Hatchbacks in India are no longer just about being cheap and inexpensive. The Indian car buyer is maturing and consumers are looking at these cars from a different perspective. The biggest advantage with buying a hatch is how city-friendly they are; easier to park, manoeuvre and squeeze into the ever-reducing gaps on congested urban roads. The two European hatchbacks you see here have been thoroughly refreshed and give you all the advantages

of a small city car but without compromising on style, design, equipment and most importantly, ‘feel-good factor’ and safety. In many ways, they are a breed apart.

The Fiat Punto has always been a good-looking, solid hatchback. This new one is called the Punto Evo and as the name suggests, is a significant evolution both inside and out. Most striking is the all-new face that looks bolder and more ‘Italian’ than ever and ours is the first country to get this new look. The shapely headlights and the tastefully designed grille especially set this Punto apart. Changes at the rear include the gorgeous new tail-lamps with LED elements sunken in and the chrome insets on the bumper. Volkswagen too has tweaked the Polo’s body and cabin but the changes (especially on the outside) are not as elaborate. Most noticeable are the strips of chrome in the chin and grille, new detailing in the headlamps and a new design for the alloys. But, while the Punto’s evolution remains largely cosmetic, the Polo gets new mechanicals. The biggest change is the all-new diesel engine in this car. Gone is the underpowered and noisy 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel engine and in its place comes an all-new 89bhp 1.5-litre diesel motor; perfect to go head-on against the 89bhp Punto Evo here.