Some of the already popular hatchbacks in India are getting new generations while the new entrants are trying to make a big impact as well
India is always known for its love towards hatchback models and even though some new segments like compact sedan and SUV has emerged as more popular among customers in recent times, the volume in hatchback segment is really high which is why manufacturers spent lots of money to develop new models. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 most awaited hatchback to be launched in India later this year.
1. New Generation Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai commenced works on the third generation of Grand i10 last year and the new model is expected to be introduced by the festival season. The Grand i10 gets an evolutionary design theme as the front get new headlamps along with signature grille of Hyundai and a new bumper with redesigned fog lamp inserts and LED DRLs.
The side design is similar to the current model but the alloy wheels will get a new design while the rear is also completely new with updated tail lamps and bumper. The interior gets a modern design theme and it will be packed with lots of features. The Grand i10 is expected to come only with 1.2 L petrol engine as diesel is not so popular in the segment and it will be mated to manual and AMT gearbox options.
2. Tata Altroz
Tata Motors officially revealed the new Altroz at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The Altroz is based on the new modular ALFA platform, which will be the base for all models under 4.3 m in length. The design theme of Altroz is based on the Impact Design 2.0, which debuted in Tata Harrier and length will be below 4 metres to get excise duty benefits.
The front gets signature black grille along with swept back headlamp and a new bumper while the side gets 16-inch alloy wheels and the rear gets LED tail lamps. The interior design theme took inspirations from Nexon and the hatchback will be loaded with features. The Altroz will be powered by a petrol engine and the EV model will be introduced next year.
3. New Generation Maruti Suzuki Alto
Maruti Suzuki is developing a new generation of Alto and it is likely to be launched in the market later this year. The Alto is one of the most popular models of the company in India and it will switch to new Heartect platform as the hatchback need to meet the crash test and safety rule, which will be introduced later this year.
The new generation Alto will take design inspirations from the Future S concept showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. The SUV design theme will make the hatchback more popular among customers and the interior is futuristic with a single pod instrument cluster in the middle. The Alto is expected to be powered by a new 1.0 L petrol engine and mated to manual and auto gearbox options.
4. New-Generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Celerio has been in the market for over 5 years now and the company is working on a new generation model of Celerio. The upcoming model will be based on the new Heartect platform as the hatchback need to meet the new safety rule. The design is expected to be evolutionary and dimensions are likely to be improved.
The interior of the Celerio is expected to be modern and quality of materials might improve over the current model. The hatchback will be loaded with features like touch screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, reverse camera with features, multi-function steering wheel and more. The hatchback will be powered 1.2 L K-Series petrol engine from Swift with manual and AMT gearbox options.
5. Nissan Leaf
Nissan introduced the second generation Leaf in 2017 and it is one of the best selling EV in Europe. The company has sold more than 4,00,000 units of Leaf till now and it has been spotted in India many times. The Leaf is expected to be launched later this year in India and it will get benefits as part of the FAME-II scheme.
The Leaf is powered by a 40 kWh battery pack and it uses an EM57 electric motor, which produces 150 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque. The claimed range is around 400 km, which could vary depending on road and climate conditions. The hatchback can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes using a fast charger.