The hatchback segment in India has been the domain of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Over 60 percent of the hatchback sales are managed by these two automakers. However, Renault made its presence felt in the segment with the arrival of Kwid in 2015. This year, Tata Tiago and Datsun redi-Go also put up a stellar battle in the entry level hatchback segment. The hatchback launches lined up for 2017 now indicates that competition is going to be tougher. Carmakers are coming up with new models that are unique and fill the sweet spot between price ranges. We have compiled a list of 10 upcoming hatchbacks in India.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for the launch of its first compact crossover, Ignis. The launch of its third product via Nexa premium chain has been scheduled for January 13. Ignis features a boxy design yet it looks distinct and funky from other small cars in India. It comes with rectangular projector headlights with integrated DRLs, a sharper front bumper that houses fog lamps and a honeycomb front grille.
On the interior, Ignis will feature unique toggle switches, large tab-like screen and sporty speedometer dial. Being a premium product, the company will offer interior trim pieces to customise with different colour options. Ignis for India has been confirmed with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel unit. The petrol engine is expected to churn out power output of 84bhp and 115Nm, while the diesel mill is expected with 74bhp of power and 190Nm peak torque. Both the engines will be mated to the choice of manual and automatic transmission options. Prices are expected to start at Rs 5 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
Maruti Suzuki Baleno's go faster version, Baleno RS, is expected in February-March time frame. The highlight of Baleno RS is its Boosterjet engine. This turbo petrol mill is expected to churn out 110bhp and 170Nm of peak torque mated to five-speed manual.
Mauti Suzuki will differentiate Baleno RS from the regular Baleno with sportier front and rear bumpers. It will also get Bi-xenon automatic headlamps with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, side skirts and new diamond-cut alloy wheels in dark shade. On the inside, the performance hatchback will boast of automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This will be the second affordable hatchback in the country to be equipped with all-wheel disc brakes.
2017 Chevrolet Beat
American car maker General Motors (GM) has confirmed that it will launch the new Chevrolet Beat in India in 2017. The new Beat will get a more contemporary looking face and a premium interior with features like Chevrolet's MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Under the hood, the India-spec version is expected to come with the same petrol and diesel powertrain. The 56bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine and 76bhp 1.0-litre diesel motor comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Chevrolet Beat Activ
The quirky Beat Activ concept was the star of GM pavilion at Auto Expo 2016 and following positive response, Chevrolet decided to come up with a production-spec. Launch of Beat Activ can be expected by the end of 2017.
Beat Activ will feature off-road friendly bits such as skid plates at front and rear bumpers, 15-inch wheel design and a revised suspension that increases the ride height by 10mm. The crossover will come with unique grille pattern with Activ nameplate, contrasting wheelhouse moldings and hatchback cladding, rocker moldings and roof rail. The interior of the vehicle will feature standard black colour, heated leatherette front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The package will also include Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, rear-vision camera system, cruise control, remote keyless entry and steering wheel controls for phone and audio system.
Spark Activ will be powered by an Ecotec 1.4-litre petrol engine offered with a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
New Hyundai Grand i10
South Korean auto major Hyundai is reportedly planning to kick-start its product launch strategy for 2017 in India with the Grand i10 facelift. The new Grand i10 will sport a reworked front bumper and a set of new funky round LED daytime running lights positioned at the top edges of the grille. On the rear, the hatchback will get a beefed up bumper design with thick black inlay and round rear fog lamps complementing the design change in the front. Redesigned side moldings and newly designed alloy wheels will round off the fresh profile of the new Grand i10.
Mechanically, Grand i10 is likely to remain untouched in the new avatar. Currently, Hyundai Grand i10 petrol variant is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa engine that can churn out 82bhp and 116 Nm. The diesel model of the vehicle houses a 1.1-litre three cylinder U2 VGT motor engine that delivers 70bhp power and 163 Nm of torque.
New Maruti Suzuki Swift
The next generation of the Maruti Suzuki Swift hatchback will debut in India during the festive season. Leaked images indicate that Swift in its new avatar will get a reworked front end with LED Daytime Running Lamps, larger air dams and LED tail lamps. Inside the cabin, Swift is expected to get more upmarket interiors with a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink compatibility, twin-pod instrument cluster and new flat-bottom steering wheel.
The new Swift is likely to continue with the 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel engines. However, rumour has it that a 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine could make it to the new Swift.
Hyundai Eon facelift
With the arrival of Renault Kwid and Datsun redi-Go, completion in the entry-level hatchback segment has got intense. Hyundai will launch the new Eon in this segment. It is expected to undergo extensive changes both inside and outside. As for engine, the new Eon is likely to carry the same engines of the exiting model. In India, Hyundai Eon is sold in two engine options -- 800 cc petrol and 1.0 litre three-cylinder one. The new addition will be four-speed automatic transmission in the 1.0 litre variant.
Tata Tiago Plus
Tata Motors is reportedly working on a performance spec version of the Tiago hatchback christened as Tiago Plus. Tiago Plus is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol motor that could belt out a power of nearly 120bhp. In addition to the souped up engine, Tiago Plus is expected to feature lowered suspension and stiffer damping. It is also expected to get an aggressive body kit. The kit may include sportier front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoiler and side decals.
Launch of Tiago Plus is expected by the end of 2017. The regular Tiago's top end diesel version is priced at Rs 5.60 lakh. Hence, Tiago Plus' price can be expected between Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.
All-new Nissan Micra
Japanese car maker Nissan introduced the fifth generation of its small car, Micra, in September 2016. The India launch of the model is expected during the festive season of 2017. Based on the Sway concept, the new Micra measures 3,995mm in length, 1,742mm in width and 1,452mm in height. The overall design of the 2017 Micra flaunts flowing design accentuated by sweptback headlamps, extensively molded bumper, a chrome grille and 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
The new Nissan Micra will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel - 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The transmission duties will be carried out by a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic unit.
Renault Kwid Racer and Climber
Renault India showcased Kwid Climber and racer concepts at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. As the name suggests, Kwid racer is focused for track use. It has been showcased with wide air intakes, spoiler, diffuser, 18-inch alloy wheels on low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats with four-point harness, roll cage and digital rev counter.
Kwid Climber is an off-roader and comes with features like short overhangs, high ground clearance, fattened bumpers and side protective mouldings. It also has features like specially-designed pattern tyres and diamond cut wheels with extensions highlighted in electric blue shade. Inside, it gets Nappa leather for the steering wheel and upholstery.
The production versions of Kwid Climber and Racer will be toned down to keep the price in check. It is more likely to be offered as limited edition variants. Launch can be expected in mid-2017.
