Hatchbacks have enjoyed a mass popularity in the Indian auto market so far. The buzz in the market is high when it comes to fresh new launches. As such, there are a number of hatchbacks that will be launched in 2014. However, few have managed to get more attention than rest. A list of popular upcoming hatchbacks of 2014 will have names like Honda Jazz, Tata Falcon, Maruti Suzuki YL7 and Datsun Go. Thus, it would be very interesting to make an attempt to know more about these upcoming vehicles in the Indian passenger car market.
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz failed to get more sales with only thing going against it being a high price tag. A high cost proved detrimental and sales declined as at the same price there were many options available for customers. With dwindling sales, Honda Jazz faced a huge setback and a bad fate was sealed for this vehicle in the market. A lesson learnt by Honda as later on, the auto company adopted an aggressive pricing strategy to lure price sensitive domestic customers. This time, the company is yet again ready to try hands with Honda Jazz. The conditions are also conducive for its launch as customers now embrace premium hatchbacks more readily than before. The petrol version of this vehicle is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol powertrain while the diesel version is expected to get a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Once introduced, Honda Jazz will start a new rivalry with vehicles like Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Punto.
Tata Falcon
Tata Motors is also planning to introduce its hatchback model codenamed as Falcon 4. This vehicle is expected to replace Tata Vista and will be available for customers in both petrol and diesel versions. The petrol version of this vehicle is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine while the diesel variant is likely to get its power from a 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet diesel mill. Besides this, the new Falcon 4 is expected to flaunt sharp exteriors and lavish interiors to lure domestic customers. Few changes in exteriors that the auto company plan to implement are new front facade, newly designed tail lamps and repositioned number plate.
Datsun Go
In 2014, Nissan would be bringing its low cost brand Datsun to major International markets including India. As already confirmed by the Japanese auto maker, it would launch the Datsun Go hatchback, which is based on the V platform adopted by the parent company. The Datsun brand would be targeted at emerging markets like India, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia in which the demand for small hatchbacks has always been a cornerstone. Talking about the possible engine configurations, Datsun Go will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which also does duty on Micra. Reportedly, the hatchback of Datsun will carry a price tag of sub-Rs. 4 lakh. As far as dimensions of Go are concerned, it is said that the car will be spacious and longer than its sibling, Micra. During the initial stages, Datsun Go would be only offered in petrol version whereas the availability of diesel engine is doubted as of now. The production of Datsun Go is expected to take place at the Oragadam facility of Nissan.
Maruti Suzuki YL7
According to sources, the leading car manufacturer of India, Maruti Suzuki is working on a new hatchback that is codenamed as YL7. The upcoming car from the stable of Maruti Suzuki is believed to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2014. Sources have also told that Maruti Suzuki might be replacing the low selling, A-Star model. Reportedly, it is being said that replacement of A-Star will be bigger and wider in dimensions. However, at present the company has not officially released any information regarding the same but it is expected that the car would be launched by mid 2014.
