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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

T
he hatchback segment of the Indian car market has proved to be the most rewarding for many automobile companies in the country.

Majority of automobile manufacturers have one or more vehicles in the hatchback segment because it is considered to be the most fruitful section as far as India is concerned.

Hatchbacks in India are very appealing and easy on the pocket, which prompts majority of the middle class population to opt for them.

It is also said that this segment is the most fickle among all other segments. Every now and then, there is a new launch, older versions are refurbished and introduced or newer trims are added.

If there is nothing happening, then some automobile company comes up with a good bargain or freebies to lure the buyers.

Following five hatchbacks, which we feel are among the best. They are fitted with performance packed engines, which generate healthy mileage and are loaded with some remarkable features also.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Hyundai i20

Hyundai India is the second biggest car maker in the country and they have a fantastic fleet of cars.

They have a couple of hatchbacks in their fleet, out of which Hyundai i20 is the one that is the most superior and classy.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The exteriors of this hatchback are smooth and lustrous with a chiseled overall design.

Hyundai i20 has been equipped with powerful petrol and diesel engines along with quite a few remarkable features.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The list includes brilliant LED illumination, automatic temperature control with clean air cluster ionizer for fresh and clean air in the cabin.

The powerful music system and its multifunctional steering wheel with mounted audio controls add to the utility aspect of this hatchback.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Hyundai i20 is considered to be the safest hatchback car in this segment. In fact it is the only one that offers 6 airbags; dual front, sides and curtains.

Other features like Automatic headlamps turn on and off depending on the visibility conditions, the rain sensing wipers start operating automatically when required and the clutch lock features that doesn't allow the engine to start unless the clutch is pressed helps prevent accidental start; prove as to why this is the safest car.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

At a price range that starts from Rs 482,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi) and delivering a mileage of approximately 14kmpl in petrol and 18kmpl in diesel, the Hyundai i20 is one fabulous car from the eminent stables of Hyundai that is here to stay.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo is the most sturdy and well built hatchback that has the superb German technology embedded in it.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

This hatchback has a sleek and elegant bodyline with an attractive front facade, a neat grille flanked with a radiant headlamp cluster.

The sides have robust wheel arches, which house a set of classy alloy wheels.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The rear end is compact with a decent boot and tidy tail lamps.

This 5-door hatchback has a multi function display with notification lamps, rear wash, wipe and defogger, blue instrument lighting and quite a few other impressive features as well.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The Volkswagen Polo price range is between Rs 475,000 to Rs 749,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi) and is offered in both petrol and diesel versions.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The interiors are as stylish as the exteriors with dual tone dashboard, comfortable seats, chrome gear knob etc.

If the listing was for the most stylish and comfortable hatchback VW Polo would have been right at the top.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Maruti Swift

The list is incomplete without the most charming hatchback, Maruti Swift which was launched in year, 2005.

Maruti India is the leading automobile manufacturer in the country and their brand name is immensely popular and trustworthy.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The company had recently launched a revamped version of this hatchback, which is now doing incredible sales.

This hatchback is offered in both petrol and diesel variants, which generate good mileage and are fitted with impressive features.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The Maruti Swift Diesel is one of the most acclaimed cars in the market and generates a mileage between 18 to 22.9 kmpl, which is impressive.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The price range is starting at Rs 444,000 for the base model of petrol and goes up to Rs 676,000 (both prices ex-showroom New Delhi) for the high end diesel version.

In fact Maruti Swift did bring in a lot of acclaim for the segment and not just for the brand Maruti India.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The Swift has somewhat set a benchmark for other new cars coming in and also the ones that were once ruling the segment, a result of which are the constant facelifts that we see today.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Nissan Micra

This adorable hatchback from the stables of Nissan India is doing wonderful business for the company.

Nissan Micra is charming and has a refreshing overall design with a performance packed engine as well.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

It has been fitted with a 1.2 litre petrol engine, while the diesel version houses a commanding 1.5 litre power train.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The company has bestowed Nissan Micra with some top class safety features as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD for efficient braking, brake assist, remote central locking, push button start and many other impressive features.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

In the hatchback segment Nissan Micra is said to be powered by one of the most powerful engines, such that it matches a few sedans like Maruti Dzire.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Chevrolet Beat

This is the most economical hatchback in the list and the recently added Chevrolet Beat Diesel is doing fantastic business for the company.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Chevrolet Beat Diesel is fitted with a 1.0 litre diesel engine that can displace 936cc and offers a mileage between 20 to 24 kmpl.

This hatchback is also available in petrol as well as in LPG.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The price range is between Rs 372,000 to Rs 569,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi) and is one of the most affordable hatchbacks in the country.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

It has some wonderful features like power windows, rear wiper and defogger, body colored bumper, door handles and exterior mirrors, alloy wheels and other such remarkable features.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

The hatchback is one of the sportiest looking hatches in India.

Its small, stylish, easy to maneuver, the diesel version has the highest ground clearance of 175mm and delivers the best mileage... this car defines 'good things come in small packages'.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

On the whole, all these hatchbacks have their advantages as well as their deficiencies.

To start with Maruti Swift has a solid brand name in the Indian market and is a household name since many years.

But at the same time is lacking in boot space and is a little lower on mileage when compared with a few others.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Hyundai i20 is a stylish car and the design is amazing. It is spacious but lacks a bit on the comfort level, as it is a little low slung than the others.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Volkswagen Polo is definitely a class apart with amazing features, decent mileage and is quite comfortable as well.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

While Nissan Micra has one of the most powerful engine fitted to it and is claimed to be doing pretty well than some sedans.

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The top 5 hatchbacks in India

Last updated on: June 22, 2012 08:39 IST

Lastly, Chevrolet Beat has an edge over the others in terms of price, as it is economical and easy on the pocket as well.

Apart from the price, this hatchback has good ground clearance and also has the best in class mileage, which is the most important factor these days.

The ultimate decision however, depends on the buyer, as they have to take a lot of other aspects into consideration before purchasing any hatchback.