Top five premium hatchbacks on CarWale in 2018

The fast-changing Indian automotive industry has recently witnessed strong positive growth in the B-Segment. By this, we mean that Indian customers have started opting for the feature loaded and spacious hatchbacks over the entry-level small cars from the A-segment. Popular models from the A-segment, like the - Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Renault Kwid and the Datsun Redi-Go will continue to draw steady sales numbers, however it is the B-segment cars like the Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno that have been witnessing a strong rising graph in terms of sales. 

Here below is a list of top five B-segment cars that have been most searched on CarWale -         

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki introduced the new-gen Swift based on the new Heartect platform. This meant that the new Swift hatchback is lighter and spacious than its predecessors. Interestingly, the vehicle is also offered with optional AMT transmission in petrol and diesel engine guise. Recently, the Swift has been awarded as the Indian Car of the Year and outperformed the likes of Honda Amaze, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santro and more. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The second Maruti on our list is the Baleno. The premium Nexa branded hatchback from the country’s largest car manufacturer has been selling over 17,000 units a month. The hatchback is powered by the tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine options. Backed by Nexa, the Baleno offers standard safety features like dual airbags in the front, ABS with EBD, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters and ISOFIX. 

Tata Tiago 

The game changer for Tata Motors, the Tiago is the third highest searched car in the B-segment this year on CarWale. The competitively priced hatchback is available in petrol and diesel engine options with a manual transmission. The AMT option is limited to the petrol variant. The Tiago is offered with a modest set of features and is also a decent performer on highway runs. 

Hyundai Elite i20

Earlier this year, Hyundai introduced the updated Elite i20 for the Indian market with a fresh set of cosmetic and feature upgrades. The vehicle is available with 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine option. Back in May, the company introduced a petrol CVT option in the Magna and the Asta variants.         

Hyundai Grand i10

The Grand i10 is a popular choice among potential B-segment customers. Good build quality and unique features like rear AC vents made it a strong proposition in its segment. Back in July, we had revealed that Hyundai is likely to introduce an all-new Grand i10 in India. The vehicle is expected to be based on an all-new platform, which is likely to be lighter, flexible, safer and wider than its predecessor. The 2019 Grand i10 will get fresh design upgrades, however, it will not lose its young and tall-body styling element. As for its interior, it is speculated that the new model will be offered with new dual-tone upholstery for freshness and a touchscreen infotainment system. The vehicle will be offered with standard safety features such as dual front airbags and ABS.