We present a list of the most anticipated hatchbacks of 2018 that you should definitely look forward to.
Hatchbacks still make up for a major chunk of car sales in India because they are fuel efficient and very easy to drive in chaotic traffic. Despite the ongoing SUV frenzy, the hatchback segment continues to remain a very competitive space for carmakers trying to squeeze the best of their cost-effective engineering into their new hatchbacks.
Here are the eight exciting hatchbacks that are headed our way this year.
Hyundai i20 facelift
The i20 has proved to be a very popular premium hatchback among the Indian buyers and has been a strong seller right from the day it was launched back in 2014. Now, it’s time that the i20 gets a makeover to continue to be competitive against the Baleno and the Jazz.
The updated model will feature cosmetic tweaks – most prominent one being the implementation of Hyundai’s new ‘cascade’ grille up front. Minor tweaks to the car’s rear and interior are also expected. Hyundai is also rumoured to launch the facelifted car with a CVT gearbox. India will be the first country to get the i20 facelift.
Expected launch: February 2018
Honda Jazz facelift
The Jazz, the i20’s main rival, is also expected to receive minor nip and tuck in 2018 to keep it fresh. Unlike the i20 facelift, the facelifted Jazz has already been revealed globally, and the changes made to the updated model are very subtle. The front features a revised grille, new headlamps that now house full-LED lights and a sharply contoured bumper. Changes to the rear are limited to a slightly re-profiled bumper. The interior of the Jazz facelift will remain largely identical to the current model, and so will be the engine and gearbox options.
Expected launch: February 2018
All-new Maruti Suzuki Swift
One of the most sought after hatchbacks in India, the Swift, will soon undergo a generation switch, making it even more competitive. The new Swift is based on Suzuki’s new ‘Heartect’ modular platform, which also underpins the Dzire, Baleno and Ignis.
As usual, the new Swift will share a lot of its components with the Dzire; however, the car gets a sportier F-Type-esque grill upfront. The petrol and diesel engines will be carried over from the outgoing model, however, we can expect the new Swift to gain an automatic transmission for the first time.
Expected launch: February 2018
Tata Tiago Sport
The Tata Tiago Sport has been in the rumour mill for quite some time now, and it seems like the domestic carmaker might finally reveal its first-ever production performance hatchback at the upcoming Auto Expo. The Tiago Sport will feature sporty exterior tweaks to differentiate it from the standard model. However, the bigger news is the adoption of Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine under the Tiago’s hood.
While it is not known if this motor would pump out an exact same 108bhp and 170Nm of the Nexon, it certain that it will be more powerful than the standard Tiago. Once launched, the Tiago Sport will potentially be the most affordable hot (read warm) hatch in India.
Expected launch: February 2018
Ford Figo facelift/ Figo cross
Ford will step into the hatchback-crossover bandwagon space with its Figo cross. The cross, rumoured to be named as Figo Freestyle, is based on the Figo hatchback, which will also get a facelift for 2018. Both the upcoming cars have already been spied on multiple occasions. Both the Figo facelift and Figo cross will feature their own bespoke new grille designs. The latter will gain some body cladding for the semi-rugged crossover feel.
The interior of the Figo range is also expected to undergo some changes. Most likely, Ford will offer a touchscreen infotainment system in updated models. Also, since Ford has revealed a new petrol engine and a new torque converter gearbox on the updated EcoSport, we expect Ford to incorporate them on the new Figos as well.
Expected launch: March 2018
Datsun Cross
Keeping up with the hatchback-crossover trend, Datsun will launch the Cross in India. Scheduled to be globally revealed on January 18 in Indonesia, the production Cross will be largely based on the Go Cross concept that was first showcased in 2018. The Cross is underpinned by the same platform as the Go and Go+ and will even share its 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with the Go range.
Expected launch: Mid 2018
All-new Maruti Suzuki Alto
Maruti is said to be working on an all-new Alto for India, which will possibly be ready by the end of 2018. While the current Alto remains a solid seller despite its age, Maruti Suzuki wants to leave no stone unturned and is engineering the new model to take on the much more modern Renault Kwid. While nothing is confirmed as yet, we can expect the next-gen Alto to be fully loaded with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, at least the top-end model. Also, the new model will be a much safer because it will come with standard front airbags and ABS.
Expected launch: End 2018
All-new Hyundai Santro
Hyundai is said to revive the Santro brand with an all-new hatchback. Expected to be revealed at the 2018 Auto Expo in its production-ready concept form, the new Santro will be nothing like the Santro which was sold in India from 1998-2016. Targeting the immensely popular Maruti Suzuki WagonR, the new Santro will sport Hyundai’s latest design philosophy along with a new engine and a well-built interior. It will be positioned between the Eon and Grand i10 in Hyundai India’s lineup.
Expected launch: End 2018
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