received a midlife update in 2017. With both petrol and diesel engine options, the City faced a transition with the launch of the fifth-generation in 2020. However, the fourth-gen City continued as an affordable alternative. In March 2023, as the fifth-gen City received a facelift, Honda bid farewell to the fourth-gen City, marking a nostalgic goodbye to an era.
Nissan Kicks: The End of a Journey
Introduced in 2019 as a compact SUV, the Nissan Kicks faced transitions early on. With the discontinuation of the 1.5-litre diesel engine in 2020, the Kicks embraced a new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. In 2023, as the new RDE norms took effect, Nissan bid farewell to the Kicks, citing the end of its life cycle.
Skoda Octavia: Legacy and Renewal
The Skoda Octavia, a pioneer in the Indian market since 2001, received its final generational update in 2021. However, with the implementation of the BS6 Phase-2 norms in April 2023, Skoda bid adieu to the Octavia in India. Despite its discontinuation, the global markets witness a renewed Octavia with a slew of new features and powertrain options.
Skoda Superb: A Grand Finale
The Skoda Superb, positioned as the flagship sedan, saw its first introduction in 2009. Limited to petrol offerings in 2020 post the BS6 shift, the Superb, too, faced discontinuation in 2023. The decision aligns with the changing demand landscape for non-luxury executive sedans and anticipates the arrival of the new-generation Superb in 2024.
Mahindra KUV100 NXT: Fading into History
Introduced in 2016 and facelifted in 2017, the Mahindra KUV100 NXT offered a unique 6-seater crossover experience. As the demand waned and reservations ceased in 2023, Mahindra bid farewell to the KUV100 NXT.
A Tapestry of Change
The transitions witnessed in the automotive landscape of 2023 depict a tapestry woven with shifts in consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and industry strategies. As iconic models bid farewell, new chapters open with the promise of innovation and adaptation.