2016 remained a triumphant year for Nepal’s automobile industry, as it witnessed around 50 percent jump in turnover. The uptick in sales has provided much-needed respite to the industry, which had endured a bumpy ride in 2015 largely because of supply disruption created by the Indian trade embargo. The Kathmandu Post features some of the cars and two-wheelers that hit the market in 2016.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The five-seater SUV comes with powerful DDiS-200 engine and offers mileage of 24.3 km per liter. It has ground clearance of 1.98mm, which is suitable for rough terrain roads. Authorised dealer: CG Motocorp

The Datsun redi Go

The entry-level hatchback comes with 800cc petrol engine and provides mileage of 25.17 km per liter. The Japanese car made a comeback to the Nepali market two years ago with the launch of Datsun GO. Authorised dealer: Pioneer MotoCorp 

Suzuki Baleno

The premium hatchback car comes with a 1200cc VVT petrol engine. Baleno is available in Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants. The car guarantees mileage of 13 km per liter. Authorised dealer: CG Motocorp

KIA Sportage

The premium SUV comes in both diesel and petrol variants. The 1999 cc car offers mileage of 8 km per liter. Authorised dealer: Continental Trading

Renault Kwid and Renault Duster 

French carmaker Renault’s Duster, an SUV, 1.5 TCI engine, unique electronic control system, automatic remote control system and ultra utility service, Kwid, a hatchback, features spacious inside area and more safety measures. Authorised dealer: Vishal Group’s Advanced Automobiles. 

Honda BRV

The Honda BRV is a compact premium SUV. The seven-seater SUV is available in different variants and six colours. Authorised dealer: Syakar Company

Mahindra KUV 100 and Mahindra TUV 300

Mahindra KUV 100 is a small-size SUV with 1198cc engine. It is available in both diesel and petrol variants. Mahindra TUV 300, on the other hand, is a seven seater car powered by mHawk engine with twin-stage turbo. It has a ground clearance of 191mm. Authorised dealer: Agni Incorporated

Hyundai Creta and i20 active

Hyundai Creta is 1.6 CRDi diesel engine car that generates segment best power 128 ps at 4,000 rpm and 26.5 kg•m torque at 1,900-2,750 rpm. Hyundai i20 active comes with multi-function steering wheel and 1.2L Kappa petrol engine. Authorised dealer: Laxmi Intercontinental

Tata Tiago

The hatchback made its entry in Nepali market during NADA Auto Show 2016. The petrol-fuelled car has a ground clearance of 170 mm. Authorised dealer: Sipradi Trading

MG Motors

British carmaker MG entered the Nepali market with two premium hatchbacks—MG 3 and MG 6. Authorised dealer: SLR Techno and Trade

Two-wheelers 

Bajaj V15

The single cylinder, four-stroke, motorbike is powered by DTS-I engine generating maximum power of 12 bhp at 7500 rpm. Authorised dealer: HH Bajaj

Benelli 

Benelli launched two variants TNT25 and Zenzero150 in the domestic market in 2016. 

Benelli TNT25 is equipped with 249cc engine while Benelli Zenzero150 is a scooter equipped with 150cc engine. Authorised dealer: KTM International 

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Powered by a 411 cc engine, Himalayan has a completely new and evolved overhead camshaft engine platform. Authorised dealer: Vivek Automobiles

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V 

The motorbike comes with four-valve 198cc engine with oil-cooled combustion chamber technology. Authorised dealer: Jagdamba Motors

Avenger 220 Cruise, 220 Street and 150 Street

The Avenger 220 Cruise comes with DTSi engine; Avenger 220 Street features improved rear suspension, robust alloy wheels and low slung seats; and Avenger 150 Street is powered by 150cc DTSi engine. Authorised dealer: Hansraj Hulaschand & Co 

Honda CB HORNET 160R, Honda Navi & Honda CBR 650F

Honda CB Hornet 160R comes with 163cc engine; Honda Navi is powered by 109cc engine; Honda CBR 650F comes with 650cc engine. Authorised dealer: Syakar

Vox Pop 

Rupesh Sharma Bhatta, Assistant General Manager of Laxmi InterContinental, authorised distributor of Hyundai Motors

The automobile industry witnessed an encouraging growth in 2016, as sales went up by almost double compared to 2015. Flexible auto loans and new launches helped boost sales. We are hoping 2017 would be as good as 2016. 

Cabinet Shrestha, managing director of Agni Group, authorised distributor of Mahindra

The market for our products soared by 40-50 percent in 2016. Sales grew in 2016 because many had not been able to purchase vehicles in 2015 due to blockade. Another reason that helped fuel sales is easy auto financing facility at relatively lower interest rates. We are planning to introduce new variants of Mahindra next year. 

Sunil Chhetri, deputy general manager of GO Automobiles, authorised distributor of Ford vehicles 

Pent-up demand of 2015 helped the automobile market to grow in 2016. Customers went for hatchbacks and SUVs in the year. Auto loans floated by commercial banks at interest rates as low as 6.25 percent per annum also helped lift sales. If credit rates remain at this year’s level, car sales will grow in 2017 too.