Overview
The traits usually associated with diesel hatchbacks are fuel efficiency, practicality and common sense. The three hatchbacks here, however, look to add a bit of spice, all the while retaining their core attributes. These cars are for people who want a bit more power without sacrificing the cheaper running costs of a diesel.
Meet the Fiat Punto 90HP, Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi and the new Tata Vista D90. All three make around 90bhp, and all cost in the vicinity of Rs 7 lakh. Fiat’s Punto, the pioneer of this segment, costs Rs 7.38 lakh. The i20 is the most expensive at Rs 7.62 lakh and the Vista, being a Tata, makes the others look overpriced. It costs Rs 6.83 lakh in this top-of-the-line ZX+ trim. At this price, it is more expensive than the regular Vista, but still seems like good value when you think of how much more the others cost.
The Vista doesn’t enjoy the same premium hatchback image that the Fiat and particularly the Hyundai do. Tata is trying hard to change this – the Vista D90 comes with engine, exterior, cabin and suspension upgrades. But is this enough to take the fight to the others?
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
