Here’re The Top Hatchbacks Launched In India In 2021

Sure, the Indian automotive industry has had SUVs in various sizes and segments rule the roost in recent times, but that does not mean hatchbacks weren't given a bit of love. 2021 did see a variety of launches ranging from mean speed demons to generation updates. 

So, here’s the best ones that grabbed our attention:

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatchback

Price: Rs 79.50 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

Starting things off is a firecracker with the Mercedes-AMG A45S. It’s got the world's most powerful four-cylinder production vehicle with the M139 2-litre turbocharged motor making 421PS and 500Nm. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and 4Matic+ AWD, it hits 0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 270kmph. It also gets  an AMG suspension setup, AMG-specific brakes, as well as multiple drive modes to keep it handy around corners. 

Tata Altroz iTurbo

Price: Rs 8.07 lakh to Rs 9.42 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

Our prayers for a more potent Altroz were answered with Tata Motors adding a spicier iTurbo trim for the hatchback. The upgrade is under the hood, with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine pushing 110PS and 140Nm(24PS and 27Nm more than its naturally aspirated counterpart). Sure, it's still currently limited to a 5-speed manual gearbox, but it is enough for a 0-100kmph sprint in 11.9 seconds. That being said, a 7-speed DCT option could be in the works.

2021 Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 6.94 lakh (ex-showroom)

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Maruti Suzuki gave the Celerio its first generation update, making the hatchback more curvaceous and chic than before. Inside, aside from weirdly positioned power window switches, the biggest changes included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the addition of a segment-first keyless entry with push button start. It’s also gotten a new 67PS 1-litre K10C petrol engine with dual VVT and injectors, idle start stop, and a cooled EGR, to help it achieve a claimed mileage of 26.68kmpl

Facelifted Mini JCW

Price:  Rs 45.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The Mini John Cooper Works was given a fresh face this year, with the hot hatch getting a more prominent front grille, more vents around the bumper and a tweaked rear diffuser. It also gets more tech inside in the form of an updated 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. But under the hood, it remains as is, running a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine making 231PS and 320Nm. Paired to an 8-speed automatic, it can reach 100kmph from a standstill in just 6.1 seconds.

Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift 

Price: Rs 5.85 lakh to Rs 8.67 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

Another Maruti hatchback getting an update was the Swift, but this one was a midlife refresh than the Celerio which was a new generation model. At a glance, it would be difficult to make out changes with a new honeycomb mesh grille with a chrome strip being the only noticeable bit. That said, there are new features such as cruise control, idle start-stop, auto-foldable ORVMs, and the Baleno’s  4.2-inch TFT driver’s display. There’s also a more powerful 90PS 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine borrowed from the Dzire and Baleno.

Tata Tiago NRG

Price: Rs 6.57 lakh to Rs 7.12 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

We got the NRG moniker back on the Tiago, as Tata Motors finally introduced it on the facelifted model. Essentially, it is a rugged-looking iteration of the standard model, featuring larger 15-inch wheels, an 11mm higher ride height, roof rails, as well as black body cladding. It gets all the bells and whistles from the top-spec Tiago but gets keyless entry with a push-button start at the cost of climate control. Under the hood, it uses the same 86PS/113Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options.

Hyundai i20 N Line

Price: Rs 9.84 lakh to Rs 11.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

Hyundai India officially stepped into the realm of spicy hatches with the i20 N Line as the carmaker’s first model from the hot ‘N’ brand in the country. Sure its a middle of the road sporty trim compared to the hardcore i20 N, but the N Line gets some performance enhancements with stiffer dampers, rear disc brakes, and a throatier exhaust note. It also looks the part with a chequered flag-theme grille, N-branded alloy wheels, a beefier front bumper, and dual exhausts. The cabin receives a splash of red accents as well as N-branded steering wheel, gear-lever, and seat covers.

So which was your best hatchback from 2021? Drop a comment down below.