The premium hatchback segment of Indian auto market is witnessing a gruesome three-end war between Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20 and Ford Figo, at the moment. The Suzuki remains on top in terms of total sales recorded in its class, while the i20 and Figo models are currently battling it out for the second and third spots in the country. The domestic car buyers are usually in a fix as in which way premium hatch they opt for.
Evidently, Maruti Suzuki Swift is the most complete model in its class and contributes to a major fraction of the total sales recorded in the segment. The Swift is contemporary, stylish, spacious and carries an embedded sporty character in its DNA. The i20 can be listed among the most aesthetically pleasing premium hatchback models offered to the Indian passenger car enthusiasts. Hyundai i20's head-turning Fluidic design sets it apart from its direct contemporaries and flaunts an overall ultra modish style statement. Interestingly, the Ford Figo's facelift avatar was launched to enable it in competing against i20 and Swift on the Indian turf. The stylish model looks chic with its modern curves and design cues, along with a great presence on road.
Speaking of the interior attributes, the trio of Swift, i20 and Figo have created a niche for themselves in styling and comfortable quotients. The interiors offered inside the Swift cockpit are sporty and come trimmed with several stunning enhancements. On the other hand, Hyundai i20's interiors are of best-in-class quality and among the major reasons for its success in the domestic passenger car market. The Ford Figo premium hatch comes fitted with highly comfortable seats, along with a great legroom in both front and rear rows.
Coming to under-the-hood configuration of Maruti Suzuki Swift, the premium hatch comes assimilated with a 1.3 litre, DDiS engine powering its diesel model, which churns out a peak power of 74 bhp and maximum torque delivery of 190 Nm. Further, the 1.2 litre K-Series engine drives the petrol model of Swift that produces a peak power of 86 bhp along with a maximum torque of 114 Nm.
On the other hand, the Hyundai i20 premium model comes assimilated with a 1.2 litre VTVT Kappa petrol engine that pumps out an impressive maximum power output close to 84 bhp. Further, the diesel i20 is powered by a 1.4 litre CRDi motor that produces a maximum power and torque output equations of 89 bhp at 4000 rpm and 220 Nm, respectively. Further, the petrol trim of Ford Figo is powered with a 1.2 litre motor rated at a peak power of 70 bhp and a highest torque delivery of 102 Nm. The diesel Figo comes fitted with a 1.4 litre Duratorq engine under its hood that generates a top power output of 68 bhp and a maximum torque of 160 Nm.
At present, Maruti Suzuki offers its best selling Swift range within a retail price band of Rs. 4.5 to 6.9 lakhs in the domestic passenger car market. The Hyundai i20 comes with a base price tag starting from Rs. 4.75 lakhs that goes on till Rs. 7.8 lakhs in the country. Further, Ford India's volume puller Figo model is offered to domestic audience with price tags falling in the range between Rs. 3.9 to Rs. 6 lakhs in the auto market.
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