Top auto launches of 2018: Return of Java, Santro, and other amazing cars

Hyundai Santro | The South Korean auto major launched the much awaited Santro after keeping the immensely popular hatchback under wraps for three years. Hyundai spent $100 million in developing the car that has garnered more than 32,000 bookings since launch.

Honda Amaze | Japanese automaker globally unveiled the latest iteration of its subcompact sedan earlier this year in India. Amaze got off to a blazing start with an initial monthly sales volume of 9000, becoming the second highest selling car in the segment after Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Mahindra Marazzo | The Anand Mahindra-led company launched the multi-utility vehicle (MUV) in October starting at a nifty price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Marazzo, which was engineered in the US, is not only the most modern vehicle from the company but is also the safest with a global NCAP rating of 4 stars.

TVS Ntorq 125 | The Indian bike maker made its debut in the 125cc segment with the launch of the NTorq. Since entering the market, the single cylinder, four-stroke motor scooter has been giving segment leaders- Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access 125, Honda Grazia - a run for their money.

Hero Destini 125 | Another major addition to the 125cc segment came with the launch of Destini 125 in late October. After a lukewarm response for its scooter range, the New Delhi-based company has its bets placed on the ultra-modern two-wheeler.

Royal Enfield | Interceptor and Continental GT | The Indian bikemaker ended 2018 on a high note with the launch of the 650 twins in early December. The two bikes are manufactured in India and exported to the UK, US and Europe.

Mahindra and Mahindra | Jawa, Jawa Forty Two and Perak | The celebrated bike maker re-entered the Indian market with the launch of 3 new bikes on November 15. The Jawa and Jawa 42 feature a retro design, which is reminiscent of the original Jawas from the late 20th century. The Perak, on the other hand, comes with a contemporary bobber-style. All three bikes were developed in Pune and will be manufactured at an M&M facility in Madhya Pradesh.

Toyota Kirloskar Yaris | Boasting of an advanced and emotional design with superior comfort, Yaris was one of the most anticipated cars of the year, prior to its launch. However, the mid-size sedan has received a poor response from consumers, with sales tapering off month on month.

BMW | G310 R and G310 GS | After being under development for three years, BMW finally launched the 300cc motorbikes in India, earlier this year in July. Both bikes are manufactured by TVS Motor in Tamil Nadu.

Hero Xtreme 200R | The two-wheeler major made a grand debut in the premium segment with the launch of the Xtreme 200R. While Hero has struggled in the premium segment in the past, the launch of Xtreme 200R has been met with positive reviews with critics claiming that it stays true to its Xtreme moniker.

Honda XBlade | The Japanese automaker launched the 160cc motorcycle that will challenge segment bigwig Bajaj Pulsar. The company already has several motorcycles in the 150ccsuch as the Unicorn.

Suzuki Burgman Street | The downsized version of the internationally acclaimed scooter was launched in India on July 19. It is the second maxi-scooter ever launched in the country after the iconic Kinetic Blaze. The Burgman Street is also a 125cc scooter.