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Wednesday, 10 June 2009
The latest hatchback Honda Jazz has finally arrived. It is the second costliest hatchback in the country after the Fiat 500. The Jazz is the first small car from the Honda stable and is available in three variants – Jazz Base, Jazz Mode, and top-end Jazz Active. The new car is powered by a India specific 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine which delivers 89 bhp of power and 110 Nm of peak torque. The revolutionary “Made for India” powertrain offers enhanced power output and low fuel consumption. The Jazz delivers an impressive fuel economy of 16.1 km/l on average, as certified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The engine is also E10 compatible and designed to meet Bharat Stage IV emission levels. The Jazz is a perfect combination of compact design and spacious interiors. The Jazz is built on the Honda City platform. This helps it offer loads of space in both front and rear rows. The exterior combines large angular headlights and its forward hood commands respect. Standard features of Honda Jazz include integrated CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input, steering wheel mounted audio controls, automatic volume control by car speed, titanium seat fabric color, and air conditioner with heater. The car comes with unique magic seats that enhance usage of rear space behind the front seats. The top-end ‘Active’ variant is sportier than the other variants as it comes with features such as sport pedals, body coloured front grille, fog lamps, and a spoiler at the top of the tailgate. All variants of the Jazz pack the same amount of safety features irrespective of whether it’s a base variant or top-end variant. Features include dual front SRS airbags, ABS with brake assist system, Electronic Brake-force Distribution technology, G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) car body, and engine immobilizer. The new Honda Jazz is all set to re-define the hatchback segment in India. The Jazz Basic is priced at Rs 6.98 Lakh, Jazz Mode at Rs 7.28 Lakh, and Jazz Active at Rs 7.63 Lakh. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom Delhi. Labels: Hatchbacks, New-Car-Launch, New-Honda-Jazz
Friday, 5 June 2009
The launch of the most awaited hatchback of the year Honda Jazz is inching ever so close. Its manufacturer has been boasting that the Jazz will come with a completely new 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine. However, the car is not entirely new to the world. It’s already available in seven countries across the globe though not as a hatchback in all places. However, that’s not where the monotony of the Jazz ends. Firstly, Jazz has been part of Honda since the 1960s when it was the name of their 49 cc scooter sold in Canada and it is still sold as the Jazz there. Secondly, Honda sold the 100 bhp 1.2L 4-cylinder engine Honda City as the Jazz in Europe between 1982 and 1986. The current Jazz that the world knows of is sold as the Honda Fit in the United States. So the Jazz is Honda’s scooter in Canada, their Sedan in Europe, Fit in the U.S., and soon to be hatchback in India. Honda’s addiction to Jazz is questionable. Either they’ve run out of names for their new cars or they strongly believe in the mystical power of names. After all, brand name and brand reliability have worked magic for Honda over the decades. Labels: Hatchbacks, Honda-Jazz
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
 Ford travels a long way from the successful Ford Fiesta towards the supermini Fiesta hatchback. Yes, in the phase of small cars, Ford plans to roll out the hatchback version of its most successfully running Ford Fiesta sedan. This car will start its journey from Europe to enter the Indian market with a full bang. You’ll be excited to hear that this proposed car entering the market with a new marquee is found testing across the Chennai roads. The company is trying to verify the car’s performance on Indian roads in accordance to the Indian weather conditions. The hatchback version of the Fiesta is expected hit the Indian roads by the end of 2009, bringing along a tough challenge for Skoda Fabia and the proposed Honda Jazz. The first Fiesta hatchback was rolled out in 1976 on international roads. Since its first launch, the car has seen various generations with a winning smile. Let us wait and watch the belief of Ford! Labels: Ford-Cars, Hatchbacks, Indian-car-market, Small-Car
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
After the successful venture of Mahindra-Renault Logan, the joint venture between Mahindra and Renault is planning to impress the consumers with a bootless sibling. Logan is currently creating sensation in the mid-size car segment in the country but still Renault is not satisfied. To comply with its own level of satisfaction, the company desires to roll out Renault Sandero, a hatchback. Sandero will be manufactured in Renault’s Curitiba plant and will launch the car first in Brazil, followed by Argentina and India. The Renault Sandero is built using digital designs and is price warrior. A much affordable modern hatchback is loaded with elegant and futuristic features and is comparatively more attractive than the revamped Logan. The car is a blend of European Clio (Renault's popular hatchback) and some Logan features. Spacious and low boot of the car makes it more comfortable and easy for loading cargo. The drive, sitting posture and the comfort is all up to the mark. When driving to India, Renault will modify some features in order to make the car well suited for Indian roads. Labels: Hatchbacks, Mahindra-Renault
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
 Fabia one of the most sizzling hot hatchbacks from Skoda is in news again. There was a report stating that the company is calling back its most ‘cool looking car’. But the missing link is that to increase the fuel efficiency and performance of the car, the petrol version of Fabia was upgraded. Due to incompatible fuel quality in India, Skoda India has made minor alteration in the software to achieve better fuel economy and driving performance. The company also assured that for the existing customers, the company would rectify the problem free of cost and all they have to contribute is about 20-30 minutes at the dealerships. Labels: Hatchbacks, Indian-cars, Skoda-Fabia
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
 Chevrolet is trying out different ways to please the Indian consumers and this time the special offer is tagged with the small and successful car from GM’s stable, the Chevrolet Spark. The new cars buyers will have a reason to smile as Spark will come at a special price for a limited period. The car will be available at a starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh for a limited period. The limited offer is the result of improved localization and the last date is yet to be decided. The ‘winker’ which is very popular among the younger crowd has sold more 20 lakh units in more than 100 markets across the world over last few years and has also won the "Best Value 2008" award for cars this year. So all new car buyers this is the best time to buy one. Hurry up! before the limited offer closes. Labels: Chevrolet-Spark, Hatchbacks, New-Cars
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Hyundai wants to modify its highest selling hatchback Santro Xing and launch it again. The Santro will be fitted with a lighter 1.1 liter diesel engine that produces a whopping 75 bhp. The car will give an impressive mileage of 20 kmpl which is good fuel efficiency rate. Most Indian buyers will be impressed with it. Now who can beat that! Hyundai itself! With the new small displacement engine it is surely going to become a major competitor for a lot small cars. It may be launched in May or June 2008. Santro has already become a huge hit in urban areas. With its new avatar it could become a nightmare to its rivals.
Labels: Car-Engines, Hatchbacks, Hyundai, small cars
Monday, 31 March 2008
Fiat is re-launching Fiat 500 in India soon. It seems that Fiat is planning to give a tough competition to BMW’s Mini. When Fiat will launch its 500 it is expected to take on the costliest hatchback of India BMW Mini. Fiat priced at Rs 13 lakh onwards and BMW Mini priced at Rs 20 lakh. Both these cars carry the retro design, carrying with it the legacy of European history. It will be interesting to see if these European cars carry their magic to India. These car manufacturers will most probably fight for a thin line of consumer segment, which have an option to buy luxury cars or SUV or 500 or Mini. Maybe the consumer will eventually decide on who is the boss of hatch back cars in India. Labels: Car-competition, Fiat, Fiat 500, Hatchbacks, Indian SUV, new car launch
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
New cars are continuously finding their way to the Indian car market. There's a flood of new car models and variants. One more variant is now added to the hatchback line-up. Ford has launched a new variant 'Fusion Plus' for its car model Fusion. The newly launched Fusion Plus variant will be available in 1.6-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel versions. Its packed with exciting new features such as height adjustable driver's seat, power adjustable outside mirrors, all new anti-lock braking system and alloy wheels. Ford is encouraging buyers to go for it by giving an introductory offer this month that includes a car MP3 player. All of the Fusion's performance qualities and driving pleasure are retained in the Fusion Plus. Labels: Expansion in Indian auto industry, Ford India, Fusion, Hatchbacks, New Model
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
The cute i10 is already making waves in the small car segment and recently walked away with a lot of awards and appreciation. Now, Hyundai is waiting to launch the new i20 hatchback and is expecting a repeat of the i10's success story. i20 is next in the i-series from Hyundai of which the i10 has already arrived. With the i10 being so impressive, many wonder what the i20 will be like and expectations are really high for this upcoming car. Hyundai is undeniably setting new standards and raising the expectations of car buyers. The i20 is coming to India some time later this year. Labels: Hatchbacks, Hyundai, Hyundai Santro, i20, New Car, New i10 model, small cars
Thursday, 17 January 2008
General Motors is having another go at the small car segment by introducing new variants for its hatchback model ‘Spark’.
Hoping to ride on the popularity of Daewoo’s Matiz, General Motors (GM) had introduced the small car ‘Spark’ in the middle of 2007. The Spark retained most of Matiz’s exterior styling but had better features and improved handling compared to the Matiz. But the much-hyped model saw very slow sales initially and didn’t entirely live up to GM’s expectations.
Now GM plans to launch newer variants of the Spark. They are concentrating on the development of a second manufacturing plant at Talegaon in Maharashtra. New variants of the Spark will be produced here and will hit the roads later this year. We hope the new variants are available in more colours and with more interior space. Labels: Chevrolet, General Motors, Hatchbacks, New launch
Friday, 4 January 2008
There has been a lot of hype on launch of Skoda Fabia. Speculations are going on about its pricing, interiors, safety and audio. The company had not made these available even when it started bookings in December for Skoda car owners only. Fabia, which was launched earlier in Europe is now scheduled to be make an entry to Indian market with the 9th Auto Expo, New Delhi this year. While cruising through the Internet waters, I was able to find some information about this. Skoda will apparently launch three variants – two petrol and one diesel variant in India. The car will come equipped with 1.2 liter and 1.4 liter petrol engines producing 85 bhp and a 1.4 diesel generating 69 bhp. The car can attain a top capacity of 169 kmph. The diesel variant is considerably lower than petrol engine type owing to heavier body construction. The pricing is likely to range between Rs. 5.5 to 7 lakh. Considering the price it is one of the highest in the hatchback segments. The high end variant will come loaded with several latest safety features like the ABD, EBD, dual stage front airbags, and fun features like the sunroof and premium sound system. Park assists could also be added as an option. However, considering the pricing in relation to engine capacity, Fabia seems to be lagging behind most existing variants like the Swift, Getz and Palio. But on a closer look, Skoda has loaded the Fabia interiors with the latest technology and elegant seatings and smooth plastic. Safety has always been a priority for Skoda and Fabia is no exception. The new car could become a style statement among hatchback owners. Labels: Auto-Expo, Hatchbacks, New launch
Friday, 21 December 2007
The phenomenal introduction of i10 model has encouraged Korean car maker Hyundai to plan for another model. It is really interesting to note that the company’s not-so-cheap hatchback car is doing well in India. The reason might lie in its really quick acceleration and speed. The car simply zooms past before you realize it is an i10. Its interior is also stylishly designed.
Now, Hyundai is planning to introduce a diesel version of i10 by 2010. Of course diesel cars are getting popular by the day. This model will be called i20. Prior to this, it might launch its premium Sport Utility Vehicle Santa Fe in 2008. Labels: Hatchbacks, Hyundai, i20, New i10 model, SUVs
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Suzuki is all-set to manufacture a hatchback called Splash. The company has already officially announced it. Though most of the concepts for Splash are imbibed from Agila, a 5-door vehicle manufactured by its partner company, the cues represent more stylishness and uniqueness. Though the complete list of standard features is not yet out, it is in the air that the stability control system will be standard. The price is yet to be revealed by the company. Its first launch is expected to be in the UK market and India will not be far behind! Labels: Car-Sales, Global market, Hatchbacks, Manufacturing new car, New Car, Suzuki
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Volkswagen Up – no that’s not a command it is the name of the concept micro car from Volkswagen that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show. Up will definitely bring up the market sales of Volkswagen in India, since they are currently only selling the Passat sedan. The concept car Up is a hatchback with two doors that can seat four people. In India it will get four doors and a longer wheelbase. The exterior appearance of Up resembles the Beetle – and we all know how cool and cute that car is! The inward and diagonal headlamps, horizontally arranged air vents, a chrome VW logo, a tailgate that extends towards the smooth bumper, sporty wheels, and large doors – a small car dream come true. The interior concept includes high level seating, a see and control 7 inch touch screen monitor, sensor technology for navigation control – this may be excluded from the Indian versions, a radio, a trip computer, a climate control system, and the usual shebang. This new model is expected to be produced in large volumes when launched in India – after all we are the hub for small cars! Labels: Hatchbacks, Imported cars, Indian car market, Indian low budget cars, launch in India, Volkswagen
Monday, 1 October 2007
Since Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Hindustan Motors (HM) about a decade ago, it has released an array of popular Sedans and SUVs, but not a single vehicle in the most popular Hatchback segment. With the announcement of an official launch date for the ‘1-lakh car’ by Tata Motors, other auto manufacturers are keen to compete. Mitsubishi is considering introducing its new model ‘i’ to India. The ‘i concept’ car debuted at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The egg-shaped vehicle carried a 999 cc engine that boasted of a very impressive mileage of 33 kms per litre. It also carried a Mitsubishi Smart Idling (MSI) system which turns off the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary and can restart it within 0.2 seconds. The ‘i’ that launched in January 2006, comes with an ultra-efficient lightweight turbocharged 660 cc petrol engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. It sports a wide door, sufficient room for 4 passengers, split-folding rear seats, and alloy wheels. The engine emissions are environment friendly. It is priced a little too high in the European market. With the co-operation of Hindustan Motors (HM), Mitsubishi could introduce a small car, based on the i-car platform, in India. Vehicle cost could be reduced by sourcing parts locally and by stripping out some of the expensive on-board equipment. Labels: Car-manufacturers-in-India, cars, competition, Hatchbacks, Indian car market, Mitsubishi, Sedans, SUVs, Tata
Thursday, 19 July 2007
As petrol prices are reaching the skies it is the diesel vehicles that are ruling the roost. There was a time when diesel vehicles were considered to be low performers. Thanks to technology; with new inventions diesel vehicles are made to perform on par with petrol vehicles. Ford India recently launched the diesel version of hatchback Fusion, which is all-set to fight nose-to-nose with other lately introduced diesel cars. Arvind Mattew, president of Ford India was quoted saying, "Strengthening our diesel platform is a key strategy for us and we are hopeful that with the launch of the diesel variant of Fusion we will be able to attract more customers". This hatchback has only one variant and costs rupees 6, 59,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi). Prices may vary according to various cities and as time goes by. It is made available in six flashy colors that will appeal to everybody. Fusion diesel is equipped with a 1.4 liter Duratorq turbo diesel common rail injection (TDCi) engine, which delivers great power. Generous space and well festooned interiors make it an ideal family car to move around with high josh. Ford Fusion diesel gives good mileage. The rear seats fold completely and hold as-much cargo as a van. The steering wheel is very flexible and mounted with basic audio-control buttons to make it easier for the driver to operate while driving. This light-weight giant is easy to drive and parking is not a problem. It is also decked with a plethora of safety features to minimize the severity of an accident. Labels: CRDi, Ford launches its diesel version in India, Fusion, Hatchbacks
Monday, 26 March 2007
It’s a woman’s day out, the notion that only men love to drive cars might have been right until some years ago, but not now. Today, automakers are also designing cars keeping in mind the modern, urban woman, who prefers being in the driver’s seat rather than being taken for a ride, literally. Maruti Suzuki has launched Zen Estilo, a new hatchback in ‘pink,’ colour especially to cater to its women customers. While the debate goes on whether it is mauve or magenta or fuschia, one thing is certain that it IS a shade of PINK – a colour that has long been associated with femininity. Powered with an 1100cc four cylinder engine, the sporty and stylish pink Zen Estilo comes with a 5-speed gearbox. The car looks a bit like Matiz, Innova and Honda City due to its monovolume shape. If the exterior of the car would instantly appeal to a woman, the interiors will win her heart. Two-tone brown-beige interiors look very appealing and the quality of plastic used is also incredibly good for a small car. The cute car has a feminine touch, not only in terms of colour but the looks too. Priced at around INR four lakhs, this car will not just suit the pocket of the modern woman but also take care of all her needs. While it may hurt the ego of men to be seen driving this ‘pink’ car, women can boast that they have a car especially designed for them. However, if men can put their ego aside and give priority to the features of this car, they will not have a chance to complain. Labels: Hatchbacks, Honda City, Innova, Zen Estilo
With growing cities and shrinking space on roads, there has been a change in the people’s choice of car body styles. While there is a segment of people who still prefer to drive big cars, an increasing number of people are opting for the good, old hatchbacks. The hatch is a two box style, occupy lesser space as compared to a sedan, but have too many pluses on their side. In India, three out of every four cars sold are hatchbacks and India has now become the third largest producer of hatchbacks. Even the Indian Government is encouraging the production of hatchbacks by giving away tax incentives. However, the Government has set some norms for the production of small cars. Their size should be less than four meters and they should conform to the emission norms.
While Maruti 800, Swift, Wagon R and Zen from Maruti, the biggest car-makers in the country, are some hatchbacks which have ruled the Indian roads. Hyundai Santro and Getz have also created their space in the car market. However, the market for hatchbacks in the country is going to see some new BIG entrants very soon. Even the big automakers realize the potential for hatchbacks in the Indian car market and are trying to tap it. Skoda, so far known for manufacturing luxury cars, is soon going to launch its hatchback, the Skoda Fabia in India by the end of 2007. Even though the exteriors of the car are not very classy, the interiors look very impressive. The first thing that will draw your attention is the ample space in the cabin as well as the rear seats. The best feature of this car is that despite being a hatchback, it is very spacious. With Skoda, Honda is also going to join the hatchback bandwagon. So far known for its premium, luxury sedans, Honda is also planning to launch a hatchback in India in 2-3 years. This car has been designed keeping in mind the Indian car market and Indian car drivers. Still undergoing development, this car will be launched in India before its launch in other countries. That is indication enough of how automakers are focusing on the Indian car market. General Motors, the world’s largest producer of cars, also plans to increase its share in India, by three times to 10 percent by the end of the decade. GM sells its Chevrolet U-VA hatchback in India. Toyota has also joined the fray with Honda and GM, planning to make inroads into the Indian hatchback market. Toyota has plans to launch the Toyota Aygo in India soon, which is a hit in Europe. There are reports that Volkswagen might also launch a small, compact car in India. The car could be in the M800 range. Reports are rife that the automaker has started reviewing its models to be introduced in the country. The company has already indicated that the car to be launched will be based on the Polo platform in India and would take on competition from other hatchbacks. Labels: Chevrolet, Hatchbacks, Hyundai, Maruti, Skoda, Toyota, Volkswagen
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