Hatchbacks, by far, are the most bought cars in the Indian automobile market, something that can be proven by statistics. If one looks at the demand structures of majority of Indian buyers, hatchbacks turn out to be the most suitable cars. They are compact, reasonably stylish, affordable and suitable for Indian traffic conditions. In fact, the top two players in passenger car segment, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, depend heavily on their hatchbacks to generate revenues. Needless to say, the competition in the hatchback segment is really tough as more models keep entering the battle. In the recent past, comparisons have been drawn between Alto 800, Grand i10 and Figo.
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is one of the most successful cars in the market at present and has been performing consistently since its launch. This hatchback is powered by a 796 cc F8D engine that is controlled by a 32-bit computer and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The engine in Alto 800 is capable of delivering a maximum power output of around 46 bhp at 6000 rpm along with a peak torque of 69 Nm at 3500 rpm. According to company claims, it returns a fuel economy of 22.74 kmpl (petrol), which is quite impressive. This compact hatchback has a unique Wavefront design, featuring sloping windows and a swaying roof. Jewel-finish rear combination lamps, stylish grille and petal shaped headlamps further add to its attractiveness.
One vehicle that has achieved great success in a short span of time is the Hyundai Grand i10, which was launched in September 2013. Slotted between i10 and i20 hatchbacks, this hatchback is Hyundai's cheapest diesel offering in the Indian car market. Critics have appreciated Grand i10 for its attractive design, affordability and appealing interiors. Grand i10 has been offered in two engine options, namely diesel and one petrol. Petrol version of Grand i10 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa engine, which has been mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Grand i10 petrol has the capacity to generate an output of 81 bhp at 6000 rpm. On the other hand, diesel version of Grand i10 runs on a 1.1-litre U2 engine that churns out a power of up to 69 bhp.
Another iconic hatchback is Ford Figo, which has been in the Indian market for a while now and has managed to create a niche for itself. Figo happens to be a stylish car that has kinetic design featuring large hexagonal lower grille and sculpted side panels for a muscular appearance. Figo, like Grand i10, comes in both petrol and diesel variants, which are powered by a 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines, respectively. These versions of Ford Figo deliver output levels of 69 bhp and 67 bhp, respectively. Experts feel that choosing between these three models would actually depend on what a particular customer wants. People for whom fuel economy and affordability are primary concerns, Alto 800 seems to be the best choice. However, customers who can afford slightly more should go for Figo or Grand i10 as they both are stylish and comfortable.
