There is no doubt that SUVs are becoming the vehicle of choice for Indian car buyers lately. Nevertheless, the hatchback segment is still a significant market driver. Hatchbacks provide the ideal balance of room and compactness for easy manoeuvrability in traffic especially in a country like India where we find congested and busy roads so often. The year 2023 witnessed a range of vital SUV launches for the domestic market. However, many prominent players in the Indian automotive sector also rolled out several hatchbacks to maintain or increase their market share and provide potential customers with more affordable options when they plan their next car purchase. Here are the top hatchback launches of this year.
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Tata Altroz iCNG
Tata Motors, one of the most prominent automakers in the country, launched the Altroz iCNG at a starting price of Rs 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom) in May this year. It is the first car in India to utilise the brand's unique twin-cylinder CNG technology. The external differences between the petrol-powered model and the Altroz CNG are minor, except for the 'iCNG' emblem on the latter's tailboard. Tata Motors concealed the two 30-litre CNG tanks beneath the trunk floor to maximise cargo space. Previously, CNG tanks took up nearly the entire boot area. The boot of the Altroz CNG is 210-litre, as opposed to 345-litre in the standard Altroz. The domestic carmaker offers six trim levels for the Altroz iCNG: XE, XM+, XM+(S), XZ, XZ+(S), and XZ+O(S). Furthermore, Avenue White, Downtown Red, Arcade Grey, and Opera Blue are the available colour options.
Coming to the mechanicals, the hatchback is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol mill with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The petrol model produces 88bhp and 115Nm of peak torque, while in CNG mode, the output is 77bhp and 103Nm of torque. Feature-wise, the car boasts an electric sunroof with voice assistance, a wireless charger, and an air purifier as standard interior features. Other conveniences include an 8-speaker Harman touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, premium leatherette seats, fully automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a height-adjustable driver seat.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift
In January this year, Hyundai rolled out the all-new Grand i10 Nios for the Indian market at an introductory starting price of Rs 5.68 lakh. The latest iteration of the hatchback is offered in a total of four variants, namely, Era, Magna, Sportz, and Asta. The price range for the updated model ranges between Rs 5.73 lakh and Rs 8.13 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.
A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 113.8Nm of peak torque and 82bhp of power propells the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The car's maximum output when powered by a dual-fuel engine (petrol and CNG) is 68bhp and 95.2Nm. Both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission are paired with the petrol unit. In contrast, the dual-fuel engine has a 5-speed manual transmission. The two powertrains comply with the stringent RDE requirements. The feature set of the car comprises a fully automated climate control system, a wireless phone charger, a Type C fast USB charger, an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit, an inside door handle with a metal finish, a smart key with push button start/stop, grey upholstery with piping and Nios embossing, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
MG Comet EV
The most affordable electric car in India is the MG Comet EV. This boxy and compact hatchback is a great car for driving in the city, even though it is smaller than its competitors. The MG Comet EV was priced at Rs 7.98 lakh (ex-showroom) when it was first made available in 2023. Due to this, it became a formidable competitor to the Tata Tiago EV. From a design perspective, the electric hatchback looks stunning, and the interior feels modern and futuristic. The Comet EV has a 230 km driving range on a single charge.
Numerous features are included in the model, including an OTA update system, a reverse parking camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7.25-inch fully digital instrument dashboard, an i-Smart linked car technology, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Comet's engine, which combines an electric motor with a 17.3kWh battery pack, can produce up to 41bhp and 110Nm of peak torque.
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2023 Hyundai i20 N Line
The 2023 i20 N Line went on sale in the Indian market in September 2023, carrying a starting price tag of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The revised Hyundai i20 N Line is powered by a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine that generates 118bhp and 172Nm. But instead of using the iMT gearbox, the South Korean carmaker switched to a genuine 6-speed manual gearbox. The 7-speed DCT is still the only available automatic transmission and is now offered with both models. In addition, the suspension and steering systems of the car are changed. Its suspension system is more rigid than that of the standard model, and all four wheels are equipped with disc brakes.
The interior and safety feature package has a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, a digital driver's display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-speaker Bose audio system, sunroof, cruise control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, keyless entry with push-button start, six airbags, four disc-brakes, ESC, hill-hold assist, a tyre pressure monitor (TPMS), and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors.
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