There's no denying that the hatchback segment is the most competitive one. It is also the most confusing for a buyer planning to purchase a new car in the small car space. So, to help our readers choose the best if they are planning to buy a diesel hatchback in under Rs 7 lakh, we list three cars that make a strong - very strong - case for themselves. The parameters on which these cars selected are design, power, mileage, ride quality and features. (Also Read: Upcoming Sub-Compact SUVs Under Rs 10 Lakh)
Hyundai Grand i10
First on our list is the Hyundai Grand i10 - the newest one of the three cars picked by us. The Grand i10 has all what it takes to be an ideal hatchback as it not only looks good, but also offers maximum features to its buyers, along with an impressive ride and handling and an impressive mileage.
The Grand i10 is one of the best Hyundai cars out there when it comes to ride quality and handling. In fact, it feels more stable than the Hyundai i20 on highways and handles rough city roads quite well, though suspension is still more on the softer side, making it a little difficult to handle pot holes. Powering the diesel version of the car is the new 1.1-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine that churns out 70bhp and a good 160Nm of torque. The car doesn't feel noisy too inside the cabin - quite unlike typical small diesel cars. What's also impressive is the transmission system of the car, the gears are short and precise.
Like other Hyundai cars, the Grand i10, too, has taken its design inspiration from the company's Fluidic sculpture. The car looks pleasing to the eye. Interior design is one thing that Hyundai has mastered now. Just like other Hyundais, the Grand i10 too looks pretty with beige and black plastic, brushed aluminium dials for the AC vents and well placed gearbox. The overall fit and finish and the plastic quality of the interior is probably one of the best in its class. Key features offered with the Grand i10 are first-in-class rear AC vents, steering mounted controls, keyless entry, auto folding mirrors, multimedia system with USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth Support ad 1 GB internal memory space.
Claimed mileage: 24kmpl
Price (Diesel variants): Rs 5.18 lakh - Rs 6.32 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Despite being an older car than both Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Figo, the Swift has never lost its charm, thanks to its impressive design, which, in part, looks inspired from the MINI Cooper, especially the side profile. Overall performance has been another aspect, that gives the Swift an edge over many of its rivals. The car has a well-balanced ride and handling and a well tuned suspension. And more than the City drives, the Swift is a fun car on highways. The car feels stable at high speeds and has a great throttle response.
Two major areas on which Maruti still needs to work are : braking system and features. Non-ABS variants of the Swift aren't very capable during sudden braking application. When it comes to features, the Swift stands nowhere in front of the Grand i10, which offers its buyers more features at a more competitive price.
Powering the Swift is the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre Multijet engine that churns out 74bhp and a healthy 190Nm of torque, and makes it a more powerful vehicle than both Grand i10 and Ford Figo.
Claimed Mileage: 22.9kmpl (ARAI certified)
Price (Diesel variants): Rs 5.60 lakh - Rs 6.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Ford Figo
Ford Figo is another very good option if you are looking for an affordable, fuel efficient and and a feature loaded hatchback. The Figo derives its power from a 1.4-litre diesel unit, capable of churning out 68bhp and 160Nm. Though on papers, the Figo looks lesser powerful than the other two - Grand i10 and Swift, the car outperforms both the Swift and Grand i10, when it comes to ride and handling.
The gearbox too feels quite smooth and has short and precise gearing, which helps the car perform so well both on highway and city. With robust build and construction and a very capable suspension system, the car handles rough roads and pot holes quite well. Steering response is another impressive aspect of the car, which helps the car handle well both on city roads and highways.
What goes against the Figo is the poor after-sales service of the car, and its conventional design.
Claimed Mileage: 20kmpl (ARAI certified)
Price (Diesel variants): Rs 4.85 lakh - Rs 6.06 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
