10 Hatchbacks Launching In 2018

The year 2017 is well and truly behind us. And as we begin the new year, we can’t help but count the number of new cars that are coming our way this year. Here, we take a look at the hatchbacks that are set to be launched in the country throughout the course of the year. These range from the very affordable to the most luxurious ones. Heck, some are even electric! If you are in the market for a hatchback, you better check these out first. 

1. Honda Jazz Facelift

The second-gen Jazz is all set for a mid-life update. However, we expect it to be a mild facelift rather than a thorough overhaul. The Jazz facelift is expected to get a new grille, reworked headlamps and taillamps and a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the updated Jazz is expected to feature the Digiplay touchscreen infotainment system that we’ve already seen in the Honda City and the WR-V. Prices are expected to remain largely the same as the outgoing version. We expect the 1.2-litre petrol motor along with the 5-speed manual or CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual ‘box from the current hatchback to be carried forward.

2. Hyundai i20 Facelift

The Elite i20 facelift has been spotted testing on Indian soil multiple times. The updated version of the popular hatchback is expected to feature major cosmetic changes like the ‘cascading’ grille to keep it in line with other cars from Hyundai’s lineup. It will also feature new headlamps, fog lamps, DRLs and new alloy wheels. Hyundai is unlikely to mess with the interiors of the hatchback. However, we expect the Elite i20 facelift to be offered with new upholstery, including a leather option. The 1.2-litre petrol motor and 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines will be carried over from the current hatchback. The Elite i20 facelift will be showcased at the Auto Expo 2018.

3. Hyundai New Entry-Level Car

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Often referred to as the new Santro, Hyundai’s new entry-level car is expected to take the place of the i10. Engine details are still scarce but expect it to be powered by a 1.0-litre petrol motor. Hyundai is expected to price the upcoming hatchback competitively as it has to take on the popular kid, the Renault Kwid. We expect the hatchback to be well equipped in terms of features while adapting its looks from the i10 family of hatchbacks. Hyundai is expected to reveal a near-production concept of this car along with its official name at the Auto Expo 2018. So, stay tuned!

4. Mahindra Electric KUV100

The KUV100 received a facelift not too long ago. Now, Mahindra is working on the electrifying the sole hatchback in its lineup. When launched, the e-KUV100 will join the e-Verito, the e2o Plus and the e-Supro in Mahindra’s EV lineup. It is likely to be powered by the e20Plus’ 19kW, 3-Phase AC Induction motor which produces 70Nm of torque. Since the KUV100 is a bigger car in terms of size and weight, the 280Ah lithium-ion battery pack from the e2o Plus is expected to receive a bump in capacity as well. Practical range, however, is expected to remain the same at around 90-100km per charge though. However, lower variants could make do with a t a smaller battery to keep costs low. Expect Mahindra to offer a fast charging option as well. 

5. Tata Premium Hatchback

Over the last couple of years, Tata has managed to successfully revamp its lineup. It's safe to say that they are among the best looking cars in the industry today. Tata is expected to continue this streak in 2018 by launching a premium hatchback. Pegged to rival the likes of the Maruti Baleno, this hatchback is expected to pack the latest in terms of technology and features. Although the manufacturer hasn’t confirmed the engine details yet, we expect it to be powered by the turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol motor and the 1.5-litre diesel motor from the Nexon. The spy shots of the hatchback show a very handsome silhouette that is expected to turn heads like the Nexon.

6. Tata Electric Tiago

Last year, Tata agreed to supply electric Tigor sedans to government-run agency Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). Though Tata hasn’t released any details about the electric Tigor’s powertrain, we expect the carmaker to plonk the same unit under the bonnet of the Tiago before selling it to the public as Tata’s first all-electric hatchback for the nation. Since we don’t know much about the electric Tigor, it is hard to speculate the price of the upcoming electric hatchback. But knowing Tata, expect the hatchback to be priced very competitively.

7. All-New Maruti Swift

Ever since the new Dzire was launched, we couldn’t help but wonder what the new Swift hatchback would be like to drive. The year 2018 will provide all the answers we’ve been looking for as Maruti Suzuki will not just showcase the Swift at the Auto Expo 2018, but will also launch it a month later. The new Swift has a sportier design and is lighter than its predecessor as well. Based on the HearTect platform that underpins the Baleno and the Ignis, the Swift will be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual/AMT and a 1.3-litre diesel engine available with similar transmission options. Unlike the Baleno and the Ignis, however, the new Swift will be sold via Maruti Suzuki’s regular dealer network.

8. 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Still undergoing tests across the world, the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March this year. From the spy shots, it is quite evident that the new car has a longer wheelbase. This is all thanks to Mercedes’ second-gen Modular Front-Drive Architecture platform. The new A-Class is expected to look as aggressive as the car it replaces. However, it is expected to feature a sleeker pair of headlamps and a narrower grille. If launched in India, it could carry on with the 2.1-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol motor seen in the current-gen A-Class. Both engines will be mated to a 7-speed DCT. It would be interesting to see if Mercedes introduces the new 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine it jointly developed with Renault in the new A-Class. The cabin of this new hatchback has already been revealed. It uses displays borrowed from bigger sedans like the E-Class and the S-Class. There is even an A-Class sedan that is in the works. However, it might not come to India anytime soon. 

9. Ford Figo Cross

The jacked-up version of the Figo hatchback was spotted testing last week. The Figo Cross gets new decals along with body cladding all around. The suspension seems to have been reworked to give the crossover hatchback a higher ground clearance. The alloy wheels are new as well and look neat and muscular. On the inside, the Figo Cross gets a new dashboard layout that seems to have been inspired by the Ford EcoSport facelift. The Figo Cross, which will go up against the Hyundai Active i20, the Fiat Avventura and the Toyota Etios Cross, finally gets a touchscreen infotainment system. The Figo Cross is expected to be powered by the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Dragon series petrol motor. The 1.5-litre diesel engine from the current hatchback is likely to be carried over.

10. Ford Figo And Aspire Facelift

Ford is also working on updating the Figo hatchback and the Aspire sub-4 metre sedan for the Indian market. Essentially a mid-life update, both cars are expected receive new bumpers, reworked headlamps, grille and wheels. Expect major changes inside the cabin as both cars are likely to get the 6.5-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system seen on the lower variants on the EcoSport. Ford is expected to update the engine lineup as well. Expect the 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder dragon petrol motor to replace the older 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will be carried forward as is. This time around, we hope Ford gives us the stiffer suspension set up from the ‘S’ variants as standard for a more sporty feel.

These are some of the hatchbacks that will make its way to India this year. There is a lot more in store when it comes to sedans and SUVs. So, stay tuned to Zigwheels as we list them down as well.