The competition in an already competitive segment, the B+ hatchback, has gone even more fierce with the launch of three updated models - Hyundai Elite i20, Fiat Punto Evo and 2014 Volkswagen Polo. Interestingly, the segment topper - Maruti Suzuki Swift - will also receive a mid-life makeover during the festive season.
If you are planning to buy any of these new hatchbacks this festive season, here's what we have to say.
Hyundai Elite i20
Launched in the price range of Rs 4.89 lakh - Rs 7.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new Hyundai Elite i20 is bigger and bolder than its predecessor. The new generation i20 measures 3,985mm in length, 1,734mm in width and 1,505mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,570mm. The new version of the hatchback is based on the company's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design philosophy.
The Elite i20 continues to feature the 1.2 litre Kappa Dual VTVT petrol and 1.4 litre U2CRDi diesel engine. The 1.2 litre Kappa petrol engine produces a peak power of 82bhp at 6000rpm with a torque of 115Nm at 4000rpm. While, the 1.4 litre CRDi diesel unit develops a maximum power of 89bhp at 4000rpm with a torque of 220Nm at 1500rpm - 2750rpm.
Mileage
1.2-litre Kappa2 petrol - 18.6Km/l
1.4-litre CRDi diesel - 22.5Km/l
Fiat Punto Evo
The Fiat Punto Evo is the updated version of the old Punto, which has been launched in the price bracket of Rs 4.55 lakh - Rs 7.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With 3,987mm of length, 1,687mm of width, 1,495mm of height and a wheelbase of 2,510mm, the new Punto Evo is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably.
The hatchback is available in two petrol and one diesel engine option. The 1.2 litre petrol engine pumps out a maximum power of 67bhp, while the 1.4 litre gasoline unit generates a peak power of 90bhp. Fiat's 1.3 litre Multi-jet diesel engine comes with two power output options - 75bhp and 92bhp. The 92bhp version of the Putno Evo is the most powerful engine in its league.
Mileage
1.2-litre Petrol - 15.8Km/l
1.4-litre Petrol - 14.4Km/l
1.3-litre 75bhp diesel - 21.2Km/l
1.3-litre 92bhp diesel - 20.5Km/l
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen introduced the updated version of its flagship hatchback, the Polo, at Rs 4.99 lakh - 8.00 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Though the Polo is the most expensive vehicle in its league, it offers several safety features like driver and passenger airbag as standard from the entry-level variant. In fact, from the second trim onwards, one gets ABS and dual airbags as standard features.
The new Polo measures 3,971mm in length, 1,682mm in width, 1,469mm in height and 2,469mm in wheelbase. The petrol version of the hatchback features a 1.2 litre MPI petrol engine that produces a peak power of 74bhp at 5400rpm with 110Nm of torque at 3750rpm. While, the Polo diesel derives its power from a new 1.5 litre TDI unit that churns a maximum power of 89bhp at 4200rpm and a torque of 230Nm at 1500-2500rpm.
Mileage
1.2-litre MPI petrol - 16.47Km/l
1.5-litre TDI diesel - 20.14Km/l
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Maruti's best selling hatchback, the Swift is all set to receive a facelift during the festive season. Since, it will just be a cosmetic update, the engine options and specs will remain unchanged. The existing version of the hatchback is priced between Rs. 4.42 lakh - Rs 6.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Powering the Swift petrol is a 1197cc petrol that delivers a power of 86bhp at 6200rpm and a torque of 114Nm at 4000rpm. The 1248cc , four-cylinder diesel engine is the option on offer. This powertrain develops a maximum power output of 74bhp at 4000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 2000rpm.
Mileage
1.2-litre petrol - 18.6Km/l
1.3-litre diesel - 22.9Km/l
