Top Premium Hatchbacks In India - Your Pick?

Loaded with features, good seating comfort for four, fun driving experience and a compact footprint, premium hatchbacks have always been the top performers in India. Plenty of carmakers have been jostling for space in this extremely competitive segment for ages now. That said, we would like to know which premium hatchback has caught your fancy. Introducing the Auto Premier League where your opinion counts (voting will begin soon). So here’s your chance to pick the best premium hatchback in India.

Maruti Suzuki Swift:

Launched back in 2005, the Swift has a cult status in India due to one main reason: its fun-to-drive nature. Initially launched with a free-revving 1.3-litre petrol engine, the Swift was known as the enthusiast’s car back in the day. Its success was further cemented when Maruti Suzuki plonked in Fiat’s fantastic 1.3-litre diesel engine that was frugal, punchy and reliable. The Swift remains one of Maruti’s top-selling cars thanks to frequent updates and improvements.

Pros:

• Enthusiast’s car.

• Spacious and practical.

• Refined cabin experience.

Cons:

• Stiff ride.

• Interior comes with hard plastics.

• Mediocre safety rating.

• No diesel engine on offer. 

For more information on the Swift: https://www.zigwheels.com/maruti-suzuki-cars/swift

Volkswagen Polo: 

The Volkswagen Polo is proof that old cars can be successful even today. With constant styling and mechanical updates, the Polo still rakes in decent numbers despite being more than a decade old. It’s also the entry-level point if you want a tough and solid German car. And while rear-seat space is not its forte, the Polo makes up for it when behind the wheel and that’s why it still has a loyal fan base.

Pros:

• Excellent driving dynamics.

• Most powerful hatchback in its segment.

• Build quality is solid.

Cons:

• High service costs.

• Cramped back seat. 

• No diesel engine option.

For more information on the Polo: https://www.zigwheels.com/volkswagen-cars/polo

Hyundai Elite i20: 

If you want a feature-loaded premium hatchback, the car that usually comes to mind is the Hyundai Elite i20. Well, that’s because Hyundai has it loaded with features that sometimes can’t be found in cars even a segment above. Further, the decent cabin space, good quality interiors, and refined driving experience mean the i20 oozes premiumness.

Pros:

• Upmarket looks and design.

• Loaded with features. 

• Easy driving experience in the city.

Cons: 

• Light steering at highway speeds.

• No diesel engine option.

• Misses out on the convenience of an automatic transmission.

For more information on the Elite i20: https://www.zigwheels.com/hyundai-cars/Elite-i20 

Ford Figo: 

Ford cars are known for their fun-to-drive nature and the Figo is no different. While build quality and the razor-sharp handling have taken a beating over its predecessor, it’s still one of the best driver’s car money can buy today. Coupled with the punchy powertrains, the Figo is the car for you if you intend to attack a sharp set of corners frequently. 

Pros:

• Powerful diesel motor.

• Sweet-sounding petrol motor.

• Sporty driving position.

• Plenty of safety features.

Cons:

• Misses out on essential features.

• No automatic transmission on offer.

• Adequate rear headroom.

For more information on the Ford Figo: https://www.zigwheels.com/ford-cars/Figo

Maruti Suzuki Baleno:

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a premium hatchback that gets the job done in most departments. It’s spacious for five, comes loaded with features, and has two tried-and-tested petrol engine options. Well, the chinks in its armour are a lack of a diesel engine and relatively inferior build quality. That said, there’s no stopping the Baleno and just like the Swift, it’s one of Maruti’s highest-selling cars in India. 

Pros:

• Nicely loaded with features even in lower variants.

• ISOFIX offered across the range.

• Efficient BS6 petrol engines.

• Spacious and practical. 

Cons: 

• Tinny build quality.

• CVT automatic isn’t the best.

• No diesel engine on offer. 

For more information on the Baleno: https://www.zigwheels.com/maruti-suzuki-cars/baleno

Hyundai Grand i10: 

Let’s say you want you a Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, but without the premium feel. Voila, it’s the Hyundai Grand i10. It also fills the gap between the Hyundai Santro and the Grand i10 Nios. Though the i10 is old, it still has a lot going for it. It utilises Hyundai’s tried-and-tested 1.2-litre petrol engine, comes loaded with the essential equipment and most importantly, doesn’t feel cheap or old even today!

Pros:

• Decent build quality inside out.

• Quiet cabin.

• Decent interior quality and boot space.

Cons:

• Lack of certain equipment its rivals offer.

• Integrated fix headrests might not be for all.

• No diesel engine or CNG option on offer. 

For more information on the Grand i10: https://www.zigwheels.com/hyundai-cars/Grand-i10 

Tata Altroz: 

Tata’s Altroz is the homegrown carmaker’s answer to biggies like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20. And while its rivals focus on features and premiumness, the Altroz’s main USP is its safety: it has scored a full five stars in the GNCAP tests. Another major talking point about the Altroz is its design, which makes heads turn whether it’s stationary or on the move. Its engines might not excite as much, but it has decent handling capabilities and a well-rounded suspension setup.  

Pros : 

• Good road presence.

• Well-balanced ride and handling capabilities.

• Spacious cabin.

Cons:

• Lacklustre petrol motor.

• Clunky gear shifts.

• Exterior piano black accents could pick up scratches easily.

For more information on the Altroz: https://www.zigwheels.com/tata-cars/altroz 

Honda Jazz: 

Honda Jazz, though an extremely capable hatchback, failed to get the expected response due to its relatively ‘premium price tag’. Yes, it tried to justify it with the versatile Magic Seats and the ‘H’ badge on its nose. People who bought it were extremely satisfied with it, especially with its Magic Seats.

Pros:

• A true 5-seater because of the space inside the cabin.

• Offers the most amount of boot space amongst its rivals.

• Ride quality is excellent in the city.

Cons: 

• Top-spec petrol manual doesn’t get feel-good features.

• Magic seats should have been retained.

For more information on the Jazz: https://www.zigwheels.com/honda-cars/Jazz 

Toyota Glanza:

The Glanza is essentially a Maruti Suzuki Baleno with Toyota badges. That said, the Glanza has a lot going for it. For starters, Toyota’s after-sales experience is unmatched and the Glanza’s superior warranty package only sweetens the deal. The mild hybrid-equipped entry-level variant is priced lower than the Baleno, making the Glanza seem more value for money. It’s also based on a tried-and-tested hatchback, which further seals the deal.  

Pros:

• Gets plenty of safety features as standard.

• Lots of premium features on offer across variants.

• Comes with an impressive warranty package.

Cons:

• Doesn’t get the option of a diesel engine.

• Looks quite similar to the Baleno.

• Limited variants mean a higher entry cost for a new buyer. 

For more information on the Glanza: https://www.zigwheels.com/toyota-cars/glanza

Ford FreeStyle: 

The Ford FreeStyle is essentially a Figo that has been beefed up to look like a cross hatchback. The dashboard comes in a brown finish to differentiate itself from the Figo while the exterior features minor cosmetic updates. Apart from that, it’s essentially a Ford Figo with identical powertrains and that’s no bad thing!

Pros:

• Fun to drive.

• Good ride quality.

• Loaded with safety features.

• Increased ground clearance.

Cons:

• Iffy interior quality.

• A bit of a squeeze inside.

• No automatic option. 

For more information on the FreeStyle: https://www.zigwheels.com/ford-cars/freestyle 

Maruti Suzuki Ignis:

The Ignis, though not as popular as other Marutis, is for those looking for a premium tall boy hatchback. The butch design elements and the upright stance make it look more like a cross hatchback. And just like other Maruti cars, it’s feature loaded. However, its appeal is limited in the country because of its quirky design. 

Pros:

• Quirky design.

• Spacious interior.

• Standard safety features.

• Peppy petrol motor.

 Cons: 

• No diesel engine.

• On the pricier side.

For more information on the Ignis: https://www.zigwheels.com/maruti-suzuki-cars/ignis

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: 

Hyundai’s Grand i10 Nios is essentially a premium Grand i10 that slots right below the Elite i20. A few of its USPs are the premium design, good quality interior, and long list of features. Further, Hyundai also offers the Nios Turbo for those who want to have some fun behind the wheel. The Nios with its light controls makes for a great hatchback in city confines. 

Pros:

• Cabin looks premium.

• Generous space for rear occupants.

• Premium features on offer. 

Cons: 

• Limited diesel variants.

• Features such as rear wiper and rear headrests are limited to the Asta variant.

• AMT doesn’t offer the same smoothness as the 4-speed torque converter.

For more information on the Grand i10 Nios: https://www.zigwheels.com/hyundai-cars/grand-i10-nios