The year 2017 is nearing its end and the automobile industry has seen a number of new launches in India in the past 12 months. Fast cars, SUVs and crossovers stormed into India like never before. However, for the hatchback segment, the ongoing year wasn't that great.
Apart from one or two new models the hatchback segment saw only facelifted models and special editions. We have compiled a list of new hatchback entered in the Indian market in 2017.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Maruti Suzuki kick-started its 2017 campaign with the launch of the Ignis. The sub-compact crossover hatchback was the third model to join the company's Nexa premium car chain in India was priced Rs 4.56 lakh upwards, ex-showroom Delhi.
The Ignis is built on a new-generation rigid platform and comes with two engine options — 1.2L VVT petrol and 1.3L DDiS 190 diesel engine.
While the petrol mill in the Ignis is tuned to churn out 82bhp of power at 6,000rpm with a torque of 113Nm at 4,200rpm, the diesel mill generates 74bhp of power at 4,000 rpm along with a torque of 190Nm at 2,000 rpm. Both engines are offered in manual and AMT transmission options.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
Maruti Suzuki stepped into the performance-car territory with the launch of the Baleno RS in March. The go-faster version of the Baleno packs a 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine, which is tuned to churn out 100bhp at 5,500rpm and 150Nm of torque at 1,700 to 4,500rpm.
This is the first turbo-petrol engine in any Maruti Suzuki model sold in India. The mill is mated to five-speed manual transmission.
Despite it being a performance model, the Baleno RS claims to offer an impressive 21.1kmpl of fuel efficiency. The Baleno RS has been priced at Rs 8,37,885, ex-showroom Delhi.
Hyundai new Grand i10
South Korean car-maker Hyundai updated its Grand i10 hatchback in February. The 2017 Grand i10 gets a cascade-design front grille and an aerodynamic profile, characterised by the signature Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
It features new radiator grille design, redesigned new bumper and new LED DRLs (daytime running lights) at the front.
At the rear, the 2017 Grand i10 comes with a dual-tone bumper with incorporated reflectors. The hatchback rides on new diamond-cut alloys, and the wheel covers have been refreshed.
One of the major changes in the new 2017 Grand i10 is under the hood. The Grand i10 in its new avatar now gets a 1.2L U2 CRDI diesel mill, replacing the 1.1-litre diesel unit.
The new engine is tuned to generate 74bhp of power at 4,000rpm along with 190Nm of torque at 1,750-2,250rpm. The other is the same 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT Petrol generates 82bhp power at 6,000rpm and 113.8NM torque at 4,000rpm.
Datsun redi-Go 1.0-litre
Nissan's subsidiary Datsun launched the more powerful redi-Go hatchback with no cosmetic upgrade in July. Priced at Rs 3.57 lakh onwards, the redi-Go 1.0L draws power from the same 999cc three-cylinder, petrol engine that does duty in Renault Kwid 1.0L.
This engine is tuned to churn out 67bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 91Nm of torque at 4,250rpm mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The new variant of the small car also claims to have a fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl.
Maruti Suzuki new Celerio
Maruti Suzuki launched the facelifted Celerio hatchback in India in October. The new Celerio has been priced in the range of Rs 4.15-5.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
In its new updated avatar, the Celerio gets a restyled front fascia with a mesh grille and chrome toppings. New fog lamp bezels enhance the look of the car.
The overall body proportion and the design of the Celerio are untouched. On the inside, the hatchback gets patterned seats and contrasting interiors in black.
The Celerio continues to be offered with the 998cc K-series petrol engine that produces 67hp of power and 90Nm of torque, mated to AMT (Automated Manual Technology) or manual gearbox.
