Hatchbacks are loved in India because they are cheaper than other segments and also offers a better mileage. It’s a combination that has been used and abused for a long time by a lot of companies, and yet it remains to be a favourite.
The Auto Expo 2016 saw new hatchback launches along with announcements about the future of upcoming hatchbacks that several companies have lined up.
We decided to put together a list of the best hatchbacks that made their way to the Expo, and being unable to choose a favourite, the list is in no particular order.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
There are several types of approaches that companies take while designing hatchbacks like mileage, manoeuvrability, looks or sometimes being more spacious than other offerings in the segment.
Volkswagen, though, has taken an approach that is unusual in India – to be the fastest in the category.
The new Polo GTI is powered by a 1.8 litre petrol/2.0 litre diesel engine that churns out 192/230 horsepower, respectively. To give you a perspective, most of the hatchbacks in India don’t even touch 100 hp.
What this means is that this car will be the fastest hatchback by Volkswagen to hit our roads.
Also Read: Review: The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is a 7-Speed Rocket
Renault Kwid
Renault India is having a good run with the launch of their latest offering, the Kwid, and the company has unveiled three new versions of the Kwid, along with a facelift of one of their bestselling models – the Renault Duster, at the Expo.
The Kwid has managed to gain some momentum in the entry level hatchback segment. It emerged as a rival to the mighty Maruti Suzuki Alto since Alto has been dominating every other offering in the segment.
Of the three new Kwids on display, the Racer (Concept) was the one that caught everyone’s attention.
Also Read: Renault’s 3 New Kwids & Duster Facelift Unveiled at Auto Expo 2016
Chevrolet Beat Active
Chevrolet showcased an off-roader concept of Beat called Beat Active at the Auto Expo.
The car came with state of the art connectivity and technology including Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system.
With the introduction of new products, GM claims that it is committed to increase the localisation of its vehicles built in India to over 85 percent within five years.
We hope that they come out with a production variant of the Beat Active soon, and do not make it bland. Something that usually happens when concept cars become production cars.
Also Read: GM Announces Chevrolet Essentia at Delhi Auto Expo 2016
Maruti Ignis
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has released two new car models at the Auto Expo 2016.
The company showcased concept models of Ignis and Baleno RS. Both the models, the company has announced, will be sold under the brand’s premium marker, Nexa.
The vehicles, which are targeted towards the youth, will hit Indian showrooms around the ‘festive season’. This should be taken as an indication of a Diwali release for both the cars.
The design of Ignis seems to be of a tall car, an attempt that was recently undertaken by Mahindra in the form of KUV100.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Releases Concept Car Ignis & Baleno RS
Tata Nexon
Tata Motors got themselves a football-sized arena at this year’s Auto Expo 2016 which gave them the space to show their future line up.
This line up included the likes of Tata Hexa (SUV), Tata Kite 5 (sub-4 metre sedan), Tata Nexon (hatchback) and the recently launched Zica.
The Nexon definitely looked fantastic, but then again it is a concept and we will never see a car up for grabs that looks exactly like the one on display at Tata’s pavillion.
Nevertheless, concepts usually look great and become good showstoppers for both, the company and the public.
Also Read: Tata Motors Field Nexon, Hexa SUV & Kite 5 at Auto Expo 2016
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