The hatchback segment of the Indian car market is quite competitive, something that can be seen by the number of models present. It is a known fact that for any company, which wants to be successful in India, having a comprehensive hatchback portfolio is imperative. And these are not mere statements as the top two brands rely heavily on models in this category to drive sales. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, for a long time now, have been competing for the top spot in the hatchback segment. These brands are ranked one and two, respectively, in the passenger car market. Both firms are subsidiaries of popular Southeast Asian car manufacturers and have several hatchbacks on sale in India. 2013 saw the launch of two hatchbacks from Maruti Suzuki (WagonR 1.0 & Stingray) and Grand i10 (Hyundai). Now that 2013 is coming to an end, trade experts have tried to analyse how these cars have fared in market.
WagonR is one of the most successful models of the Maruti Suzuki as far as Indian market is concerned. Be it the tall-boy design, affordability or fuel-economy, customer and critics have appreciated this model. Featuring an upright rear appearance, this hatchback has sloping roof, prominent wheel arches, chrome grille with blue tinted headlamps and a V character. The dual-tone beige and black interiors of this car provide it with a premium look. Interiors of this car come with integrated stereo that has an elegant eagle wings design that supports USB & Aux-in. Elegant silver accents, clean flowing lines and panoramic view form the USP of WagonR. Comfort and convenience levels of passengers are enhanced by the tilt adjustable steering, IP box, under seat tray and flat-bed design of seats. This model is fitted with an all-aluminium lightweight petrol engine that delivers an output of around 66 bhp and peak torque of 90 Nm.
In an attempt to further increase its market share and battle adversities, Maruti Suzuki launched the sporty looking Stingray in India. This model boasts of a sporty appearance that includes sleek projector headlamps, chrome garnished tail lamps, sporty side skirts and B-pillar black out strip. It comes with premium black interiors, which boast of 3D effect upholstery that has a Stingray theme. There are chrome accentuated inside door handles, AC vents and audio in this hatchback. The stylish blue-themed instrument pan boasts of multi information display (odometer, distance-to-empty and tripmeter etc.), tachometer, integrated music system and urethane three-spoke piano finished steering wheel. Talking about the comfort levels, this car comes with Electronic Power Steering (EPS), front and rear power windows, electrically adjustable ORVM and front passenger under-seat tray. Like the WagonR, this car also features an engine that delivers 66 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque.
However, all limelight was taken away from these two models by Hyundai's Grand i10, which has earned admiration from critics and customers alike. This car features a sporty and trendy design featuring 14-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and rear washer. Stylish and spacious interiors of this hatchback include large legroom, rear air conditioner vents and multiple storage spaces. Highly advanced in terms of safety, Grand i10 boasts of dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), reverse parking assist system and reinforced body structure. Unlike Stingray and WagonR, this car comes in both diesel and petrol engine option. While the petrol version of Grand i10 is equipped with a 1.2-litre Kappa dual VTVT unit, diesel variant runs on 1.1-litre U2 engine. Both these versions are fuel-efficient and deliver top class performances.
If one has to compare these three models then Grand i10 turns out to be the runaway success, considering its performance, customer response and features. The prowess of Grand i10 has been adjudged by esteemed critics in the country as it recently received the Indian Car of the Year 2014. This hatchback managed to edge out the likes of Honda Amaze and Ford EcoSport to grab the coveted title. The jury that made this decision included experts from Auto Bild, autoX, Business Line, TopGear and Overdrive. Many feel that this decision is completely justified as this model is an overall package that delivers in all aspects. Also, this was a rare occasion when Hyundai managed to seize the initiative from Maruti Suzuki and place itself in the driver seat of the hatchback segment. Such has been the success of Grand i10 that the South Korean auto maker, according to sources, looks set to launch a sedan based on this model.
