Tata Altroz To New Hyundai i20 – Top 6 Upcoming Hatchbacks Within 1 Year
Here’re the top 6 upcoming hatchbacks that will hit Indian shores in the next 1 year.
In the time of SUVs, hatchbacks are still one of the most preferred choices among first time or small family car buyers in India. Cars like Hyundai i20, Maruti Swift, Maruti Baleno, Hyundai Grand i10 and Tata Tiago are few examples that have received huge response and doing well in the market. Despite shrinking demand for hatchbacks and sedans, carmakers are banking big on small cars to improve sales in the highly competitive market. Here we bring you a list of top 6 upcoming hatchbacks that will be launched in India in the next 1 year.
1. Tata Altroz
Tata Motors is all set to launch its all-new premium hatchback – Altroz – in July, 2019. Based on the Tata 45X concept, the Altroz will lock horns against the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20 and the newly-launched Toyota Glanza. The hatchback will also mark the debut of Tata’s new Alpha modular platform, which will also underpin the company’s upcoming micro SUV and mid-sized sedan. Engine setup of the Altroz will include a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.2L turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel. While the gasoline units deliver 85bhp and 102bhp respectively, the oil burner makes 108bhp. Initially, the new Tata hatchback will be offered with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual gearbox options.
Expected Launch – July, 2019
2. New-Gen Hyundai Grand i10
The South Korean automaker, Hyundai has started working on the next-gen Grand i10 hatchback. The all-new model has already been spotted multiple times during its test rounds in the country. The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 will be based on the modified version of the existing platform, which also underpins the new Santro hatchback and Venue subcompact SUV. The vehicle will receive comprehensive design changes along with a better equipped cabin. Reports suggest that the 2019 Grand i10 will come with a BS6-ready 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine that powers the existing model. The existing 1.2L petrol engine will also continue to be on offer. The hatchback will come with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Expected Launch – August, 2019
3. Nissan Leaf
The Japanese carmaker has confirmed that it will launch its globally top-selling Nissan Leaf electric hatchback in India. Slated to launch in 2019, the Leaf EV will be imported via CBU (Completely Built Up) route from Japan. While the engine details of the India-spec version are still under the wraps, the global model comes with a 40kWh lithium ion battery pack generating power worth 148bhp and 320Nm of torque. It delivers a claimed electric range of 400km. The battery pack can be fully charged in 8 to 16 hours, depending on power capacity. With the help of quick charging feature, one can charge its battery upto 80% in just 40 minutes. The Nissan Leaf comes with a pack of highly-advanced features including ProPilot park semi-autonomous driving technology, Nissan safety shield, one-pedal driving technology, etc.
Expected Launch – 2019
4. Renault Kwid Facelift
The French automaker, Renault will introduce the Kwid facelift in India by the end of 2019 or early 2020. The hatchback will receive minor design changes including new headlamps with LED DRLs and a newly-designed grille with horizontal slats. The carmaker is likely to make changes to the platform to achieve better structural integrity. The new Kwid facelift might also witness some dimensional changes. Features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and seat-belt reminder could be offered as standard. Other key updates might include an updated touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, new seat upholstery, climate control and rear air-con vents. In terms of pricing, the new Renault Kwid facelift will make it expensive than the outgoing model.
Expected Launch – Late 2019 or Early 2020
5. New-Gen Hyundai i20
Hyundai will also give a generation change to its popular hatchback – Elite i20. The new-generation Hyundai Elite i20 might make its debut at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo, followed by its launch. Compared to the current generation, the new model will be wider and have longer wheelbase and cabin space to offer. Ditching the existing platform, the hatchback might share its platform with the Venue subcompact SUV. Besides significant design and feature upgrades, the 2020 Hyundai i20 will receive BS6-ready 1.2L petrol and 1.4L diesel engine. Reports suggest that the hatchback’s new model might also get a 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that also does duty in the Venue. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic unit.
Expected Launch – 2020
6. Maruti Suzuki Swift RS
Maruti Suzuki is working on a hotter version of its popular hatchback Swift. Suzuki is already selling the Swift Sport with 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine in the global markets. This model will be expensive for the price sensitive Indian market. The company will follow the Baleno RS strategy, and will introduce the Swift RS in the country. The Maruti Suzuki Swift RS is reported to be sold exclusively through Nexa dealerships. Powering the hot-hatch will be a 1.0L Boosterjet petrol engine producing power worth 101bhp against 150Nm of torque. Transmitting power to the front wheels will be a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Expected Launch – 2019-2020
