We Indians love our hatchbacks. Almost 50 per cent of the cars sold in the country are hatchbacks. Although the Europeans like to call their hatchbacks “supermini”, there is no denying the facts that these puny little hatches are a hot flavour of motoring. So here are a few hatchbacks which made their appearances at the Geneva stage this year.
Toyota Aygo
Toyota revamped the Aygo line-up with its new X-motif. This means that the fascia is more imposing than before with redesigned headlamps and gaping bumpers. There is a generous use of black on the facia while the silhouette and rear remain more or less the same. There are new body colours to choose from and a slightly refined cabin. The powertrain is also tweaked to be compliant with the Euro 6.2 regulations.
Skoda Fabia
The Fabia got the Skoda’s family moustache flanked by large LED headlights in this significant update. The rear tail lights are new while the car now rides on larger 18-inch wheels. On the inside, the cabin gets a new instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity on the infotainment screen. The big change comes under the hood with the debut of a three-cylinder 1.0-litre gasoline engine in four states of tune – two MPI and two TSI.
Kia Rio GT
The Rio hatch got the GT line treatment at the Geneva stage. It now gets the cool four-point “ice cube” LED fog lights and sits on 17-inch alloy wheels. There are also a few glossy black elements all around the car along with a chrome window trim and twin exhaust tips. The cabin gets some sporty add-ons like leather wrapped steering, carbon fibre dash trim and GT line badges. Powertrain remains unchanged. We wish Kia could get the Rio GT to India as well.
Kia Ceed
Kia’s Ceed entered into its third generation and dropped the unwanted apostrophe from its name. The fascia still has the signature Tiger Nose grille but the overall styling has matured over the outgoing car. It sits on larger 17-inch wheels and the boot space increases to 395 litres. The cabin is more premium than before, says Kia, with driver-focused dash and use of soft-touch plastics. It also gets lane assist and automatic cruise control now. Prices are yet to be announced.
Toyota Auris
The new-gen Auris moves to the new TNGA platform and has grown in size with the option of two hybrid powertrains. The styling departs from the traditional Toyota lines to modern Lexus-like elements like the massive bumper grille, sharp headlamps with DRLs and integrated nose grille. At the rear, aggressive styling continues with protruding bumpers, stylish tailgate and the subtle rear spoiler. There is a choice of one conventional engine, two hybrid powertrains but no diesel option at all.
