SUV segment has been flouring with a great pace in India. In order to tap the market, car manufacturers have planned multiple new models across different price range. In fact, the compact SUVs outnumbered hatchbacks in fiscal year 2022. Though, India’s largest passenger vehicle maker – Maruti Suzuki – believes that the hatchbacks will remain a major segment.
With the changing market equations, some auto manufactures are pulling plug on hatchbacks and some are betting big on it. Here’re key details of India’s three hatchbacks that will receive a generation change in coming years and three that will be discontinued.
Hatchbacks To Get Generation Change
Maruti Alto
The new-generation Maruti Alto is currently in its testing phase and it’s reported to debut towards the end of 2022. Compared to the existing model, the new one will be taller and higher. The flatter roofline will give it a crossover-ish look. Though, the new Alto will continue to carry boxy stance. Major cosmetic updates will be made at the front end. Ditching the existing platform, the 2022 Maruti Alto will underpin Suzuki’s new Heartech platform. Interior will also witness significant changes. For power, the hatch might use a 1.0L K10C petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. It’s likely to get CNG variant as well.
Maruti Swift
The Indo-Japanese automaker will bring in the new-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift sometime next year. Though, the model is reported to make its world debut by the end of 2022. Speculations are on rife that the 2023 Maruti Swift is likely to be developed on a newly-developed platform or the automaker will alter the Heartech platform by using high-strength steel. Under the hood, the hatchback will continue to feature the existing 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol unit and 1.2L petrol with a mild hybrid tech. Both motors could be calibrated to deliver better fuel efficiency and performance.
Tata Tiago
Tata’s three highly-popular cars – Tiago, Tigor and Nexon – will enter their new generation in coming years. As of now, there is no official word on their launch timeline. The Tiago hatchback will underpin the brand’s new Alfa (Agile, Light, Flexible, Advanced) platform that’s already used in the Altroz and Punch. The new model is likely to receive comprehensive changes in terms of design and features. The automaker might also offer some segment-first features. Currently, the Tata Tiago is available with the 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel engine options.
Hatchbacks To Be Discontinued
Datsun Redi-Go, Go
Nissan has silently pulled the plug on its affordable – Datsun – brand in India. The Datsun cars are still listed on the company’s official website and available for sell. Customers will continue to available after sales service, warranty support and spare parts across all Datsun dealerships. In February 2022, the company retailed 0 units of its three models – Datsun Redi-GO, GO and GO+.
Volkswagen Polo
After 12 successful years in India, the iconic Volkswagen Polo hatchback has been discontinued in the country. The model entered into its fifth-generation in 2010, followed by a few mid-life updates. The VW Polo has always been favoured for its drivability, performance and built quality. With an aim to give it a farewell, the automaker recently introduced the Volkswagen Polo Legend Edition priced at Rs 10.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
Honda Jazz
According to a fresh media report, the Japanese automaker will discontinue the Honda Jazz hatchback in the Indian market. The new-generation Jazz (City hatch) measures over 4 metres and the company have no intentions to alter its length for India alone. The hatchback is likely to remain on sale till the end of 2022 and its expected to go out of production next year.
