5 Indian Cars Making Us Proud Globally
As India celebrates its Independence Day, it’s fitting to spotlight one of the nation’s engineering victories on a global scale—its automotive industry. In recent years, India has not just been a production hub but a designer and exporter of vehicles that reflect world-class safety, performance, and global appetite.
This feature explores five Indian cars that symbolize this transformation:
1. Tata Nexon – a trailblazer in safety as India’s first 5-Star Global NCAP-rated car.
2. Mahindra Scorpio-N – an off-road beast that made headlines internationally.
3. Hyundai Verna – a midsize sedan exported in large volumes from India.
4. Maruti Suzuki Swift – a hatchback with millions of global sales.
5. Tata Harrier & Safari – SUVs with advanced design and 5-Star safety credentials.
Through each model’s strengths and global reach, this story underscores India’s evolving narrative—from domestic focus to manufacturing excellence that commands attention worldwide.
1. Tata Nexon – India’s Safety Pioneer
Overview & Achievements
Tata Nexon made automotive history in 2018 by earning India’s first-ever 5-Star Global NCAP safety rating for adult occupant protection . In recent upgrades, Nexon models (post-August 2023) now feature six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), reinforcing its safety leadership. Buy from: https://cars.tatamotors.com/nexon/ice.html?utm_source=TML_OMD_Search_CTW_Nexon_India&utm_medium=Search&utm_campaign=OMD_TML_Nexon_AlwaysOn_Feb2023&utm_content=TextAds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17408096871&gbraid=0AAAAADJVS2u_ydxDRwe9TcxgWYbYkKbBT&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk-TNtO-KjwMVCF8PAh2SUxkrEAAYASAAEgLd_PD_BwE
Global Pride & Impact
The Nexon’s success in safety shows how Indian automakers can deliver on global crash protection standards while keeping costs accessible—marking a shift in how India-made cars are perceived internationally.
2. Mahindra Scorpio-N – Off-Road Legend Goes Global
Overview & Achievements
The Mahindra Scorpio-N is built for adventure. It famously set a Guinness World Record for the fastest production vehicle crossing the Simpson Desert in Australia . With exports to markets like South Africa and Australia planned, its appeal goes beyond India’s borders. Buy from: https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-n/SCN.html
Safety Challenges
Despite earning 5 stars under Global NCAP in India, the Scorpio-N scored zero in ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program)—primarily due to missing features such as AEB and lane assist in that configuration . Mahindra has said improvements are planned to meet regional safety norms.
3. Hyundai Verna – The Export King Among Indian Sedans
Export Leadership
In FY 2025, the Hyundai Verna led all made-in-India passenger cars with 52,615 units exported, surpassing even Maruti’s Baleno . Since inception, Hyundai India has exported over 3.7 million vehicles, with the Verna family alone exceeding 500,000 cumulative exports. Buy from: https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/find-a-car/verna/highlights
Global Manufacturing Strategy
India is the sole global manufacturing and export hub for the sixth-gen Verna, with planned capacity of 120,000 units—66% for export . These are shipped to the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, proving India’s role in global value-chains.
4. Maruti Suzuki Swift – A Global Hatchback Icon
Global Sales Footprint
The Swift has been sold in 169 countries and achieved 9 million cumulative global sales by late 2023 . In India alone, over 3 million units have been sold by mid-2024, accounting for over 30% of its global tally. Buy from: https://www.marutisuzuki.com/swift?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=13868647135_ao&utm_term=maruti%20suzuki%20swift&utm_content=m&utm_network=g&gad_source=1
Export Strategy & Impact
Maruti Suzuki’s export strategy is bearing fruit: exports jumped 37% in Q1 FY 2025–26, helping sustain profits amid weak domestic demand . The company is targeting 400,000 exports in FY 2025–26, a 20% climb from last year, with Swift among the top models being exported globally .
5. Tata Harrier & Safari – Safety Meets Rugged Design
Safety Credentials
Both the Tata Harrier and Safari have earned 5-star Global NCAP ratings, raising the bar for safety among Indian SUVs.
Design & Production
The Harrier uses the Jaguar-Land Rover-derived OmegaArc platform, bringing robust build quality and modern styling. It also offers 360° cameras, ADAS features, and terrain response—enhancements for global standards. Buy from: https://cars.tatamotors.com/harrier/ice.html
Challenges & Feedback
Ownership feedback is mixed: while many praise the strong mechanics and safety, concerns remain about service quality and reliability in the real world.
Detailed Comparison & Verdict
Tata Nexon
Safety: 5-Star Global NCAP (adult occupant) – first Indian car to achieve this.
Export Strength: Emerging in select markets.
Global Recognition: Symbol of India’s safety progress.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Safety: 5-Star Global NCAP in India, but 0-Star ANCAP in Australia due to missing ADAS features.
Export Strength: Growing exports to South Africa, Australia, and other adventure markets.
Global Recognition: Rugged off-road SUV with adventure credentials; needs global compliance upgrades.
Hyundai Verna
Safety: High safety standards for sedan class.
Export Strength: Strongest performer — over 52,000 units exported in FY 2025.
Global Recognition: Sole manufacturing/export hub for sixth-gen Verna; significant presence in Middle East, Africa, Latin America.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Safety: Moderate; meets basic norms in most markets.
Export Strength: Robust and growing; contributes majorly to Maruti’s 4 lakh target exports.
Global Recognition: Hatchback icon with presence in 169 countries and 9 million global sales.
Tata Harrier & Safari
Safety: 5-Star Global NCAP; premium SUV safety leaders.
Export Strength: Low-to-moderate; export potential yet to be fully tapped.
Global Recognition: Premium, rugged SUVs built on JLR OmegaArc platform; admired for design and safety.
Verdict
Most globally influential: Hyundai Verna leads exports and shows how India can serve international markets effectively.
Best safety symbol: Tata Nexon, closely followed by Harrier & Safari, signifies India’s leap in vehicle safety.
Brand heritage & profitability: Maruti Suzuki Swift reinforces India’s mass-market auto credibility.
Adventure & brand aspiration: Scorpio-N represents rugged Indian engineering bound for global adventure arenas, with scope to enhance global compliance.
Combined, these models illustrate the evolving strength of “Made in India” — from safety and design to exports and global ambition.
Pros & Cons
Tata Nexon
Pros
1. First Indian car with a 5-star Global NCAP rating (adult occupant).
2. Modern design with multiple powertrain options (petrol, diesel, EV).
3. Affordable pricing for safety level offered.
4. Strong brand image for safety-conscious buyers.
Cons
1. Limited global presence compared to rivals.
2. Rear seat comfort can feel cramped for taller passengers.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Pros
1. Rugged, ladder-frame SUV ideal for off-road and adventure markets.
2. 5-star Global NCAP rating in India.
3. Powerful engine options with good towing capability.
4. Strong presence in South Africa and Australia adventure segments.
Cons
1. 0-star ANCAP rating in Australia due to missing ADAS & safety features.
2. Not as refined for highway cruising as monocoque SUVs.
Hyundai Verna
Pros
1. Strongest export performer among Indian-made sedans (52,000+ units FY 2025).
2. Modern design with advanced features and ADAS.
3. Smooth petrol engines with good fuel efficiency.
4. Sole manufacturing/export hub for sixth-gen Verna globally.
Cons
1. Rear seat headroom slightly compromised due to coupe-like roofline.
2. Diesel option discontinued, limiting choice for some markets.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Pros
1. Global hatchback icon with over 9 million units sold worldwide.
2. Reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain.
3. Presence in 169 countries major contributor to India’s export numbers.
4. Strong resale value in most markets.
Cons
1. Safety ratings vary not the strongest in crash tests.
2. Not as feature-rich as some newer rivals.
Tata Harrier & Safari
Pros
1. 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
2. Built on JLR’s OmegaArc platform — premium SUV credentials.
3. Spacious interiors with good ride comfort.
4. Attractive design with strong road presence.
Cons
1. Limited export footprint compared to competitors.
2. Large size can be challenging in dense urban markets.
Final Words
India’s automotive industry is shifting gears—from volume-driven, inward-looking manufacturing to globally respected, innovation-led mobility solutions. The Tata Nexon’s safety milestone, Mahindra Scorpio-N’s off-road gambits, Hyundai Verna’s export leadership, Maruti Suzuki Swift’s cross-border popularity, and Tata Harrier & Safari’s premium safety credentials together narrate a story of ambition, pride, and global relevance.
This Independence Day, these five vehicles—each in its own way—signal that India’s automotive sector is not just growing but leading. Whether through safety, exports, or design, India is driving vehicles that the world notices—and increasingly, trusts.
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