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Rediff.com  » Business » Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals
This article was first published 9 years ago

Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Last updated on: June 11, 2014 12:23 IST

Image: Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Photographs: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

Two years of time-span is enough to judge the potential of a car with respect to its future survival.

Swift was the brainchild of Maruti Suzuki that ushered a new era in the Indian automobile industry. Launched nearly nine year ago, Swift is still dazzling the masses.

A lot of other cars during these years jumped into the foray to test their mettle. Some hit the right spot while some of them were result of a stillborn plot.

Let’s review the cars in the hottest segment in India.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Photographs: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Since Swift's inception in 2005, it has been the undisputed leader in the premium hatchback segment.

This was the second generation Swift internationally and the first generation model for the Indian market.

The popularity of this car can be seen in the fact that even after 9 years, it is still selling like hotcakes with over 15,000 units every month along with waiting period tag!

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Photographs: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The car was initially launched with a 1.3-litre petrol engine with features like automatic climate control, double-din-music system and several others that made it stand out in the crowd.

After a warm facelift, the car entered into second generation a few years back. Undoubtedly, its future remains in a state of confidence.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Skoda Fabia.
Photographs: Courtesy, Skoda

Skoda Fabia

Skoda presented a European model for the Indian market in the form of Fabia.

It was first-of-its-kind in the premium hatchback space with exclusive build quality that distinguished it from other rivals.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Skoda Fabia interior.
Photographs: Courtesy, Skoda

Skoda Fabia

Initially, it tasted an instant success and was considered a potent product but later on due to lack of essential updates, meagre service network and expensive price tag, it failed to woo many buyers.

In FY 2013, it recorded the lowest annual sales of 3,343 units. The production will come to an end by August 31st and next generation model is expected to be launched by the end of this year.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Hyundai i20.
Photographs: Courtesy, Hyundai

Hyundai i20

The elder brother of i10 entered in 2008. Buoyed up with the success of i10, company launched this model as a counter attack to Swift.

Since its launch, it has been the second most favourite hatchback in the premium segment.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Hyundai i20 interior.
Photographs: Courtesy, Hyundai

Hyundai i20

It was the first hatchback to offer features like automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, reverse parking sensors and six airbags system.

Now, the facelifted Hyundai i20 has increased the premium quotient with ‘Uber Cool’ tag that included variety of proficient engines and new features.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Ford Figo.
Photographs: Courtesy, Ford

Ford Figo

Ford Motors introduced their first ever hatchback in the form of Figo. 'Figo' which itself means ‘cool’, charmed the customers in India with its cool features and proved to be a money-spinner for the company.

Based on Fiesta's (Classic) platform, the car boasts of all the attributes of the sibling sedan- best known for peppy driving experience.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Ford Figo interior.
Photographs: Courtesy, Ford

Ford Figo

Launched in 2010, it is still churning up good sales numbers with segment first features like Bluetooth audio system, efficient engines and superior boot space.

The 2014 model was launched at the Auto Expo in February with subtle changes inside out. The comfort level was further raised by the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity for occupants.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Volkswagen Polo.
Photographs: Courtesy, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo

The pure German breed was launched a bit later in the segment but came as a new example of style and advance technology.

Despite being a German product, its price was kept close to Swift and Hyundai i20. Its trend setting exterior design and unlimited dynamism with lively petrol and diesel engines helped it to carve its own niche in the segment.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Volkswagen Polo.
Photographs: Courtesy, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo

It was also the first car in the segment to offer 7-speed dual clutch DSG transmission system. The facelift of Volkswagen Polo will soon be launched in the market.

The test mules have been been spotted several times. With minor upgrades on exterior and interior, it would be getting some major mechanical changes.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Hyundai Grand i10.
Photographs: Courtesy, Hyundai

Hyundai Grand i10

Hyundai Grand i10 is latest product in India from Korean automaker which is known to the world as a second generation i10.

The car slots in between i10 and i20 siblings and since its launch in the Indian market, its been generating impressive sales.

It was bestowed with numerous accolades with prominent ‘Indian Car of the Year 2014’ award.

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Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 take on their closest rivals

Image: Hyundai Grand i10 interior.
Photographs: Courtesy, Hyundai

Hyundai Grand i10

Reason behind its instant success were stylish exteriors and premium level interiors that include segment first features like rear-ac vents, 1GB music storage.

The aggressive price tag was the apex factor in its success.

Currently, it is recording close to 9,000 units monthly and is giving tight noose competition to Swift hatchback.

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