A brutally honest look at eight solid cars in India that drive well, feel right, yet somehow stay ignored while less deserving models take all the spotlight.
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News summary created by AI · Reviewed by Daily Axle
I look at monthly sales sometimes and I just pause for a second. Some cars fly for no reason. Some sit quietly even when they feel genuinely good. These eight sit in that second box. And it still bugs me a bit.
Citroen Aircross X
This thing rides soft like a cushion. I once drove it on a broken Jaipur stretch and after a point I forgot the road was even broken. That kind of comfort is rare now. But Citroen marketing feels missing. Aircross X feels like that kid who is always prepared but nobody calls his name in class.
File Photo: Citroen Aircross X standing calm with its soft riding stance
Jeep Meridian
About 110 units each month. That is tiny for something that actually behaves like a proper Jeep. Stable at high speed. Big presence. I remember a dealer guy in Pune telling me in a low voice that people just walk in and pick Compass without even glancing at Meridian. Maybe price scares them. Maybe people just trust the smaller model more. Strange scene.
File Photo: Jeep Meridian showing that big stable highway feel
Citroen Basalt X
Basalt X looks a bit different. Maybe that is why some folks get confused before even sitting inside. Inside it feels mature. Calm. Spacious in a nice way. Another car that suffers because the brand still has no strong pull. You need to drive it once without thinking too much. Then it makes sense.
File Photo: Citroen Basalt X with its slightly different and bold side look
Audi A4
I always wonder why this one stays behind while its German rivals stay on top. A4 has a clean vibe. Nothing shouting for attention. Just a proper sedan that wants to move. But ha the dealer experience can be messy. One test drive I booked in Gurgaon came almost forty minutes late and fuel warning light glowing. Hard to fight competition if basics slip like that.
File Photo: Audi A4 keeping that clean and simple luxury sedan vibe
Maruti Suzuki Invicto
Around 250 units a month. Very low for something built to run smooth and long. Invicto feels nicer than people assume. That hybrid style power setup is calm. Balanced. But many buyers see the badge and think it is just another big Maruti. A guy once told me the same at a fuel pump and he sounded almost confused about his own purchase. Maybe that is the whole issue.
File Photo: Maruti Invicto carrying its big MPV presence quietly
Hyundai Creta Electric
Close to 800 units a month. For a loved SUV going electric this is not big. Creta EV feels playful. Quick off the line. But the range claims feel a bit dreamy. Company says good numbers but I have seen EVs claim similar things and end up giving much less on real roads. Still for a city user this car is honestly sorted. Charging network still holds people back.
File Photo: Creta Electric showing its crisp electric front styling
Nissan Magnite
Around 1860 units monthly. Magnite deserves more. It has this small but confident feel when you push it a bit. Turbo model still puts a smile. But Nissan network is weak and buyers talk about it. If Nissan had stronger reach this car would not be struggling like this. It is one of those good budget SUVs that suffers because of the company not the product.
File Photo: Nissan Magnite turbo model with that energetic stance
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
About 2770 units which is okay but still underrated. Ignis is a fun small car. Light steering. Easy to throw around traffic. I once ran it through narrow Ahmedabad lanes where even autos slow down. Ignis just slipped through like it was built for that place. People judge its looks fast and move on. They miss the good part. File Photo: Maruti Ignis weaving through narrow city lanes with ease
So yeah these eight cars deserve more eyes. Some miss out because of weak marketing. Some because buyers follow old habits. Some because brand trust works in funny ways. Try driving them once without a preset idea. The market gets it wrong sometimes. It happens.
