Can Hatchbacks Come Back In Fashion At Auto Expo 2020?

India is known for being a small car market, although more of our small cars are being replaced by sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Yet, the hatchback segment still leads the sales chart in the country. This year’s Auto Expo will be like no other because a sizeable chunk of hatchbacks will be electric. Here are some of the most exciting hatches we’ll see this February:

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Facelift

Maruti Suzuki is India’s premier compact car manufacturer. It is also likely to have the biggest share of hatchbacks at its pavilion, like the BS6 Alto K10 and the Futuro-E electric vehicle (EV). Another showstopper will be the mildly-revised Ignis. It will now get a Brezza-like grille and redesigned bumpers. It might not seem like much, but the Ignis is already one of the more distinctive-looking Marutis in India. A petrol engine is likely to be the sole powertrain option. 

Tata Altroz EV 

We first saw the breathtaking Altroz EV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Tata is likely to unveil the electric hatchback in India at the Auto Expo. It will possibly be built using Tata’s Ziptron technology like the Nexon EV. Expect a driving range of 300km and fast-charging capability. Since there are no premium electric hatchbacks in India yet, the Altroz is likely to carve its own niche when launched. Check out our spy story here. 

Ora R1 

The electric car that has everyone excited is the diminutive Ora R1. This is one of the most affordable electric cars on sale anywhere in the world. It combines a large battery with simple yet sophisticated interiors. The R1 is likely to surprise even the most conservative compact car buyer with its features. Plus, it looks like the adorable offspring of a Renault Twingo and Suzuki’s Hustler. 

Tata Tiago Facelift

The Tata Tiago is one of the most lucrative small car packages in the country. It is compact on the outside but cavernous inside. The facelift is expected to give it a baby Altroz aesthetic and a BS6 engine. A semi-digital instrument cluster is appropriate for 2020. The diesel is not likely to be updated to BS6, though. Now, how about a souped-up and stanced JTP version, Tata?  

Maruti Suzuki XL5

Maruti Suzuki is developing a Wagon R-based hatchback, which is likely to be offered as a more premium alternative to the Wagon R. Expect more premium features on par with Maruti’s Nexa cars. A BS6 1.2-litre K12 is likely to be the engine of choice, although it could have a K10 variant as well. Going by our most recent spy story, the XL5 could even get an electric powertrain.