4 Flop Cars With Great Designs In India Market

An attractive design is now a make-or-break factor in the success of any product in the market, not excluding the automobile sphere. However, it is not the case for every car sold in India. In fact, the Indian customers often prioritize practicality over style. For this reason, many beautifully-designed models had miserably failed in our market while many not-so-good-looking vehicles took over the sales chart. Fortunately, as the market evolves, Indian customer’s taste grows too. Now, a good design is well-appreciated and aesthetic becomes one of the major criterias in buying decision. And the market also governs accordingly. Now, IndianAuto will pay tribute to those cars with a great look but did not catch on well in the Indian market.

Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat has a tough time finding its place in the Indian market. A decade ago, the Italian car manufacturer introduced the Fiat Punto in the premium hatchback space. The Punto was latter given a facelift which was named Punto Evo. Designed by famous car design Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Punto is undeniably a good-looking car. Fiat Punto Evo is highly appreciated for its good riding and handling balance. With 90 Bhp on tap, the engine of this car can deliver an effortless performance on the highway. Moreover, it is also well-equipped on the inside. But these good traits somehow fail to attract Indian customers. The car is sold in limited number and falls unnoticed by the vast majority of hatchback buyers. After the Punto EVO, Fiat tried to turn things around with the introduction of the Fiat Abarth Punto. But, admittedly, this later version is not as beautiful as the Punto Evo. Fiat Punto Evo is on sales at the price range from Rs 5.35 lakh to Rs 7.47 lakh.

Ford Fiesta

In the sedan market today, the design is one of the biggest criteria determining the success of each model in the space. However, in the past, the look didn’t matter that much. Ford Fiesta is one solid evidence for this. Despite featuring an outstanding design. Its elegant and premium look reminded us of the design from luxury brand Aston Martin. What’s more, the Ford Fiesta is more than just a looker. It had a great steering and handling. Supported by a well-set suspension, the car can easily iron out bumps on the road while keeping a good handling. The latest Ford Fiesta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produced 89 Bhp and 205 Nm. Given all these good points, the Ford Fiesta could easily defeat other sedans like Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid fair and square. Unfortunately, it was not well-perceived by the Indian customers. Ford has discontinued the Ford Fiesta in 2015 due to low demand.

Also read - Top 10 Flop Cars Of India

Fiat Linea

Here is another flop car with great design from the Italian carmaker. It seems that the Italian aesthetic is struggling to find its place in the market. Also competing in the C-segment sedan market, the Fiat Linea is outshined by other models in the space like Maruti Ciaz, Honda City and Hyundai Verna. Even less popular models like Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and Toyota Yaris are selling better than the Fiat Linea. The original Fiat Linea to be introduced in India was a true masterpiece of design. Even though the facelift doesn’t get close to the previous design, it is still an excellent work of art.

Beyond its beautiful look, the Fiat Linea is also given a potent engine. As the most powerful engine in its class, the T-Jet petrol engine can deliver an exciting and peppy performance. However, the 1.3-litre diesel engine feels a bit underpowered.

Notably, the Fiat Linea will soon be replaced by an all-new model named Cronos. Fiat has dropped some teaser of this new model for the South American market. The end of the Fiat Linea is anticipated.

Also read - A List of 5 Flop SUV models in India that Deserved Success

Renault Fluence

Renault has existed in the Indian automobile market for almost a decade now. At its earlier stage, Renault has introduced the Renault Fluence in the D-segment sedan market. The design of the Fluence is strongly inspired by French styling, which substantially made its different from the rest in the market. However, its unique styling did not get positive responses from Indian customers. The very first Fluence in the market was not up to everyone’s liking. However, the facelifted Fluence was unquestionably an attractive design. Sadly, despite given considerable updates, in 2017, the Fluence had to be discontinued.

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