New cars for 2016: Hatchbacks

Here is a look at new hatchbacks arriving in India during the year of 2016.

 In 2016, the hatchback segment is expected to see a number of launches, from mainstream models like the Tata Zicaand Suzuki Ignis to more premium offerings such as the VW Polo GTI and the new Mini Clubman and Convertible.

Featured here are the hatchbacks – new and facelifted – expected to head to our shores soon.

MARUTI IGNIS

Here’s a simple formula: hatchback size, a beefy, jacked-up stance, and easy-on-the-wallet price tag. Sounds pretty interesting, right? The Renault Kwid did it first and the Datsun RediGo will soon. So, of course, the king of the small cars, Maruti, has something planned too. The Suzuki Ignis makes for an interesting compact crossover, heavily borrowing styling cues from its concept, the IK-4. Based on a new platform, the Ignis, upon its launch in India, will likely be powered by Maruti’s familiar 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel powerplants.

Coming: End 2016
Est Price: Rs 4-5 lakh
Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.3 D
Rivals: Hyundai Eon, Datsun Go

DATSUN REDIGO

After a lukewarm response to the Go, Datsun’s next attempt holds a lot more promise. It’s an Alto 800 rival based on the RediGo concept, and will use the same underpinnings as its capable cousin, the Renault Kwid, as well as its 799cc engine. It will also sport crossover-like styling like the Kwid, but is expected to look sufficiently distinctive, with the Datsun family face, and borrowing significantly from its concept car’s design. Going by Datsun’s lower position in the Alliance hierarchy, expect an even more aggressive price than the Kwid’s.

Coming: Mar 2016
Est Price: Rs 2.5-3 lakh
Engine(s): 0.8 P
Rivals: Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid

MARUTI ALTO 800 FACELIFT

With a strong rival in the recently launched Renault Kwid, Maruti wants to cement the Alto’s top spot with a facelift. The updated Alto 800 will not only offer improved fuel efficiency, but could also add an AMT automatic to the package. Other changes are likely to be minor, with redesigned bumpers and lamps, and a bit more kit too. The big news could be the addition of the Celerio’s diesel engine, which will be a huge trump card.

Coming: End 2015
Est Price: Rs 2.5-3.8 lakh
Engine(s): 0.8 P, 0.8 D
Rivals: Hyundai Eon, Renault Kwid, Tata Nano

TATA ZICA

Codenamed Kite, this pair of all-new models, designed from the ground up, will replace the ageing Indica and Indigo eCS. Designed by Tata’s European Technical Centre (TMETC), the new Kite hatchback and compact sedan are set to get all-new styling that is a big departure from existing Tata cars. They will also get new engines – a 1.05-litre diesel, a three-cylinder version of the company’s 1.4-litre DiCOR motor, and an all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. The Kite hatch will rival the likes of the Maruti Celerio and the Wagon R, while the Kite sedan will be positioned below the Zest in the sub-four-metre sedan segment.

Coming: Jan 2016
Est price: Rs 3.5-5.5 lakh
Engine: 1.2 P, 1.0 D
Rivals: Maruti Celerio

MINI NEW CLUBMAN & CONVERTIBLE

These days, Minis are getting less and less ‘mini’, and the new Clubman is the biggest Mini yet. It’s the second generation of Mini’s estate car, and this time, it has six doors - the boot is accessed via two conventional hinged doors. Engine options overseas include 135bhp 1.5-litre and 190bhp 2.0-litre petrol motors (the latter for the Clubman S), along with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel motor. As ever with a Mini, the Clubman is high on style and retro charm, but it’s also the most practical Mini ever. Plus, the next-gen Mini convertible could join the India range later in 2016.

Coming: Feb 2016
Est price: Rs 35-38 lakh
Engine(s): 1.5 P, 2.0 P, 1.5 D
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz GLA

VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI

India is finally warming to hot hatches, and the biggest punch will come from Volkswagen next year. With 189bhp from its 1.8-litre TSI engine, the Polo GTI is capable of doing 0-100kph in under seven seconds, thanks in part to a quick seven-speed DSG gearbox. It won’t come cheap though, with prices expected north of Rs 17 lakh. Not a car you’d buy with your sensible hat on then, but for true-blue enthusiasts, it’ll be worth it.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: Rs 17 lakh
Engine(s): 1.8 P
Rivals: Abarth Punto

VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE

The previous Beetle didn’t do as well as VW would have liked, perhaps down to its cutesy looks that had limited appeal. The new car, however, has a more muscular stance than its predecessor, and promises to be better to drive too. Volkswagen has a number of engine options for the Beetle, ranging from a 1.2-litre TSI to a 200bhp 2.0-litre TSI, but the one we’re likely to get is the 148bhp 1.4 TSI. The new Beetle, like its predecessor, will be imported as a CBU, with a price tag of around Rs 35 lakh.

Coming: Jan 2016
Est price: Rs 35 lakh
Engine(s): 1.4 P
Rivals: Mini Cooper S, Abarth 595

MARUTI WAGON R MPV

Low-cost, sub-four-metre, seven-seaters could be the next big ‘small’ thing in India. We’ve seen the Datsun Go+ and the Mahindra Quanto, and next up, Maruti will likely bring in its seven-seat WagonR. It’s unchanged until you reach the C-pillar, after which it stretches past the rear wheel arch to fit another row of seats. The best part – it will likely still be less than four metres long. Expect the 1.0-litre K10 engine to continue, but don’t be surprised if Maruti plonks the 0.8-litre diesel in there too.

Coming: Mid 2016
Est price: Rs 4.5-6 lakh
Engine(s): 1.0 P, 0.8 D
Rivals: Datsun Go+