Due to the latest BS6 Phase 2 RDE (Real Driving Emission) norms, car manufacturers have axed some models. These include some of the prominent names like Alto 800, WR-V, Octavia and more
The Indian automotive industry is going through a major transition, all thanks to the latest BS6 Phase 2 RDE (Real Driving Emission) norms, which came into effect on 1st April 2023. In line with this, car manufacturers have updated their line-up in order to comply with the latest norms. However, it has also resulted in the discontinuation of some models in the market. Let’s have a look at the models which didn’t see the light of the day post the new emission norms.
1. Maruti Suzuki – Alto 800
The Alto 800 powered by the legendary F8D 796cc petrol engine is no longer part of the Maruti Suzuki fleet. The most affordable offering in the market, the entry-level hatch has been a consistent seller and it also came with a CNG fuel option. The price range of the car started from as low as Rs. 3.54 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Honda – Jazz, WR-V and 4th Gen City
Honda has taken the hardest hit after the new BS6 Phase 2 RDE norms and has axed 3 models in its line-up, namely the Jazz, WR-V and 4th Gen City. The discontinuation of Jazz and WR-V can be attributed to dipping sales figures, recently hitting its all-time low of a few hundred units per month. So, Honda found no reason but to hit the red button as there was no point pulling them to comply with the latest emission norms.
However, the case with 4th gen City was quite different as it was selling in decent numbers. It was being sold alongside the latest 5th gen City and with the recent launch of facelifted 5th gen model, Honda decided to pull the plug by axing the older generation sedan.
3. Mahindra- KUV100 NXT
Probably the least popular model in Mahindra’s stable, the KUV100 NXT is surely the least-selling one. Offered in 5 and 6-seater configurations, the cross-hatch was powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine putting out 82 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque. With the last recorded price range of Rs. 6.06 lakh to Rs. 7.72 lakh (ex-showroom), the KUV100 NXT has now been discontinued.
4. Nissan Kicks
While Nissan hasn’t made it official and the SUV is still available on the brand’s official website, the bookings for the Kicks has been halted. This is down to the fact that just 3 units of the mid-size SUV were sold in November 2022, followed by a full dry span of 3 months. So it is safe to say that the Kicks is no longer on sale in the Indian market.
5. Skoda Octavia
Last but not the least, the Skoda Octavia has taken a hit as the company didn’t give it the BS6 Phase 2 update. This is due to the low sales figures along with the fact that the new-gen model is around the corner and will likely debut in India by the second half of 2023. The Skoda Octavia RS iV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain is on cards and it will be sold in India via the CBU route.