There are so many options in the segment for the premium hatchbacks and there is very tough competition in the segment . So today we will compare the best premium hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, TATA Altroz, Ford Freestyle. This is a very close competition in the segment , let’s see which is the best choice for you guys.
This is third generation model, it is considered as premium hatchback because of the pricing of the swift.
Features and dynamics : multi-functional steering, 7.0 inch touchscreen infotainment system, the speakers of the swift are of good quality but the doors might tend to vibrate because low build quality which is the only and the major gribe with maruti suzuki cars , LED DRls with projector headlamps, they bright and offer good view, electronically adjustable rear view mirrors, sportier instrument cluster looks so good, there are 2 Airbags only but they standard across all variants and a ABS. There is a better leg room and head on offer then previous generation model
Performance and Dynamics – The swift is powered by BS6 1.2L k-series petrol engine , this engine produces 83 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque , which is good enough and this engine is quite punchy offer good performance in almost the whole rev range and to attract the best one should pull it to the top end and this is paired to stick stiff 5 speed- manual gearbox, offer is slick shifts and the clutch is also on the lighter side . The steering of the swift still remains the best offers great feedback .The new wider tyres also offer good grip around the corners . The suspension is much better then before and offers good high speed stability and goes much better to bad roads.
Pricing: it is let to be revealed for BS6 versions
2. Hyundai i20
Features and Interior – It’s gets all-new 7.0 inch touchscreen infotainment system which supports navigation, android auto, apple Carplay and much more. The sound from the speakers is also great, it also offers automatic A/C with Dual-zone climate control system , there are LED DRls with projector setup headlamps. There is good space on offer in the i20 , there is ample amount of space at rear bench, there is good leg-room, knee-room and head room is adequate enough. The seats in the front and rear both are comfortable.
Performance and Dynamics – The powertrain is supported by 1.2L Kappa VTVT motor produces 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque, the engine is very punchy and offer terrific performance, it is peppy lower down. The engine is absolutely refined and smooth as well . This engine is paired to 5 speed manual transmission gearbox it offers slick shifts and is better then the one is in the swift and the clutch is also soft. The steering is also very feel some and offer very good feedback and the steering has multi-functions including cruise control. The car is also quite dynamic also well , the ride and handling balance of the i20 is outstanding , the ride is supremely comfy and high speed stability is also good. The car is quite frugal as well it means it offers good fuel efficiency as well. over all i could say it’s the best for city and good family car as well.
Pricing – 6.50 – 8.30 lakhs (ex-showroom)
3. TATA Altroz
This Altroz is based on the new alpha platform which is extremely light and it also gives car the an eye catching looks. It is the first ever premium hatchback from TATA and this new platform is liked by many of the automobile journalist and customers as well. Let’s talk about it more deeply.
Features and Interior – TATA Altroz gets 7.0 inch touchscreen floating infotainment system, Ambient lighting, 16 inch diamond-cut, cruise control, start-stop system, rear camera display, rear view with body coloring, 7.0 inch instrument cluster with half analogue display, Apple carplay and Android Auto, LED DRls with projector headlamps, exterior colored interior, leather wrapped gearbox and steering, electronically adjustable rear view mirrors, climate control and rear A/C, Auto headlamps and auto wipers, multi functional steering controls. Apart from these amazing and crazy features like 90 degree wide doors, the quality and fit-finish in the overall vehicles are not that great which is not expected in an premium car. as far as the space goes there is decent amount of space at the rear and the boot also is decently large enough, but the loading is quite high and might be task to put in heavy bags. Safety features on the Tata Altroz are dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, anti-glare IRVMs, engine immobiliser, reverse parking sensors.
Performance and Dynamics – There are two set of engines on offer petrol and diesel , the petrol engine is 1.2L 3-cylinder revortron unit which throws out 82 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque and is paired to 5 speed manual transmission, this engine is quite refined lower down and better NVH levels , the performance is adequate enough and it might feel too slow fo5.29r an enthusiasts, adequate for city but lacks on an highway and gives an fuel economy of 15 km/l-20 km/l in petrol and diesel. The diesel engine is a 1.5l unit revortron motor which churning out 90 bhp and 200 Nm torque and is paired to 5 speed manual gearbox, this feels much better to drive compared to petrol and is the second BS6 diesel engine after Ford’s Freestyle in the segment feels good to drive and offers punchy performance then the petrol. The Ride and Handling balance feels the better then swift and i20, the ride quality is phenomenal absorbs almost every bad road and sharp bumps, as far as the handling goes the steering offers feedback rich and easy to steer and weighs up at high speeds and the brakes offer positive bite and the ABS is also not too sensitive.
Pricing – 5.29 – 9.34 lakhs (ex-showroom)
4. Ford Freestyle
This is based on ford figo platform which has the longest well-base n the segment. This is a crossover type of a vehicle and looks too close to it’s sibling Ford figo, This is considered in the premium hatchback segment because of the way it is setup and build more over like figo which is a premium hatchback. Lets know more of this beast.
Features And Interior – This huge list of features in the freestyle which shares its many of the features with it’s siblings like ecosport and figo, The is exactly the same as the of a figo but the dashboard is in the brown-black contrast which gives it a premium appeal. There are features like Keyless entry and push button start, 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, bluetooth, Automatic Climate control system, automatic headlamps these are smoke free but we expect LED DRLs with projector setup in this price point. There are many other features like Automatic wipers, rear view camera with parking sensor, speed sensing door locks, auto dimming inside rear view mirror. There are plenty of safety features as well, dual airbags are standard across all the variants and the topspec variants all 6 airbags, ABS, electronic stability programme and new a very cool feature from Ford is Active rollover protection, it senses when there is a sensation a body roll and cuts-off the engine power supply and applies the brakes minutely to insure the car is stable. The interior of the car is identical to the figo, there good legroom and headroom but there is not headrest and neither an armrest.
Performance and Dynamics- Freestyle is powered by a petrol engine and a diesel , the petrol engine is powered by 1.2L 3 cylinder dragon series producing 96 bhp of power and 120 Nm of torque, this naturally aspirated and there a minor lag till 2000 RPM, but after that its pulls cleanly and linearly to the top of the rev-range. The refinement levels of the engine are good but after 3500 RPM it starts getting vocal but the sound is sportier. The Diesel engine is the same 1.5L TDCi motor producing class leading performance, producing 100 bhp of power and 215 Nm of torque. This engine is feels better than the petrol to drive, it feels more punchy and it is easier to overtake as well. i feel that this the best engine in the segment because it produces most power and torque and gives better efficiency of 25 km/l (ARAI) and in the real world we would get around 15-18 km/l which very respectable. The dynamics are also good considering the ground clearance of 189 mm which great and go on the muddy roads and give the best ride there as well. The Ford has again nailed in the terms of ride and handling balance, the ride so good that it goes through bad roads with so much maturity and nothing is felt inside the cabin. The handling is also very great with that electronic steering which gives the best feel and feedback, the brakes also offer positive feel and wider tyres give better grip then any other.
Pricing – 5.89 – 8.19 lakhs (ex-showroom) BS6 version
Conclusion By Me
Maruti Sukuzi Swift – It’s is a car for people who want to save on fuel and have an engine which is peppy lower down and has a family of 2 +2(kids) because even after the increase in the dimensions there is not adequate space for long journeys, he or she should go for manual trim, but if they do not care about gear shifts and just wants automatic for convenience, than that gearbox is worth. ZXi Petrol Manual is my suggested variant.
Hyundai i20 – This is the car for a person who does not care about efficiency and maintenance cost and just wants performance, features with quality interiors then this is the car he or she should look for. But I would suggest you guys to wait for the new generation model which is coming this year soon, hopefully after the market re-opens. Asta or sportz both variants are good .
Tata Altroz – The buyer who is looking for newer and fresher design with most cool features like ambient lighting, and wants a diesel engine which offers good performance and quite decent fuel efficiency and wants it for the city and has a nuclear family then this is the perfect choice for them, because this vehicle fulfills all their requirements. Buy top XZ urban Diesel Manual.
Ford Freestyle – This a car for the youths and the people who love SUVs and crossover hatchbacks, basically the people who cannot afford Ecosport and want something rugged than figo, than this fits them best, because the car has 189 mm of ground clearance which is good enough for it to go over muddy and sandy roads and comes with great set of safety features and most airbags. This car is Fun to drive and most frugal in the segment and with cheaper maintenance cost. Buy titanium or titanium+ diesel or petrol as per you liking because both are powerful and frugal.
My personal pick is Ford Freestyle, diesel Manual. I would also recommend you guys Ford Freestyle, buy it and you will be happy with it for long…
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