Most popular hatchbacks in July

The month of July has been fast and furious for the Indian automobile market and the Car enthusiasts as the month saw some most awaited launches like that of Nissan Micra and some innovative strategies being employed by various car companies in the genre of marketing their products. Amidst all the news and activity cluster some cars caught everyone fantasies and became the most popular hatchbacks in the month of July. Of all Nissan Micra became the most popular and the most sought after car in July. The spot was closely followed by Maruti Alto, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i10.

The Japanese auto major Nissan launched its hyped hatchback Micra on 14th July'2010 and caught all limelights immediately. Nissan Micra has been launched in three variants XE (the base variant), XL (mid) and XV (the top end variant) priced in the range of Rs 3.98 lacs to Rs 5.28 lacs (ex showroom New Delhi). Hatchbacks being the most popular segment in India, the car was expected to gain accolades, which it did. All the three variants differ in their features as the technical specifications remain almost similar. The company has launched the car only in Petrol version and all the three variants have 1.2L, 1198cc petrol engine that produces 76PS of power and 104 Nm of torque. With Ranbir Kapoor as the brand ambassador the company seems to have hit the nail as far as branding is concerned. The car offers innovative looks and with a range of features, Micra is surely here to stay.

Maruti Alto has been ruling the hatchback segment since few years now. The car just got fresh capabilities as the company's most popular K series engine powers the refreshed version of this market ruler. The same engine that currently powers Maruti A-star, Wagon R and Estilo delivering 68PS of maximum power at 6200 Rpm and 90Nm of maximum torque at 3500 Rpm now powers Maruti Alto. The company has intelligently added some interesting features in the existing model and priced it a bit higher to the current range, still maintaining the low cost highlight of the car.

The Indian automotive market has largely been dominated by hatchbacks and Ford India in order to grab a larger chunk of this pie, launched a hatchback Figo this year which received immediate response and appreciation. The car has been launched in a competitive price tag that starts from Rs 3.5 lakh. Indeed, the car responded so well that the company had to start a second shift of production. With the advantage of launching the car in both Diesel and Petrol versions, Ford has also offered a range of safety and comfort features in the car.

Volkswagen has been one brand that every Indian always wanted to own since years, but the price shelf it catered to has been far from the reach of most. Price of Volkswagen Polo has been set to compete with other hatchbacks like Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Fiat Punto, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i20, etc. With elegant interiors, classy looks and great finesse, the car managed to grab limelight right through the initial phase of being launched. Volkswagen polo comes in both Diesel and Petrol versions and this has added to the overall appeal of the car.

Hyundai India got lucky for the second time with Hyundai i10 as the company had tasted success in the segment with Santro Xing earlier. All the variants boast of dual tone beige interiors. The ample dimensions of Hyundai i10 - 3565 *1595*1550mm (L*W*H) with the wheelbase of 2380 mm gives it the additional stability and added cabin space. Smooth drive, posh interiors, innovative looks and spacious interiors have made the car a favourite amidst the segment.

The range of features offered by the cars ruling the segment is endless, but this certainly points to the reasons why certain cars have been able to grab the biggest chunk of consumer base. As the ruling players keep changing, the segment of hatchbacks is the most responsive segment in the Indian automobile market and would continue to be so.