Hits and misses in the premium hatchback segment

Remember that orange Swift from 'Bunty Aur Babli'; Maruti Suzuki was a pioneer in creating an era of premium hatchbacks in the Indian sub-continent. The orange Swift in the movie made people go gaga over it! In this spree, several manufacturers introduced their product in the segment.

Its been almost a decade since Swift entered India, let's roll down the memory lane to see India's hottest segment. But let me tell you, all these years Swift has been an undisputed champion in this space!

Long live the king - Maruti Suzuki Swift

Swift was launched in 2005 and company still manages to sell the premium hatch in between the range of 15k plus units every month. Even today, after 9 years Swift calls for a waiting period. Initially in India, Swift was offered with an Esteem borrowed 1.3 liter petrol powertrain but features like automatic climate control, built-in double-din music system and other luxury features made Swift stand apart, as these things were new in hatchback segment at that time. MSI gave Swift a mild facelift until the second generation came couple of years of ago. Seems like Swift will play a long inning, we don't doubt if this nameplate runs for decades to come!

Another attempt - Maruti Ritz

Maruti tried to play another card in the premium hatchback segment with the launch of its Ritz in 2009. The smart tall boy stance of the car and spectacular rear design, Ritz did fancied car buyers but it wasn't able to replicate the success of its cousin Swift. Ritz cannot be termed as a failure but when you are in a leader's clan, you have to be a winner always, finishing as a runner-up just won't do. 

Initial players - Hyundai Getz

Though launched few months before Swift, Getz never tasted the success like Swift did. Initially, Getz rolled well, but after the K-series powered Swift was launched along with the diesel 1.3 Fiat Multi-Jet – it drowned Getz. Hyundai did a major refresh on Getz christened as Getz Prime but that failed.

To boost the sales in the end, Hyundai India fitted the previous generation Verna's 1.5 liter VGT turbo diesel engine and it too failed to garner sales. Ultimately, company discontinued the Getz in 2010.

We are Czech - Skoda Fabia

Skoda was also among the initial players in the premium hatchback space. They introduced the Fabia in 2008. It was certainly the first European hatchback in this premium hatch segment. The European standard build quality, fit and finish of the Fabia differentiated it from the rivals. Fabia received decent success but now due to lack of update and high cost of ownership, the car nowadays sells only minuscule units. Next generation Fabia is reported to enter later this year.

Comeback of Korean's - Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 re-incarnated the success of i10 in India. i20 was launched in 2008 and since then it has been the second best in this segment. Though Swift was the first hatch to offer premium features but i20 has taken this to a whole new level. Six airbags system, reverse parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps were the segment first features that drove the i20 to apex.

The facelift of the i20 brought even more excitement into this car. The facelifted i20 boast a segment first day-time-running-LEDs – increasing the 'Uber Cool' quotient of i20!

Continuing the trend of success - Grand i10

The latest entrant from the Korean's stable is the Grand i10. Though it is the second generation i10 worldwide, in India Hyundai sells it as Grand i10. The car is clocking nearly 9k units monthly, surprised? Success lies in the fact that Hyundai is always ahead when it comes to features. The car packs some phenomenal features like rear AC vents, built-in memory audio unit and of course Indian's favorite hatch i10 is now available in their favorite fuel – diesel. This was destined to happen!

Long Live America - Ford Figo

Ford's lil' baby! Figo is the first hatch offered by the American manufacturer into the Indian market. Figo, since its inception in 2010 turned the fortunes of the company. It was the first export vehicle of Ford India, which is now one of the leading car exporters in India. Figo is actually a chopped Fiesta (Classic). Retaining all the characteristic of sedan indeed Figo is one of the best handling car in the segment.

Packing some segment first features like Bluetooth enabled audio system, best in class boot space and efficient & punchy Duratorq diesel – its the best value-for-money in the segment. The next generation Figo is likely to enter early next year. Cheers to Ford lovers!

Das Auto - VW Polo

Fabia's sibling Polo entered quite late into the segment. Polo with German build quality, efficient diesel, petrol engines and the big car feel helped the car to create its own niche into the segment.

Few years down the line VW introduced various iteration of the Polo, namely, Polo GT TSI, Polo GT TDI and Cross Polo. The GT TSI and GT TDi range are probably the only hot hatches in the country. Polo also offers segment first state-of-art 7-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox.

Italian fling – Fiat Punto – Palio

Fiat entered in the country with a world class product Palio, advertised by Sachin Tendulkar, the vehicle did really well though initially. The 1.6 liter Palio was certainly the first hot hatch of the country packing 100bhp on tap. Palio also came with a lazy 1.9 liter naturally aspirated diesel engine but the pick of the lot was the 1.6 petrol. No updates and introduction of new cars doomed the fate of Palio.

Then came the Italian beauty with a Maserati nose, Punto is most beautiful car in the segment. It is about to receive a major facelift in next couple of months.

Japanese quintessential – Toyota Etios Liva

Liva is the best looking outcome of the Etios platform. Liva was criticized initially for drab looking interiors and absurd styling. Later on company refreshed the Etios but major focus was given to interior detailing.

The company did lifted the interiors but it still lacks the premiumness of the rivals. Though Liva boasts quality, reliability and durability which the company is renowned for.  

Honda Jazz

Honda came up with their first hatch in 2009 - Jazz. It was the roomiest in the lot and was offered only with a petrol engine. Jazz did not receive the success the company was hoping for and they temporarily stopped its production in 2013. A new Jazz is about to be launched in the next couple of months and that too with a diesel engine.

Jazz offered interior space similar to a C-segment sedan with a boot space in excess of 300 liters. Seeing the trend, Honda is settling in with the 1.5 liter i-Dtec which will make the new Jazz the most fuel efficient car in the lot.