India has always been a market for small hatchbacks. Does not matter how time changed and how new segments like compact SUV and compact sedans have opened the market, the hatchbacks retain the top-spot when it comes to market share and preference. Currently, global manufacturers like Datsun have entered the space and the segment has now a lot more choices than there were few years back. We bring you the top five selling cars from the segment that will certainly help you to make a right choice when buying your first car.
Maruti Alto
The Alto replaced the ageing Maruti 800, a car that became the first car of many Indian families. The Alto continues to do the same. The Alto is available in two variants – Alto 800 and a more powerful Alto K10. Together, Maruti sells around 23,000 units per month on average months, which soars to around 35,000 units per month during festive season.
Maruti WagonR
The tall car from Maruti has been around in the market since a long time. The unique shape which leads to more space inside the car makes the WagonR one of the better first choices for families. Maruti sells around 15,000 units of WagonR and its sporty variant – WagonR Stingray. Maruti has been long planning to make a 7-seat variant of the WagonR but it seems that the new product is still few years away from the market.
Maruti Swift
Maruti Swift has been the favourite full-size hatchback since its launch. Again, the distinctive looks of the Swift has made it a successful car in the market. The Swift also did not change much since its launch in 2004. The Swift now faces tough competition from the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, Ford Figo but the car sells around 15,000 units per month, which is way more than any of the competitor except the Elite i20.
Hyundai Elite i20
This is the only car in the overall top-5 selling cars in India which does not carry a Maruti Suzuki logo on it. The Hyundai i20 was completely revamped last year to bring out the new model Elite i20, which has been received very well in the market. The Elite does look elite in the segment and is definitely is a quality product. There have been many times since the launch of Elite i20 that it overtook the sales of Swift but mostly it stays close behind the Swift in monthly sales figure. The Elite i20 sells around 11,000 units per month.
Renault Kwid
Images courtesy : Shantonil
The Kwid has been a grand success story for Renault in India. The entry-level hatchback did its world appearance in India and since then, it has become the largest selling Renault in India. The Kwid is available only with petrol engine but the lightweight car quickly gained popularity because of its strong muscular SUV-inspired looks. The Kwid waiting period was once elongated to 6 months, after which Renault increased the capacity of the plant. Even now, the Kwid faces severe waiting period while the Renault plant has been running at full capacity. Kwid currently sells around 10,000 units per month with limited production facility.
