Maruti Suzuki is currently ruling the compact car segment with widest range of products starting from Alto hatchback to the Vitara Brezza sub-4 meter SUV. Despite rising SUV demand, MSIL believes that hatchbacks will remain first choice among first time car buyers. The company will add multiple new products in the compact car segment in the next few years. Moreover, Citroen and Hyundai will also introduce new small cars in the country in the next few years.
Here’s a list of top 3 upcoming new small cars that will cost under Rs 10 lakh in the Indian market.
New Maruti Alto
Maruti Suzuki has started testing the new gen Alto hatchback in the Indian market. The new model will be based on the Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform that underpins the new S-Presso and the new Celerio. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the new Alto is taller, wider and bigger than the outgoing model. In fact, the new model sits higher than the existing model. The hatchback has the boxy stance and flatter roofline that gives it a crossover-ish looks.
The new Maruti Alto will also receive significantly revised interior. It is likely to receive all-new interior, featuring a new touchscreen infotainment system supporting smartphone connectivity, a semi digital instrument console, keyless entry and engine start/stop system. If reports are to be believed, the new Alto could get a 1.0L K10C petrol engine that’s good for 66bhp and 89Nm of torque. It is also expected to get the existing 796cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 47bhp and 69Nm of torque. It is likely to get the factory-fitted CNG kit with the petrol powertrain.
Citroen C3
The much-awaited Citroen C3 small car is all set to be launched in the country in the next few days. The new model will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Maruti Swift, Tata Punch and others. The new C3 measures 3.98 meters in length and has a ground clearance of 180mm. It comes with cross-hatchback profile with raised ground clearance and a high bonnet.
The upcoming Citroen C3 will come with a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a digital instrument console, a 3-spoke steering wheel, manual AC, single-piece front seats with integrated headrests, and others. Based on the Stellantiss’ CMP modular platform, the new C3 is likely to be offered with two petrol engines – a 1.2L naturally-aspirated and a 1.2L turbocharged. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT.
Hyundai Venue Facelift
Hyundai has started testing the new Venue facelift on the Indian roads. The 2022 Hyundai Venue will come with the brand’s new design language, which we have already seen on Hyundai’s Creta facelift and new Tucson. The company will also introduce the N-Line variant of the sub-4 meter SUV. It gets a Tucson-inspired front with newly designed parametric grille, a new rectangular shaped headlamp unit, new LED DRLs, and new revised tail-lights.
The sub-4 meter SUV will also receive changes inside the cabin. It is likely to get a new touchscreen infotainment system, updated BlueLink connected car tech, wireless charger, 6-speaker sound system, etc. The Hyundai Venue facelift is likely to retain the existing engine set-up comprising of a 83bhp, 1.2L NA petrol, a 118bhp, 1.0L turbo-petrol & a 113bhp, 1.5L turbo-diesel. Transmission choices include a 5-speed MT with 1.2L petrol, a 6-speed MT as standard, an iMT and 7-speed DCT with 1.0L turbo-unit.
