10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Photographs: Reuters CarDekho.com

Most big ticket buying decisions are taken after much consultation and research. Buying cars is one such decision where buyers want to be doubly sure that their purchase is nothing but the best for their requirements.

Apart from brochures and advice from friends, the Internet has become a fine source of information on cars.

According to data compiled and analysed over the year, CarDekho.com has come up with a list of top 10 most viewed cars on the Net in India. Here is a little bit on all of them:

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Ford Figo

Ford Figo

The hatch has bagged the Indian Car of the Year award and it has become extremely popular among car buyers.

The car has both the petrol and diesel versions available and has four variants for each engine -- Lxi, Exi, Zxi and Titanium.

The 1.2L petrol engine is capable of producing 71PS of maximum power and 102 Nm of peak torque while the 1.4L, Duratorq diesel engine, seen in the Ford Ikon and Ford Fiesta, generates 69PS of maximum power and 160 Nm of top torque.

Figo comes with a price tag of Rs 3,60,485 to Rs 5,41,595 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and has a good fan following owing to the big car feel it has.

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

The hatch with the coveted VW badge is available in both petrol and diesel options. Polo is powered by a three-cylinder 1.2L (1198 cc) petrol engine that offers 74 BHP (5,400 rpms) and 110 NM of torque (3,750 rpms).

On the other hand the 1.2L 3-cylinder diesel offers 74 BHP (4,200 rpms) and 180 NM of torque (2,000 rpms).

It comes with top features like remote keyless central locking, which includes remote window up/down on the Highline.

The car is priced at Rs 4,34,000 to Rs 7,00,000 (prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10

The i10 has a 1.1-litre iRDE unit capable of producing 68bhp and generating the same torque at 4000rpm.

The new Kappa2 engine uses variable valve timing or VTVT is a star performer. The car is easy to maintain and easy on the pocket.

It is priced Rs 3,00,000 upwards (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Maruti Alto

Maruti Alto

The all-new Alto got Suzuki's much talked about K series engine. The bestseller model got a new 1.0L, K10 engine capable of delivering 68PS of maximum power at 6200rpm with 90Nm of maximum torque at 3200rpm.

The older version of the car is also on the shelf and the new Alto K10 is available in two variants -- Alto K10 LXI and Alto K10 VXI with a price tag of Rs 3,03,000 to Rs 3,16,000 (ex showroom Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Maruti Swift

Maruti Swift

As the 2011 comes knocking all eyes are on the upgrade of this extremely popular model. Currently, the hatch comes in both petrol and diesel versions -- 1.2 L, 1197 cc K series petrol engine and 1.3L, 1248 cc DDiS diesel engine.

The diesel version has a multi point common rail fuel injection system which offers better combustion and fuel efficiency.

The K series engine has a five-speed manual transmission gearbox and it is BS IV compatible.

The car comes at a price of Rs 4,05,341 to Rs 5,39,928, ex-showroom Delhi.

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Maruti Wagon R

Maruti Wagon R

Just like its siblings the Maruti Wagon R also got the K series engine and was remodelled as the blue eyed boy. The new K10B engine produces 68PS of power and 90Nm of torque.

The car has several new features including a new grille, striking headlights, bumpers, restyled tail lamps and new rear window glass, rear wash and wipe and an optional ABS and Airbags in the higher end VXi model.

The car is priced between Rs 3,28,000 and Rs 3,81,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Maruti Swift Dzire

Maruti Swift Dzire

This popular entry level sedan kept up the good performance after it was fitted with the new K series engine.

Based on the Swift hatchback architecture and fitted with next generation K-series engine this is the sedan of choice for many. The car has a torsion beam rear suspension and comes fitted with necessary modern safety systems such as electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

Front airbags, optional side and curtain airbags and optional keyless ignition are some of the other features available with in a Swift Dzire.

It is priced between Rs 4,78,781 to Rs 6,93,602 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova

The preferred vehicle of a big clan, this Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) by Toyota has not lost its touch despite competition getting stronger.

It comes in both petrol and diesel engine. The 1998cc, 16-Valve DOHC WTi petrol engine produces 132PS power at 5600rpm and 181NM torque at 4000rpm.

The 2494cc, 16-Valve DOHC diesel engine generates 102PS power at 3600rpm and 200NM torque at 1400 -- 3400rpm.

Toyota Innova's petrol variant is also compatible with CNG and comes with a manual selector switch that enables the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa.

Innova comes at a price tag of Rs 7,94,470 to Rs 11,72,760.

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Volkswagen Vento

Volkswagen Vento

The car created a buzz when it was launched and its talking advertisement in the newspapers across the country did the trick.

Vento, one of the most searched cars in 2010, was unveiled in both petrol and diesel engine. Both engines are powered by a 1.6 liter DOHC in-line type engine mated with a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox with triptronic (in the petrol version) for easy shifting of gears.

The petrol engine produces 105 bhp at 5250 rpm and 153 Nm torque at 3800 rpm while the diesel produces 250 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm.

The car has been priced at Rs 7,17,470 to Rs 9,47,170 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

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10 most searched Indian cars of 2010

Image: Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra Scorpio

The brawny Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) comes with a SZ 2600 plus DI diesel engine capable of generating 109 bhp power and 26 kgm torque.

Scorpio's petrol version has Renault's 116 bhp engine. The lifestyle SUV segment is very niche in India and at a very nascent stage and Mahindra wants to leave its mark.

Mahindra Scorpio offers comfortable ride, pleasing style, stable safety features coupled with decent interiors.

The car is priced between Rs 7,60,000 to Rs 10,57,340.

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