Saying 2021 was an eventful year would be a major understatement. From the second wave of the coronavirus and semiconductor shortage to falling auto sales and delayed car launches, the auto industry saw multiple setbacks this year. In addition to that 2021 also saw several popular cars that said goodbye to us, owing to various reasons. While some of them came as a shock to us, others we kind of expected will soon leave the market. So, as the year comes to end, let's take a look at some of the popular cars that were discontinued in 2021.
The Ford Endeavour was a popular offering in the full-size 7-seater SUV space
One of the major events of 2021 was Ford's decision to end vehicle production in India. The company has shut down both its plants and has said that it will now import some of its premium global products instead, like the Mustang, Mustang Mach-E and Ranger among others. This meant all existing Ford models, including the much-loved Endeavour, were effectively discontinued. The Endeavour was a popular offering in the full-size 7-seater SUV space and was powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a 10-speed AT as standard.
The Ford EcoSport was the SUV that started the trend for subcompact SUVs in India
Yes, we also had to say goodbye to the much-loved Ford EcoSport. It was the SUV that started the trend for subcompact SUVs in India, and despite not having received a generation upgrade for nearly 9 years, it was still relevant. The EcoSport was also among the few sub-4-metre SUV that offered both petrol and diesel engine options.
Also Read: Upcoming Sedans In India In 2022: Skoda Slavia, Tata Tigor CNG, Toyota Belta & More
Both the Aspire subcompact sedan and the Freestyle cross-hatch were based on the Figo compact hatch
Ford ending local production meant the end of its entry-level models as well like the Figo, Freestyle and Aspire. All 3 cars were part of the same Figo family, were based on the same platform, and shared the same petrol and diesel engine options as well. It was just earlier this year in July that Ford India launch the 1.2-litre automatic version of the Figo hatchback in India. However, in September 2021, the company decided to exit India. Both the Aspire subcompact sedan and the Freestyle cross-hatch were based on the Figo compact hatch and were powered by a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Skoda Rapid came with a 1.0-TSI engine with both manual and automatic choices
This year even Skoda ended the production of the Rapid sedan, about a decade after the car was launched in India. The Rapid was the best-selling car in the company's line-up, however, it was in desperate need of a generation upgrade or a replacement. Skoda decided to go with the latter and recently introduced the Skoda Slavia, based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. The company launched a special Matte Edition of the Rapid, which was the last lot of the Rapid sedans to go on sale in India. The Rapid used to come with a 1.0-TSI engine with both manual and automatic choices.
The Yaris sedan is expected to be replaced by a Toyota-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which is likely to be called Toyota Belta
Another compact sedan the left the Indian market this year was the Toyota Yaris. The sedan was discontinued in India after being in the market for a little over 3 years. Sadly, the Yaris failed to make a lasting mark on the Indian car buyers, and with falling sales, the company has now decided to discontinue the model for good. The Yaris sedan is expected to be replaced by a Toyota-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which is likely to be called Toyota Belta. In fact, the car is already on sale in the Middle East.
The VW T-Roc has been replaced by the locally made Volkswagen Taigun in India
Skoda's sister brand, Volkswagen India, too decided to discontinue its T-Roc compact SUV. Considering the company did not have an SUV under Rs. 20 lakh, the company brought the T-Roc as a completely built unit (CBU) model, until it was ready with the Taigun. Now, with the latter present in the market, the company decided to discontinue the T-Roc. The SUV was offered with a 1.5-litre TSI engine, mated to DSG automatic.
The Tiguan Allspace was available with the 2-litre TSI petrol engine and was sold as a CBU model
Like the T-Roc, the Tiguan Allspace was also axed this year, and it was replaced by its very own 5-seater sibling. Unlike the Allspace, which came to India as a CBU model, the Tiguan facelift took the CKD (completely knocked down) route and is assembled in India. The Tiguan Allspace was a 7-seater SUC and a direct rival to the Skoda Kodiaq, which was also set to make a comeback in January 2022. The Allspace was powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine mated to a DSG automatic.
