Few cars can match the convenience of a petrol hatchback in the city. They are just the right size for short-hop traffic battles and squeezing into tight parking spaces.
It is no secret that the Maruti Swift has been the undisputed king of mid-sized hatchbacks for some time now. It is refined, practical, stylish, fun to drive and backed up by a peace-of-mind ownership experience. It remains one of India’s largest selling hatchbacks, despite the presence of several more affordable cars, and demand for the car keeps getting stronger and stronger.
Hyundai, India’s number-two car maker understandably wants in on the action. Look at the specifications, features and options of the new Grand i10 and this is quite clear. But can this all-new, longer-wheelbase i10 really take on the Swift?
Also impossible to ignore is the Honda Brio. Distinctive styling and the advanced 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine mean Honda’s baby is a serious challenger for the crown too.
What makes this contest even more interesting is the fact that less than Rs 50,000 separates the top end versions of all three cars. So with petrol cars now making a strong comeback, which is the best hatch here? Let’s get straight into round one. Continued..
