The Maruti Baleno is India’s undisputed king in the premium hatchback segment currently. It’ll soon have to fend off a lot of new competition though. Here are 5 new premium hatchbacks that are about to take on the Baleno.
Tata X451
Tata Motors will reveal the X451 code-named premium hatchback at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. The car will be launched later this year, and a very competitive price tag is likely. The X451 will use Tata Motors’ new Impact 2.0 design philosophy, and is touted to be quite the looker. It’ll be based on the new Advanced Modular Platform (AMP) and will borrow engines from the Tiago. However, the Tiago’s engines will be massaged to output more power and torque on the X451.
Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift
Hyundai is expected to launch the facelifted i20 at the Auto Expo. Apart from refreshed looks and new features on the inside, the car will get a brand new CVT automatic gearbox on the 1.2 liter petrol motor, making the i20 AT more accessible in terms of pricing. Hyundai is also expected to expand the automatic line-up of the i20 Elite. The 1.4 liter turbo diesel motor, mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox, will be carried over to the facelifted car. Prices are likely to remain similar to current levels.
Honda Jazz Facelift
Honda is expected to give the Jazz a nip and tuck this year, to keep the car fresh enough as new competition arrives. Changes on the facelifted Jazz will be limited to a mild makeover on the outside, and new features on the inside. The facelifted model is likely to derive inspiration from the RS version. The 1.2 liter VTEC petrol motor with 5 speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox options, and the 1.5 liter all-aluminium turbo diesel engine with a 6 speed manual gearbox, will be carried over.
Renault Kwid-based premium hatchback
Renault is said to be working on a premium hatchback based on the Kwid platform. In fact, the CMF-A platform will be lengthened, and christened the CMF-A+. The longer platform will allow Renault to build a car that’s nearly 4 meters long. For now, not much about the new car is known. It could be shown at the Auto Expo as a concept, and is likely to hit the Indian market in 2019.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota will follow up the Vios C-Segment sedan with the Yaris hatchback, which is expected to sit above the Liva in terms of price and positioning. Globally a massive success for the Japanese brand, the India-spec Yaris is expected to be offered with both petrol and turbo diesel engine options. In its third generation, the Yaris shares the Toyota B platform with the Vios, making it convenient and cost-effective for Toyota to launch it in India. The car is expected to square off against the Baleno.
