Hatchbacks in India!
Have a budget of 4-6lakhs? Looking for a hatch back for India? Confused between diesel and petrol engines?
To be honest, this market is flooded with so many options, therefore easily confusing the consumers. And most of them have a 1.2ltr petrol engine of a 1.3ltr diesel engine outsourced from FIAT. A report from a well known survey company concluded that hatchbacks sales amount to 70% of the total sales in Indian automotive sector. So a hatch sells like a cake in India. Maybe this is why all companies are entering in this market. Nearly all companies are offering their products.
So let’s start with the giant, Maruti Suzuki first. Their cars like the swift are very popular and the deliveries presently are on waiting list for more than 1-2months.
MS offers many premium hatches for a prospective buyer. They are:
1WAGON-R:
Now this car nearly makes it to this list. This car is very practical for city use, with the maximum head room, comparable to a SX-4 it can seat up to 4 tall people easily and will move them very conveniently in cities. But it’ll make you nervous when travelling in it in high speeds. The high head room has a very serious negative impact on this car. Due to the high centre of gravity, and comparatively softer suspensions and smaller tires, this could easily turn over when maneuvered on sharp turns at high speeds. Now let’s go through the pricing. It has 3 variants, LX, LXi, VXi. And 3 types of fuel options i.e. PETROL, C.N.G., L.P.G. though it has only a single type of engine which is a k-tech 1.0ltr (3cylinder) PETROL producing a total power output of 68bhp @6200rpm and 90nm torque@3500rpm, in which they have added a cng of a lpg kit. But the option of the variant of the alternate fuels is only available in LXi model. This car is best if your budget cannot exceed 4.3lakhs. Because you can get that best vxi model for just 4.2lakhs which is a gr8 deal when ABS is also offered along with all the premium options. But if you can exceed your budget by 50 to 70 thousand rupees, you will get better alternatives. This car also fails to provide you with a diesel engine. So it will be a big turn off for diesel car buyers.
PRICE LIST: 3.43-4.28lakhs
DON’T CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· BOX- TYPE EXTERIORS MIGHT NOT PLEASE EVERYONE.
· NO OPTION OF DIESEL.
· FEELS VERY LIGHT, THEREFORE, WILL MAKE DRIVER NERVOUS ON HIGH SPEEDS.
CONSIDER A WAGON-R BECAUSE:
· BIG CAR LIKE CABIN SPACE, CAN EASILY CARRY FOUR 6FT PEOPLE.
· FEELS VERY LIGHT TO MANUEVER, HELPFUL IN CITIES.
· IN JUST 4.3LAKH, YOU CAN GET THE TOP END VERSION, WITH ABS (OPTIONAL, BUT RECOMMENDED!)
2. RITZ:
This car looks, feels modern in all aspects. From the similar ‘swift-like’ front look to the “BOOMARANG DESIGN” in the rear (which will be a big turn off for some people), speaks of SUZUKI’S hard work that they have put in when designing this car. It shares its platform, as well as the engines with the swift. Though its not as sporty as the swift, as it is tuned for the city conditions. The suspensions are light, which means that they will absorb more bumps on the roads and only few; big bumps will be transferred to the cabin. But if pushed hard in the corners, it will respond very quickly, therefore, you will not feel as comfortable pushing this car to its limits when compared to the swift. The prices are nearly the same as the swift, and it offers you petrol as well as a diesel engine option. Now if you cannot wait to buy a swift( due to its never ending waiting list), and can compromise on the looks, and want similar feel of that of a swift, then this car is highly recommended.
PRICE LIST: 4.12-5.47lakhs
DON’T CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· REAR END “BOOMARANG” LOOK MIGHT BE AN ISSUE FOR SOME
· PERFORMANCE CANNOT BE COMPARED TO A SWIFT.
· IT HAS THE SAME PRICE BRACKET AS A SWIFT, SO WHY NOT JUST BUY A SWIFT?
CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· WELL, THE WAITING PERIOD OF THE SWIFT IF, IS UNBEARABLE, AND IF YOU WANT TO BUY A SUZUKI HATCH, THEN THIS CAR IS RECOMMENDED
· HONESTLY, I FEEL THIS IS ONE OF THE GOOD LOOKING SUZUKI IN THE MARKET.
· A BRILLENT ALTERNATIVE FOR THE SWIFT.
3. SWIFT:
I think this car doesn’t needs an introduction in India. It is, after all, the most preferred MARUTI SUZUKI. If you still need an introduction, then I’ll just say that this car has a waiting period of more than 2-3months all over the country. Yes, its very famous, and guess what… a new, better, meaner version is around the corner, waiting for the festival season (possible) for its launch! Now, this car is known worldwide for its handling, and rev-happy engine (petrol). This car will perfectly feed your appetite for some action. Be it drags, cornering, overtaking, and the sound that it produces when red-lined… the list is endless... Although I will not recommend you to buy it as of now! This is because, I would suggest you to wait for it and buy the newer version instead…!!
PRICE LIST:4.32-5.64lakhs
DON’T CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· HUGE WAITING LIST
· BORING INTERIORS
· A NEW, BETTER VERSION ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED DURING THE FESTIVALS.
CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· THE BEST SUZUKI YET. PROVEN WORLDWIDE!
· POPULAR FOR ITS HANDLING AND CONTROL OF THE TRACK.
· REV HAPPY ENGINE, YOU WILL LOVE TO RED-LINE IT...
· 18KMS + MILEAGE OF THE DIESEL ENGIINE, MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST FRUGAL CARS IN INDIA.
NOW LETS TALK ABOUT FIAT:
They presently offer only one car that fits this category, which is the:
GRANDE PUNTO.
Let us start from outside in, this time… ;)
The exterior is totally radical, doesn’t hurts eyes when seen from any angle, thanks to its Italian designing. It totally stands out in the crowd, and when bought in wine red color, will surely turn some heads! But the Indian version is very underpowered, with small petrol 1.2ltr and a 1.4ltr petrol engines or the much successful 1.3ltr diesel engine. Different ECU calibration and shorter gearing have sacrificed top-end performance for better drivability. In traffic and on part-throttle, the diesel Punto with its relatively short gearing and light clutch is quite a breeze to drive. Therefore, you cannot compare the car’s performance to polo or a Fabia. Where this car excels is the vast choices of engine upgrade, especially the diesel engine. The top end diesel car has a different, better turbo that maximizes the performance of it. Though a 1.6ltr engine would seriously do some well needed justice to the car. Originally, the car exceeded 4meters in length, so fiat had to reduce the size of the bumpers so to fit the car within the 4meter category, to avail the tax reduction. But from inside, it doesn’t feels like a big car. Fabia, for instance, has better seating space when compared to it. Looks like the designers of punto dint care of the seating space. It’s a big letdown. But the presence of gadgetry and technology will impress the gadget minded drivers. The Bluetooth function, amongst many other features of the car is impressive for a car of this budget. After sales service was always a problem with fiat India, but now that they have established a sound partnership with the tatas, the problem has been rectified to an extent. A new version, punto evo, inspired from the 500, will also be launched very soon. Though im not a big fan of the new design, but still, it’ll bring a sense of newness to this car, which hopefully will drive in sales for punto…!!
Prices: 4.40-6.94lakhs
Don’t consider it because:
· Underpowered engines.
· Seating space isn’t good.
· Short Gearing ratio, though is a boon for city drivers, but is a pain for the highway users.
· After sales, still is a thing to take into consideration.
Consider this car because:
· The Italian design, still manages to turn heads.
· Technology that it offers will please many.
· Choices of upgrades in diesels are awesome!
Chevrolet
Chevy in India offers 2 hatch backs that will make it to this list. Buying a chevy in india is alwys a bargain because they offer 3year maintenance package, which, indirectly speaks of the reliability of their cars. Lets talk about their offerings.
They are:
BEAT:
This is a game changer of the Chevy in India. Beat follows a new design language of the Chevy’s which is similar to that of the corvette, inside out. The radical, young design helps this car to stand out of the rest. The front of the car looks like a monster therefore has an aggressive attitude to it. The side look of the car also compliments to the aggressiveness of the car. The raised side fenders of the car that flows to the rear, makes it look beautiful even from the side view. The rear doors don’t have a normal door opener. It almost looks like the car has no rear doors, but look closely and you’ll find the door openers stuck near the windows (this is impressive!). The rear also speaks of a funky design, therefore can be an eye candy for those seeking attention… ;)
The car offers a 1.2ltr petrol engine, offering a healthy power output of 86bhp and 108nm of torque. The big problem is that the weight of the car restricts the performance that one would expect from this car. Well, soon there will be diesel and all electric versions of the car…!! Diesel engine is a 1ltr, 3 cylinder motor, jointly produced with fiat that offers 150nm of peak torque! This is basically a 1.3ltr fiat multijet engine, that everyone is aware of, but general motors’ reduced one cylinder to boost the efficiency of the motor. From inside, again, impresses highly. The blue backlight air con controls, music system control give it a very rich look. The bike styled odometer adds to the funkiness of the car. Beat is basically for young, energetic people that compliments to their personality. The prices are very competitive. Therefore it’s one of a car that I would recommend. Though I will advise you to wait for the diesel version…
Prices are from 3.55lakhs for the basic version to 4.73lakhs for the top end, LT version, with optional package.
Don’t consider it because:
· LETS YOU DOWN IN PERFORMANCE.
· LOOKS MIGHT BE AN ISSUE FOR SOME.
CONSIDER IT BECAUSE:
· THE IMPRESSIVE WARRANTEE PACKAGE THAT CHEVY PROVIDES YOU WITH.
· ATTENTION GRABBING CAR.
AVEO U-VA:
Well, the name says it all. This is one strange car. Its huge, its ugly, its old, and the list goes on. But if you want to buy a car which will be driven mostly be a chauffeur, still then don’t buy this car. A new, better and good looking car is coming soon to India. Yes, it follows the new design language of Chevy, inspired by the corvette. It’s quite similar to the beat, but I think it will be better than the beat, given the Cabin space that u-va provides. Wait for the new version of the car. I will not offer the price list because the new version is so much better.
The new car should give the other 1.2ltr cars a competition…
FORD:
Ford offers one car, which has been a huge success here.
FORD FIGO.
It’s selling like cake here. It has been designed completely in Australia, and is based on an outdated platform, or should I say, “Old” platform. It, like every other car, follows a new design language of ford, called DELTA DESIGN. You’ll see and understand the new design in the new ford fiesta. Its mostly the pulled back headlamp, sporty bumpers, etc. the figo, is very sensible car. It’s another car I would suggest. The pricing of this car surely stole some customers from the Maruti Suzuki’s showrooms… it has both petrol and diesel options. Engines though being big do not produce the power that they should. It has a 1.5ltr petrol and 1.4ltr diesel engine, sourced from the fiesta classic. The engine is old, yet frugal and reliable. The height of the figo is low, so throw the car in hard corners, and the handling will not disappoint you. The boot space, rear passenger space will also impress you. Now imagine all of this under 4lakh rupee price bracket. Yes, this is why ford has already sold 100,000 cars within one year.
Prices: 3-63-5.55lakhs
Don’t consider it because:
· Low height of the car, difficult to get in and out for some.
· Fuel efficiency is a minor concern in petrol version.
Consider it because:
· The price package is brilliant.
· Has proven in India with more than 100,000 figos on road.
· Has won so many awards in India.
Now let us talk about the second market leader.
Hyundai.
They entered the Indian market with the super successful tall boy, santro. Since then, the Hyundai has tasted success in India. The cars that we will talk about are the i10 and i20.
Both cars are marvelous, are the game changers for the hatch segment.
i10:
from 3.57lakhs to 6.01lakhs!
This car was 1st introduced in India, then the world. This is because; the Hyundai specifically designed this car keeping in mind, the Indian market. The car looks like a playful kid, now it has been refreshed, so now you can see the FLUDIC DESIGN in it. Well this car is hugely successful in India, because of the pricing and Hyundai’s unmatched reliability is well known… the exteriors can or should be ignored because they really don’t impress. But it’s the interiors of the car that impresses the most. The strategically placed gear knob and well finished dash board gives it a premium finish. It has 2 petrol engine options. 1.1irde and 1.2kappa engine. The 1.1ltr produces 69bhp of power output at 5500rpm and maximum torque of 99nm at 4500rpm. The 1.2ltr kappa, is more refined and so it produces 80bhp at 6000rpm and 111nm of torque at 4000rpm. The basic 1.1ltr car costs 3.57 and the basic 1.2ltr car costs 4.3 lakhs. The car is gr8, there is no such problem with it.
Don’t consider it because:
· Looks. Might not please everyone.
Consider it because:
· Proven, successful car, worldwide.
· Many options and choices to choose from.
· Is a very sensible car overall.
i20:
The design speaks for itself. This car was designed for the European markets. Therefore its one hell of a car. There are so many variants and versions to choose from. Exteriors of this car are very well designed and thus will please everyone. Get inside the car and you are welcomed in a lap of luxury. The blue ambient lighting on consoles and odometers give it a trendy look. There are many engine options too! The prices starts from 4.63 lakhs and the best model costs 8.33 lakhs!!!!!!
There are 3 engine variants. Diesel 1.4ltr crdi and 2 petrol 1.2kappa and 1.4ltr. the performance is good, not great. The diesel offers 90bhp of power at 4000rpm and rpm of 220nm at just 1800rpm!! The diesel is the option to choose clearly!! But the 1.4ltr petrol engine is only available with automatic gear box. Overall it’s a gr8 car, safe too as it has 5star crash testing.
Pricing: 4.63-8.23lakhs
Don’t consider it because:
· Performance, not upto the mark, when compared to the competition.
Consider it because:
· Looks are well appointed
· Reliability of a Hyundai
· The safest car in the segment.
· Variety of options to choose from.
· Diesel version is the best option even when compared to the competitors.
Nissan:
Nissan is a fresh player in india. It’s not quite popular in india, but now that that have entered in this market with a radical “toy car” shaped MICRA.
It’s very strange, you can spot this car from anywhere and can easily make out that it’s a micra. From its bold front look to its funky and retro rear finish, it seems like it’s a crossover of a toy car, a retro and a new car. Its offered with two engine options, a 3cylinder 1.2ltr petrol engine (producing 76bhp of power at 6000rpm and 104nm of torque at 4000rpm), and a 1.5ltr diesel engine( producing 64bhp at 4000rpm and 160nm of torque at 2000rpm). But the petrol version is suggested. The diesel engine is shared by the logan, or shall I say, verito. Very unique car interms of the interiors too… you feel like a retro car has been modified…The Micra does come across as a cute and cheerful design which will surely appeal to women. The Micra is also pretty practical. There is good amount of space for odds and ends and the door pockets are of a decent size. However, the double glovebox which is standard in the European-spec cars is missing and the Indian version only gets a single and very tiny glove compartment.
Like all Nissans, there is no traditional key on this car. You get a keyless entry fob that allows you to yank the door open with it still sitting in your pocket, and the motor is fired with the help of a push button. The keyless start / stop feature is in fact a key feature! It’s the first for a B-segment car.
Like all Nissans, there is no traditional key on this car. You get a keyless entry fob that allows you to yank the door open with it still sitting in your pocket, and the motor is fired with the help of a push button. The keyless start / stop feature is in fact a key feature! It’s the first for a B-segment car.
Pricing: 4.15-6.12lakhs
dont consider it because:
· Lack of gadgetry that is expected in a car of this budget.
· Diesel engine, lacks power.
· Odd looking design may not please male-buyers
Consider it because:
· Start/stop button, a 1st in this segment.
· Fills the void between the polo and swift.
· Gr8 seating space for all four passengers
· Will surely please female buyers.
Tata:
Tatas now, are trying to rebuilt their image with the new series of car, exclusively designed in Italy. Vista is such example. It shares the engine, transmission with the fiat. Tata set out to deliver even more car per car with the new indica Vista.
More of everything — space, comfort, refinement, performance, the lot. By and large, Tata has succeeded for the Vista is a thoroughly engineered and modern hatchback. Tata has used new materials, new processes and their competence has reached a new level. You truly can’t get more space or comfort in this class, the interiors have moved up the quality ladder and with the addition of Fiat’s fabulous 1.3 Multi-jet, the Vista now is as refined, powerful and efficient as any of its competitors. They offer you 3 engine options, two petrol and one diesel. Let us start with petrol. They offer a 1.2ltr engine that produces 65bhp@5500rpm and 1.4ltr engine that produces 90bhp@6000rpm and 116nm torque@4750rpm and the diesel, sourced from fiat produces 75bhp@4000rpm and 190nm torque@1750rpm. All are powered by 5speed gearbox. Car is gr8, there are no such problems with it. The problem will be the “taxi” image that indica has…
Pricing: 3.65-6.03lakhs.
Don’t consider it because:
· Taxi image to indica
· Interior finishing still needs to improve.
Consider it because:
· Great package deal under 4.5lakhs, its still the one of the roomiest when compared to the under 4.5lakh cars.
· Tata’s service is cheap and cost of ownership is also the least.
· Fiat’s engine and European gearbox gives it an edge over others.
Toyota:
Toyota had planned to enter into hatchback market way back in 2010. But they dint launch their yaris or any other present small acr. But instead, they designed a car, small car, specifically for the developing countries. They came up with the etios.
Etios liva:
This very car is the most aviated hatch in india. Nearly all auto magazines and shows had their eyes on its launch. They said with toyota’s reliability and trust and cheap pricing, this car can be the “competition killer”. Yet the car has received mixed reviews, because of its designing. Its not pretty, but it gets the work done. Exteriors are “ok-ish”, still, the rear end is way better than the bigger sister, etios’s rear end. The engine that you presently get is ta 1.2ltr 4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 80bhp @5600 rpm and 104nm torque@3100rpm. Its fair enough for india. But wait for few months and you’ll get a diesel 1.4ltr engine that drives the corolla altis in liva. You may also get that 1.4ltr petrol engine that drives the etios. This car, undoubtly, will drive in sales and success for the Toyota. There are no such problems. No, I’m kidding, there are many problems with. This is the no-frills car from Toyota. Step inside the car, and you’ll be greeted with not-so beautiful looking interiors. They might be practical, but they are definitely not pretty. The rear passenger cabin is good, Toyotas have put in efforts to make it comfortable, and it shows. Overall, it’s a gr8 car, but the looks might not please everyone. Yes, the car is extremely reliable, they engines are bulletproof, literally!
Pricing: starts at 4.01lakhs and goes till 6.02lakhs!
Don’t consider it because:
· Looks!
· Cheap interiors
Consider it because:
· Toyota’s trust and reliability
· Attractive pricing.
And now, at last, the sister cars.
Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen polo.
You might be wondering how come they’re sister cars. Well, Volkswagen owns Skoda Company, and so they supply engines and technology to them. They both share the platform, engines, parts, etc. they might be different in looks but they are similar when it comes to “under the hood”.
Skoda Fabia:
This car has been in India for a long time now and hasn’t been successful. It was a premium offering before, like a small version of Octavia, but when it failed to run, Skoda introduced some cost cutting in order to reduce the cost of the car. Before it used to cost somewhere around 5-8lakhs, now it costs 4lakhs! They took out all goodies from it, even power windows so to keep the prices low. They’ve installed a new 1.2ltr petrol engine, sourced from the Volkswagen and a bigger 1.6ltr petrol engine, also from Volkswagen.
The exteriors are modern and European from all aspects. No one will hate this car because it is beautiful..!! And the area where it scores the max marks is the interiors. Step in with a blind fold on your eyes and you will feel like as if you are in a Skoda Octavia or Laura. Everything feels rich and plush, everything…!! The seating space is the best and roomiest in the hatchback segment. The only area where it isn’t good is the cost of ownership. Being a premium car, you will be subjected to premium after sales service. And yes, that will pinch your pockets badly. The downgraded 1.2ltr petrol engine lacks the power in the initial, but rev it to 2800rpm and you will get a surge of power, (short supply though) till 6000rpm Which is ample for the cities. The bigger engine is good, but not excellent, as it is tuned for efficiency and not hard performance. And diesel engine is the best when it comes to mileage.
Pricing starts from 4.46 to 6.88lahks.
Don’t consider it because:
· High cost of maintenance.
· Not a gr8 performer on road.
Consider it because:
· High class! Rich interiors feel like a class apart!
· Now with reduced prices, it’s a bargain!
Volkswagen polo:
Ok this car has managed to get some sales for the company. It’s a gr8 deal; its refined, practical, etc. the car feels any other German car, “obsessed with qualities” if you’d say. The fit and finish is remarkable, and interiors are pleasant, but the rear passenger space is a thing to worry about. Like the sister, it also has 3 engine variants, 1.2ltr and 1.6ltr petrol and a diesel 1.2ltr version. The car is known worldwide for its handling and performance, but now as the engines are tuned for better fuel consumption, so ignore the performance. The handling as amazing, thanks to the well set up suspensions. German engineering at an affordable price is what the Polo aims to offer in the Indian market.. On the face of it, it sounds like a great deal but it’s only when you delve into the specification sheet (a lot of essential equipment is missing) or realize that the price ‘walk’ between the base and top-end variants is quite a bit, the Polo doesn’t quite set a benchmark for value for money. But that’s not the reason to buy Polo. This is a premium hatchback and, apart from the average range of engines, it lives up to the part. It’s contemporary, smartly styled, has a plush ride and a special premium feel that no other hatchback offers. The built-to-last Polo is for those who want a safe, solid and sensible hatchback.
Pricing: 4.60-7.11lakhs
Don’t consider it because:
· A lot of essential equipment is missing.
· Top end model is overpriced.
Consider it because:
· Solid, reliable German built, will last long.
· Gr8 option under 5lakh rupee.
-stealthracer
