Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are two auto companies that have performed well in the hatchback segment. Notably, hatchbacks from these firms are hugely popular among domestic customers due to their high affordability, fuel efficiency and acceptable performance under local conditions. Being compact further adds to the value of hatchbacks for less space is occupied to make for easy parking and manoeuvrability. A list of top 10 hatchbacks from these two auto markers includes likes of Swift, Alto 800, WagonR, Ritz, Alto K10, i10, i20, Grand i10, EON and Santro Xing.
Maruti Suzuki Swift has got a phenomenal brand value in the country. This vehicle has a retail price in the range of Rs. 4.58 lakh - 6.95 lakh. The petrol version is powered by a 1.2-litre, K-Series VVT petrol engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. On the contrary, the diesel variant houses a 1.3-litre DDiS engine with five-step Multi Injection CRDi system with turbocharger and intercooler combination for high fuel efficiency and torque generation.
Alto 800 is another phenomenal success from Maruti Suzuki. This hatchback is priced between Rs. 2.50 lakh and Rs. 3.66 lakh. Alto 800 is powered by a 3-cylinder 796 cc powertrain that is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The petrol version offers a high mileage of around 22.74 kmpl while the CNG version yields a mileage of 30.46 km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR is priced between Rs. 3.65 and Rs. 5.50 lakh. It comes with a 998 cc engine configured with 3 cylinder, 4 valve and DOHC. This KB series engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The CNG fitted Vxi's engine is able generate a peak power output of 58.2 bhp at 6200 rpm and top torque of 77 Nm at 3500 rpm with CNG. The mileage offered is about 14.2 kmpl in the city and 18.9 kmpl on highways, according to company claims. The Vxi CNG variant gives a mileage of 15.5 km/kg in the city and 20.2 kg/km on the highway.
Ritz is also a pretty popular hatchback that is priced between Rs. 4.38 lakh and Rs. 6.38 lakh. This car is available in two engine options, petrol and diesel. The petrol version is capable of churning out maximum power of 83.8 bhp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 113 Nm at 4500 rpm. On the other hand, the diesel mill is able to yield a maximum power output of 73.9 bhp at 4000 rpm and top torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. The mileage of petrol and diesel variants in the city are 14.1 kmpl and 19.5 kmpl, respectively.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has also got a good response from customers and car enthusiasts in the country. Thus, it would be apt to say, Maruti Suzuki has lured and will continue to lure customers with affordable and fuel efficient hatchbacks.
Hyundai hatchbacks have also got a good response in the market. Grand i10 is a recent launch in the Indian automobile market and boasts of high-fuel efficiency along with superior exteriors and interiors. Hyundai i10, as evident from sale numbers, has done well in the auto market. This vehicle is reasonably priced between Rs. 3.93 lakh and Rs. 6.51 lakh. Still more, customers have the flexibility to choose from an automatic transmission or manual transmission.
Hyundai i20 is available in the market at a retail price between Rs. 5.14 lakh and Rs. 8.32 lakh. This premium hatchback was rolled out in India in 2009 and pretty popular among customers who look for extra features at a reasonable price. It is available in both, petrol and diesel variants. Customers can opt for either automatic transmission or manual transmission.
Eon from the South Korean auto maker is a direct competitor of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. This hatchback is quite affordable as it is priced between Rs. 2.99 lakh and Rs. 4.06 lakh. The auto company offers this small car in both, petrol and LPG variants. This car is able to deliver a mileage of around 21.1 kmpl. It received Micro/Mini Car of The Year award for 2012 from CNBC TV18 Overdrive.
Hyundai Santro Xing, priced between Rs. 3.15 and Rs. 4.3 lakh (Ex-Showroom Price in Mumbai), is an upgraded version of the popular Santro that was launched in India in year 2003. Customers can avail this model in both petrol and LPG variants. Notably, this hatchback received the JD Power Asia Pacific 2008 Award for being the most dependable compact car.
