Top Hatchbacks to Launch in India; Citroen eC3, MG Air EV and More

This year will probably witness a considerable number of hatchback launches by premium car manufacturers in India. While some models are almost confirmed to mark their entry in India extremely soon like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift, the Citroen eC3, and more, some cars are still under the shadow of doubt to make their debut. In December 2022, several hatchbacks managed to find their position in the top-selling cars of the month with whopping sales figures. Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Hyundai i20 were amongst the best-selling vehicles of the previous month in India. We expect the new year to be promising for the hatchback segment as many new and updated models are likely to make their presence felt across the nation soon. Here's a list of India's most anticipated hatchbacks that are reportedly ready to hit the market. If you are planning to invest in compact-sized cars in 2023, have a closer look at the following models. 

Also Read: Citroen eC3 EV Official Video Teased Ahead of India Launch

Citroen eC3

If going green is your motive this year, then you can have a closer look at the upcoming Citroen eC3 EV. The prices of the model are still under wraps but the manufacturer has finally revealed the model in India ahead of its official launch. We have already updated you that this EV will come fitted with a 29.2kWh battery pack that could produce 56bhp and 143Nm. Its motor will help it to sprint from 0 to 60 km/h in 6.8 seconds and have an ARAI-certified range of up to 320 kilometres. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% using a DC fast charger in 57 minutes, compared to 10.5 hours with a conventional home charger. There will be Standard and Eco driving modes available with the model. 

Citroen's upcoming EV model will have features similar to its outgoing petrol counterpart, including a height-adjustable driver's seat, a four-speaker audio system, dual airbags, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution. It will also come with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Tata Punch CNG

This year, Tata Motors is highly anticipated to launch the CNG versions of the Tata Punch and Altroz in India. The cars were on display at the Auto Expo 2023. The same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Revotron engine will power the vehicle. However, there is a slight reduction in power and torque. It will now produce power approximately ranging between 70bhp and 75bhp and torque near to 100Nm. It will only be offered with the manual transmission, just like the Tata Altroz CNG. The lower and mid-level models are likely to offer the factory-fitted CNG kit. The standard features of the compact four-wheeler will include front power windows, brake sway control, ABS with EBD, central locking, tilt adjustable steering, and 15-inch steel wheels. Once it is launched, the CNG-powered Punch will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG and the Maruti Suzuki WagonR.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Facelift

On January 20, 2023, prices for the updated Grand i10 Nios and Aura will be announced. Hyundai Motor India has commenced taking pre-orders for the facelifted version of the Grand i10 Nios at Rs 11,000. The new Grand i10 Nios has been updated in terms of style, and it now has a black radiator grille, a body-colored front bumper, and sweptback projector headlights with LED DRLs. The hatchback is equipped with new LED taillights, new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as well as a sharkfin antenna.

Coming to the powertrain, the model will come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that has capability to generate 82bhp and 113Nm. Both 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions will be mated to the engine. A 1.2-litre CNG-powered bi-fuel petrol engine with a power output of 68bhp and a peak torque of 95Nm will also be included in the updated model. A 5-speed manual transmission will be in this engine. In India, the Grand i10 Nios facelift will compete against the Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Swift, and a number of other models.

Also Read: Auto Expo 2023: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Launched in India at Rs 44.95 lakh

MG Air EV

For the Indian market, MG Motor India is planning to bring forth the much-awaited Air EV. The design of the electric model will be based on Wuling's Air EV, which has been unveiled in Indonesia. The new entry-level MG Air EV will be made on the Global Small Electric Vehicles platform of the company, which already serves as the foundation for a number of vehicles. In the Chinese market, the two-door hatchback is reportedly highly popular. In terms of features, it might get a large touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, connected automobile technology, wireless networking features, and many other high-end amenities for India. A battery pack with a capacity ranging between 20kWh and 25kWh is expected to be fitted in the EV, which could give it a driving range of 150 kilometres on a single charge. The engine is anticipated to produce 40bhp. The India-spec model might arrive with a price tag of Rs 10 lakh, which will make it costlier than the ICE variant.