Frankfurt Motor Show 2017: Top five hatchbacks unveiled

Hatchbacks have always been a popular choice among global car buyers. At the recently held 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, global automakers unveiled their fresh lineup of upcoming hatchbacks. The list of hatchbacks also includes the performance focused hatchback like the Renault Megane RS and the Hyundai i30 N. Here below are the top five hatchbacks that have caught our attention.

Suzuki Swift

The Swift needs no real introduction as such, especially in India where it has been the top seller list in its segment for years now. As seen at IAA 2017, the new Suzuki Swift gets a new face, wheels and rear end. The new model as expected, borrows the styling cues from the new Dzire in India. At the time of its India launch, it might be offered in existing petrol and diesel engine options. Interestingly, we might also get optional AMT transmission this time around.

The Japanese car manufacturer also showcased the new Swift Sport which is believed to be 80kgs lighter than the previous generation Swift Sport. Under the hood, the Suzuki Swift Sport gets a 1.4-litre turbocharged BoosterJet engine that generates 138bhp of power and 223Nm of torque. The vehicle comes mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmission options.     

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen unveiled its sixth-generation Polo, called the Polo Beats at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest five-door model claims to be roomier and more feature loaded than its predecessor. As the name suggests, the Polo Beats gets an upgraded sound system, along with standard equipment like 16-inch alloy wheels and darkened exterior elements. The new Polo will continue to be sold in familiar variants like - Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trims. If introduced in India, the new model will continue to be powered by existing engine options.

The German car manufacturer also showcased the performance-focused Polo GTI in IAA 2017. It will be available in a four-door version in India as the Volkswagen GTI, it might be introduced once the new Polo hits Indian soil. The car gets a red stripe on the grille, GTI badges and of course, those snazzy wheels to complete the package. The GTI is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 187bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. The powerful engine comes mated to a seven-speed DSG.

Honda Jazz

Honda’s premium hatchback, the Jazz is based on the latest Honda family design language. It incorporates the 'Solid Wing Face' headlight and grille. The front bumper is also different with more aggressive contours around the air vents. At the rear, the shallower grille sections are linked together by a gloss black trim strip above a trapezoid lower section. All in all, the Jazz retains its MPV-like profile, making it extremely practical and spacious. Mechanically, the biggest update comes in the form of a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. It can be paired to an optional CVT transmission which has been revised to deliver a more linear response. The 130bhp 1.5-litre motor is offered as part of a new Dynamic grade, which adds a thinner front splitter and triple-strake diffuser to the rear bumper, both featuring red accents.

Renault Megane RS

Renault unveiled the third generation of the Megane at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model gets a new engine, four-wheel steering (first in the segment) and two transmission options. The vehicle is available in two variants – Sports and Cup. Under the hood, the Megane RS is powered by a new turbocharged 1.8-litre engine with direct fuel injection. The four-cylinder unit breathes out 280bhp at 6,000rpm with a peak torque of 390Nm.  

Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai showcased the racing-inspired i30N at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The N in the car’s name stands for Nurburgring, where car manufacturers use the 12.9-mile (21 kilometres) racing circuit to develop and test their new performance vehicles. The car gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 247bhp of power. The optional ‘Performance Package’ further ups the power output to 271bhp. It is unlikely that the i30 N will be introduced in India anytime soon.