LARGE HATCH BRIGADE ACQUIRING CRITICAL MASS

This week Hyundai took the wraps off two brand new engine variants of its i20 supermini. In doing so it has finally given this well engineered car the engines it always deserved but more importantly, it has also served notice to car buying Indians, that yes, the compact car, or large hatch segment is truly booming. Before we focus on the segment itself, a word on the two variants is called for. There are two new 1396cc four-cylinder dohc 16-valve engines on offer, one of them a diesel and the other petrol. The diesel is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox while the petrol comes with a four-speed automatic transmission system. On one hand we have frugal consumption coupled to power while on the other we have power allied to convenience.
 
In offering these two engine and transmission options, the i20 range is now three model strong and it mirrors the strategy employed by Tata Motors for its Indica Vista range as well as by Fiat for its swelte Grande Punto hatch which debuted a fortnight ago. In fact Maruti Udyog which does have a 1.3-litre petrol and diesel version of its Swift should soon have its all new K12 1197cc petrol engine also in the Swift to enhance the choice quotient for car buying punters. Skoda has petrol and diesel options as well on its Fabia range and it is only Honda which is unique in having just one model powered by its brilliant 1.2-litre iVTEC petrol engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
 
So what does this tell us? A host of cars from different makers with price points spread from Rs. 3.9 lakhs going all the way to Rs 7.72 lakhs, this is a category with something for everyone. That it also straddles other segments, notably saloons makes this an interesting detail which clearly suggests that the day of the large hatch is upon us. The obvious advantage of a premium hatchback is that it offers the same spacious cabin akin to a saloon but without the larger footprint on ever diminishing tarmac in our cities. Comfort and convenience are clearly defined as the USPs of this class of car but also importantly without cutting down on the stature or sporty appeal of the mid-range saloons.
 
If one thinks that this is the last we are going to hear on this burgeoning segment, be prepared to be delighted as Volkswagen gets ready to usher in its acclaimed Polo from January 2010. And hot on its heels would be Toyota which would at about the same time, Auto Expo 2010 to be precise, be showing off its made-for-India premium hatchback (and notchback) code named EFC800L. Now if that is not manufacturers driving the segment, pray tell me what else helps the automotive world evolve as forcefully?