HOT Hatchbacks !!!

As we see a hatchback driving past us on the road, we hardly notice it. It is one of those cars which we often see on the roads in India. Hatches comprise of around 70% of the cars sold in our country. Till the year 2000 hatches were considered to be the entry level segment. But soon things changed. With the launch of the Santro, Matiz the market spiced up!! And then came the MADE IN INDIA Tata Indica which changed the game!!! The hatch back market since then has been a hot cake with launches from almost every car maker and the cars locking horns with each other to grab a piece of market share. But this happened in the hatch back cars which wanted to be frugal and sold in large numbers. Almost the same time when competition was popping up FIAT sneaked in the 1.6 Palio. This car began the race for HOT HATCHES!!!

It was FAST AND HOW!!!! The car was distinguished by its roof spoiler and super hot alloys!!!! And what set it apart was FERRARI RED colour!!! On top of that a 1.6 L engine with pure 100BHP of power!!! Push the pedal and the next thing you knew the car was flying!!! Although the car sold in pretty good numbers it still was a premature launch considering Indian consumers and their purchasing power. Chevrolet also took a chance and launched the Optra SRV. But it couldn’t set the sales charts in fire and soon disappeared.

However, now the time has come when such cars can survive and even grow in Indian market. The launch of the Polo 1.6 and the Fabia 1.6 asserts this belief. They offer 105 BHP of power and high amounts of torque. Also stepping forward are the Indica Vista 90 and the Punto 90. These cars are not the true hot hatches but have realized the importance of offering more powerful engine options along with the smaller engine variants which helps save Excise duty!!! And the surprise element comes from the fact that diesels are not left behind in this race.The FIAT Multijet engine which is used by both FIAT and TATA is also being turbo charged and launched. This has “TURBO CHARGED” the diesel hatchback market!!!  These more powerful small cars are targeted at the young buyers who wish to own a machine they can become one with, but are either held back by the pricing of larger cars or the size. Pitch them on city roads and they will drive like any other small car. But put them in the highway, shift up, push the pedal and u have more power than what u need!!! These are ideal for someone who is ready to pay a premium on a car which is a similar sight on the roads but knows what lies underneath.  

Amongst the upcoming cars we are awaiting the Jazz with the 1.5 engine from the City. This step would make the Jazz a true hot hatch. However, what worries me is the pricing and the positioning of the car along with the City. Jazz is overpriced and with a new engine option it could enter the City’s territory. The i20 form Hyundai’s stable is also a very capable performer. Should Hyundai launch a sportier model of this car, it will surely be worrisome for the other hot hatches because this car has everything that it takes to become a hot hatch, great looks, road presence and Hyundai’s trust. What it now needs is a 100 plus BHP engine.

Another car which I believe must come to India is the 1.6 VVT Swift from Suzuki. The Swift as the name suggests is already is a very sporty car. It can seriously bring jitters to the competition.

The companies must also make sure they differentiate the hot hatches from the other variants. These must be more sporty and stylized. With the right time, right price and proper marketing these HOT Hatches could create frenzy in the competition and even a segment above!! And the drivers, they just can’t get enough of the driving pleasure!!!  

 Now this is how a HOT HATCH DRIVES !!!