Top-5 Upcoming Hatchbacks in India

In India, hatchbacks are way more popular than any other segment and it holds a massive 50 per cent of total passenger vehicle sales. The increasing number of first time buyers keep hatchback sales on top of the chart. On the other hand, premium hatchbacks are also performing well and adding numbers. With the introduction of more powerful hatchbacks or hot hatches like Polo TDI and luxury hatchbacks like BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class, buyers are getting more options within the segment.

As the segment holds the biggest pie, all the manufacturers want to give their best shot to it. Therefore, there are a lot of options available and market leaders like Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai are selling multiple products in the segment. MSI sells Alto 800, K10, Celerio, WagonR, StingRay, Ritz and Swift in the segment, while Hyundai sells EON, Santro, i10, Grand i10 and Elite i20. Even after this fierce competition, there is a long list of upcoming hatches, from which we have selected top-5 upcoming hatch backs in India

Maruti Celerio Diesel:

Launched during the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi, the Celerio have been a success for MSI. The Celerio was first Indian car to be offered with an AMT (Automatic Manual Transmission), which helped it to become an instant hit. Now, MSI is planning to introduce a diesel engine on the Celerio to further enhance its reach. There are no official details available on the engine, but multiple reports suggest that it will use a newly developed 800cc, 2 cylinder engine. We are expecting this engine to be frugal and refined, which will be a key highlight of the Celerio diesel. There are also chances that Maruti Suzuki might offer AMT with Celerio diesel. As diesel cars have been quite popular lately, an affordable, fuel efficient diesel hatchback from stables of Maruti Suzuki will surely be a success.

Expected Price: Rs. 4-5 lac
Expected Launch: Late 2015

New Honda Jazz Diesel:

The 1.5-litre i-DTEC Earthdream engine put Honda back on the sales chart as all three Honda cars with diesel engine are selling like hot cakes. The same engine makes new Honda Jazz, one of the most anticipated cars in India. Designed on Honda’s Exciting H design philosophy, the new Jazz takes designing cues from the current City. The Jazz will be offered with the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol and 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. As it shares platform with the current City, we are expecting it to be priced somewhere around Elite i20. As the Jazz is known for its roomy interiors and premiumness, the next gen Jazz has already have people waiting for it and the addition of the diesel engine will surely make a big hit.

Expected Price: Rs. 5-6 lac
Expected Launch: Early 2015

Tata Bolt:

Home grown manufacturer has recently launched all new Zest and is now gearing up for the launch of its hatch sibling Bolt. Albeit the fact that it shares its platform and basic design with the Indica Vista; the Bolt has been designed to distinguish it from any other Tata car. It comes with a newly designed fascia and replaces the rear Christmas tree tail lamps, the cabin is also designed from the scratch. The Bolt will use the same 1.3-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines of the Zest. The Bolt has all to be successful be it potent engines, styling or the plush cabin, above all we are expecting a very competitive price tag for it.

Expected Price: Rs. 4-5 lac
Expected Launch: Late 2014 or Early 2015

New Ford Figo:

When launched, Ford Figo used to sell well, but the increased competition has given a dent to its sales. However, Ford is going to do a complete makeover to its popular hatch and will also introduce a compact sedan Figo+ in the Indian market. Ford Figo has already received a facelift in the Brazilian market and by next year the next gen Figo is expected to reach at Ford India dealerships. The new Figo is selling well in Brazil and we are hoping the same in India as well. The car has received a complete makeover as it has been designed on a completely new platform and will receive a new 1.0-litre Ti-VCT engine. However, it will retain its 1.4-litre diesel engine. So, a new frugal petrol engine, a refreshing new design and Ford’s perfect ride and handling will definitely make the new Ford Figo a desirable car.

Expected Price: Rs. 4-5 lac
Expected Launch: mid-2015

Renault’s Entry Level Hatch and Datsun Redi-GO:

Renault has already announced to bring a new small car in the Indian market. The car will be based on Renault’s new Common Module Family (CMF) platform, called CMF-A. It will use a newly developed 3 cylinder, 800cc petrol engine. There is no further information available on its design or how it will look. The car is expected by mid-2015 and it will cost under Rs. 3 lakh.

Expected Price: Rs. 3 lac
Expected Launch: mid-2015

On the other hand, Nissan owned Datsun is also bringing its Redi-GO, which was showcased at 2014 Auto Expo. The Redi-GO will use the platform and engine of Renault’s small car, however the designs of both the cars will differ. The Redi-GO concept was quite impressive, however the final production model will differ as Redi-GO will be a budget hatchback. Though, we wish that Datsun retains the basic design; as its crossover like looks will attract buyers towards it. The Redi-GO will be positioned under the GO and will also price it under Rs. 3 lakh.

Both these cars will compete with the likes of Alto 800 and Hyundai EON.

Expected Price: Rs. 3 lac
Expected Launch: Late 2015 or Early 2016