New Hatchbacks Revealed at the Auto Expo 2016

The Auto Expo 2016 was an incredible event in terms of both - product showcasing and number of footfalls. Where sedans and SUVs attracted a lot of eyeballs, the hatchbacks which forms the majority of the market share, were not behind in showing their potential. Here we have listed the new hatchbacks that were the most talked about at the Auto Expo.

Kwid 1.0 litre

The small sensation from Renault India has donned a new avatar with new engine and transmission. Kwid’s new engine is a 1.0 litre petrol motor that produces 77bhp and 90Nm of max torque comes mated to an Easy-R transmission system. The new variant is scheduled to be launched in the mid of 2016 and certainly, at a higher price tag. We can expect the price of new Renault Kwid AMT around Rs. 4 lac. Going by the specs and features, Renault Kwid 1.0 with AMT is sure to take the segment by storm, the same segment under which Hyundai Eon 1.0 and Alto K10 falls in.

Tata Zica

Tata Zica, the next-generation breed of hatchbacks was also showcased at the Expo. In fact, the people of the country have already been apprised about the car way before the unveil at the Expo. The new Zica possesses a brand new design philosophy along with upmarket features that will surely set the fire in the B1 category of hatchbacks. In terms of powertrains, there are brand new diesel and petrol engines viz. 1.05 Revotorq and the 1.2 litre Revotron which are capable of churning out 70PS and 85PS respectively. Other notable features will be ConnectNext infotainment system with USB, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity along with the facility of Juke App and Navigation.

Punto Pure

Fiat also revealed or actually launched the Punto Pure hatchback at the event. The car is the pre-facelift version of the outphased Punto. Launched at a price of Rs. 4.49 lac, Punto Pure is being offered with both petrol and diesel engine options along with some cosmetic changes. The 1.2 litre FIRE mill produces 67bhp and 96Nm of peak torque, while the 1.3 litre Multi-jet diesel engine generates 75bhp and 197Nm of max torque. Both the engines are linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car currently competes with Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Swift in the segment.

Baleno RS

The king of small cars in India revealed yet another product for the growing premium hatchback market within the country. The new Baleno RS is the spruced up version of the current Baleno with 1.0 litre BoosterJet engine under the hood. The engine comes with direct-injection turbocharging technology that pumps out 110bhp and top torque rated at 170Nm. The powertrain will be coupled to 5-speed manual gearbox. Other featuresin the car are expected to remain the same, except a few itty bits.

Polo GTI

Volkswagen Polo GTI was also amongst the glittering cars at the expo. The vehicle is the performance packed version of the current Polo and is already on sale in the European markets. The powerhouse underneath is what differentiates it from the standard Polo. The engine is a 1.8 litre TSi turbocharged petrol mill which musters 192PS, while the torque throughput stands at 250Nm. The motor is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch DSG automatic transmission. The new VW Polo GTI is expected to be launched in India this September and will be locking horns with another formidable contender Abarth Punto EVO in the segment.

Chevrolet Beat ACTIV

The only car after Tavera which has boosted the brand image of the American automaker in the Indian market is none other than the Beat hatchback. Selling like hotcakes for years, the small car needed some upgrade to keep up with the ever changing trends. For that, Chevrolet, the subsidiary of General Motors, showcased the next-gen Beat at the Expo, but in a concept form. Although, the production version will be almost the same. The new Beat adorns brand new aesthetics updates that will surely revive its trust in the hearts of Indian car enthusiasts.

Also Read: SUVs Showcased at Auto Expo 2016