Demand for hatchbacks has increased dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason being, people nowadays usually tend to travel in their own personal vehicles. Being the most affordable kind of segment in India with a host of features on offer, hatchbacks are now available in a more premium guise.
Well, we are not talking about the entry-level hatchbacks for now. Instead, there are premium hatchbacks that offer best in class spacious cabin alongside a powerful engine just like any other mid-size sedan. However, the only thing that is compromised in these kinds of cars is the boot space. Searching for a premium hatchback between a price range of Rs.6 Lakhs to Rs.12 Lakhs. We have covered all the aspects for you.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti Suzuki Baleno is one of the best-selling hatchbacks in India. The only factor behind such great sales figures is the value for money deal. For instance, Baleno looks good, offers an ample amount of cabin space, returns a decent mileage and is even feature loaded. Meanwhile, coming to the features, it is available with a projector headlamps setup with LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, steering mounted audio control, Smart Play infotainment system, etc. among others.
Further, the infotainment system in the all-new Baleno now supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay. Also, safety features such as front airbags, engine immobilizer, ABS, anti-pinch power windows and ISOFIX child seat mounts are also present on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Right now, it is only available with a 1197cc petrol engine that produces 81.80BHP of power alongside a peak torque of 113Nm.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1197cc (Petrol)
- Mileage – 19.56kmpl to 21.96 kmpl
- Power – 81.80BHP (Petrol)
- Torque – 113Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission – Manual and Automatic
Positives
- Value for money
- Spacious cabin
Negatives
- No diesel engine
- Stiff ride quality
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.5.88 Lakh to Rs.9.09 Lakh
Hyundai i20
The third-generation Hyundai i20 might feel subjective in terms of looks. But, in terms of features, it is a full-on package. It is available with the electric sunroof, automatic climate control, wireless charging pad, all-digital instrument cluster, height-adjustable driver seats, etc. to name a few.
Also, this feature-loaded hatchback is available with three engine options to choose from including a turbocharged petrol unit as well. However, what is not so cool about the all-new Hyundai i20 is the price tag at which it is currently offered.
Further, safety features such as six airbags, hill assist control, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS and ESC among others. Coming back to the exterior, the all-new Hyundai i20 is available with 8 color schemes on offer including two dual-tone colors on the higher variants.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1197cc (Petrol); 1493cc (Diesel); 998cc (Turbo Petrol)
- Mileage – 19.65kmpl to 25.2kmpl
- Power – 82BHP (Petrol); 99BHP (Diesel); 118BHP (Turbo Petrol)
- Torque – 115Nm (Petrol); 240Nm (Diesel); 172Nm (Turbo Petrol)
- Transmission – Manual, iMT and Automatic
Positives
- Modern design language
- Feature loaded
Negatives
- Expensive
- Cabin fit and finish not the best
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.6.80 Lakh to Rs.11.33 Lakh
Tata Altroz
With a 5-star rating and modern design language, Tata Altroz is now one of the most popular hatchbacks in India. It was first showcased as the 45X concept at the Auto Expo 2018. However, the Indian carmaker again showcased it at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 after which it was launched in 2020.
Tata Altroz comes with multiple features on offer including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cooled glovebox, projector headlamps with DRLs, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster and powered wing mirrors among others.
Apart from the features, there are three engine options available on the Tata Altroz. It comes with either an 86HP, 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol unit or a 90HP, 1.5-litre diesel engine. Further, Tata has recently launched the turbocharged variant of the all-new Tata Altroz. In terms of safety,
Key Specs
- Engine – 1199cc (Petrol); 1497cc (Diesel); 1199cc (Turbo Petrol)
- Mileage – 19.05kmpl to 25.11kmpl
- Power – 85BHP (Petrol); 89BHP (Diesel); 108BHP (Turbo Petrol)
- Torque – 113Nm (Petrol); 200Nm (Diesel); 140Nm (Turbo Petrol)
- Transmission – Manual and Automatic
Positives
- 5-star GNCAP rating
- Best design
Negatives
- Not so responsive steering
- Petrol engine lacks performance
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.5.69 Lakh to Rs.9.46 Lakh
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo was first launched in India in 2010 and was one of the most popular hatchbacks since then. However, this time the German carmaker has decided to introduce the new-generation Polo here.
The existing Volkswagen Polo packs many features such as halogen headlamp units, fog lamps with cornering function, 16-inch alloy wheels and the honeycomb designed grille at the outside. Sadly, even the recently updated Polo does not get a sunroof. However, inside the cabin, it comes with an auto-dimming IRVM, flat-bottom steering wheel, MID display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
This infotainment system on the other hand now supports Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink among others.
Currently, Volkswagen Polo comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can produce a massive 108.62BHP of power @ 5,000-5,500 RPM. Apart from this, the peak torque from this engine stands at 175Nm @ 1,750-4,000 RPM. Also, there is a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine on offer.
Key Specs
- Engine – 999cc (Petrol); 999cc (Turbo Petrol)
- Mileage – 17.99kmpl to 18.24kmpl
- Power – 75BHP (Petrol); 109BHP (Turbo Petrol)
- Torque – 95Nm (Petrol); 175Nm (Turbo Petrol)
- Transmission – Manual and Automatic
Positives
- Perfect car to drive
- Strong build quality
Negatives
- Less space for rear passengers
- High maintenance
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.6.06 Lakh to Rs.9.92 Lakh
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz was a popular hatchback in India for a really long duration. However, with the introduction of modern design language and a premium price tag, the car did lose a lot of its customers overtime. In terms of comfort, cabin space and ride quality the 2020 Honda Jazz still outperforms many of its rivals.
Meanwhile, the Japanese carmaker on its own clarified that the diesel variant was discontinued just because it performed poorly sales-wise. Apart from this, Honda will not even offer the ‘Magic seats’ on the Jazz which used to be their USP for a very long period of time.
Well, after cutting down so many features, Honda launched the 2020 Honda Jazz with an electric sunroof. Surely, it was the first-in-segment feature that forced many other carmakers to imitate the same but God knows if it was an integral one or not. Other features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, height-adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control and MID display are now available on the updated hatchback. Further, the engine that will be powering the 2020 Honda Jazz is a BS6 compliant 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol unit. Apart from the conventional manual transmission, it is also available with a 7-speed CVT gearbox.
Key Specs
- Engine – 1199cc (Petrol)
- Mileage – 16.6kmpl to 17.1kmpl
- Power – 89BHP (Petrol)
- Torque – 110Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission – Manual and Automatic
Positives
- Spacious cabin
- Practical family car
Negatives
- No diesel engine on offer
- Expensive
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.7.65 Lakh to Rs.9.89 Lakh
If you are looking for a car to drive in the city then without any doubt go for any of these. However, within such a huge price bracket, many carmakers are now offering a sub 4 meter SUV that offers you an ample amount of road presence, cabin space and ground clearance for the same price tag.
No matter if you are a true car enthusiast and made up your mind then hatchbacks are a perfect choice for you anyway. Here’s ending your hunt for the top five premium hatchbacks in India.
Do let us know your favourite premium hatchback in the comment section below. And for similar updates, keep reading ‘The Indian Wire’.