New cars for 2017: Upcoming hatchbacks

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Hatchbacks are hot too in 2017, with Maruti undoubtedly set to lead the pack. India’s largest automaker has big plans for the country with the launch of the new third-gen Maruti Swift and the highly-anticipated Maruti Baleno RS. Chevrolet is set to breathe life back into the Beat with an all-new model, while luxury carmakers such as Volvo and Mini are set to bring in some of their own models.
Featured here are the hatchbacks – new and facelifted – that are heading to our shores soon.

New Maruti Swift

Although it still sells in larger numbers, Maruti’s popular hatchback has lost some steam owing to the bigger, more upmarket Baleno. But next year, Maruti will replace the current model with an all-new car that promises to be even lighter than the bantamweight Baleno. And considering that it will continue with the same engines, its fun factor and fan following are only expected to increase. Suzuki’s 110hp 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol from the upcoming Baleno Sport could also be among the engine options.
To keep it distinct from the Baleno, the Swift is likely to be similar in size to the current model. Exterior styling is expected to be sportier, with larger air dams, a big hexagonal grille, and the familiar ‘floating roof’ look. Interiors too will receive a major overhaul, and will continue the sporty theme of the exterior. Highlights include a flat-bottom steering wheel and a hooded instrument binnacle.
Coming: Mid 2017
Price: Rs 5-8 lakh
Engines: 1.0 P, 1.2 P, 1.3 D

New Chevrolet Beat, Beat Activ
Part of Chevrolet’s strategy to bring in ten new cars for India by 2020, is the next-gen Beat that’s expected to arrive in 2017. A major upgrade of the outgoing car, rather than an all-new model, the new Beat will get a more modern-looking face and a premium interior with features like Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Engines are likely to include three-pot motors – the current car’s 1.0-litre diesel and a new 1.0-litre petrol.
A more exciting option is the Beat Activ, which is a jacked-up crossover version of the Beat,
replete with big alloy wheels and body cladding. It is likely to be launched after the hatchback.
Coming: 2017
Price: Rs 4-6 lakh
Engines: 1.0 P, 1.0 D

Maruti Baleno RS
The Baleno is Maruti’s first truly successful premium car. This lightweight hatchback, known for its sprightly manners, will introduce Suzuki’s 1.0-litre, three-pot turbo-petrol engine in India in the RS variant. With 112hp on tap, it’s not a full-on hot hatch, but it will definitely give the Polo GT a run for its money. The added performance and a sporty body kit aside, the RS could get disc brakes on all four corners.
Coming: Early 2017
Price: Rs 8-10 lakh
Engines: 1.0 P

Maruti Ignis
The third product to roll out of Maruti’s Nexa chain of premium showrooms will be the Ignis; a model with which, the carmaker plans to up the ante in the small hatchback-crossover segment.
It will go up against the Mahindra KUV100. However, given its premium positioning, it’s likely to be the pricier one between the two. Design highlights here include the upright, solid stance, big wheel arches and clean lines.
Despite its tight dimensions, it packs quite a spacious interior.
The best part? Unlike recent Marutis that get a majority of their interior bits from a common parts bin, the Ignis will feature a brand new, premium interior with new switchgear, steering wheel, a new instrument cluster and even a Mercedes-Benz-like floating infotainment screen.
Under the hood, you’re likely to find Maruti’s trusty 1.2-litre K12-series petrol which will get the option of an AMT gearbox.
Coming: Early 2017
Price: Rs 5.5-8 lakh
Engine: 1.2 P
 
Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country facelift
Changes to the updated V40s are cosmetic. The cars get reprofiled front and rear bumpers, and a new grille that’s flanked by headlights with Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED treatment. Interiors feature updated upholstery and the infotainment system now connects to Windows phones, besides Android and Apple devices. The current car’s 150hp 2.0-litre diesel and 180hp 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (only on the V40 Cross Country) are likely to be carried forward unchanged.
Coming: End 2016
Price: Rs 25-28 lakh
Engines: 1.6 P, 2.0 D  

Mini clubman
Modern Minis are a far cry from the little go-kart that Mr Bean drove and enthusiasts loved. But the upcoming Clubman is not just a longer hatchback than the regular three- and four-door Minis currently sold in India, it also prides itself on being the biggest model from the carmaker yet. Thanks to its size though, it packs even more practicality along with retro-cool style. It should comfortably fit up to five adults and also gobble up a whole lot of luggage. One of the standout features of the new Clubman is its boot, which is accessed via two barn-style doors instead of a conventional hatch.
Coming: End 2016
Price: Rs 30-35 lakh
Engines: 1.5 P, 2.0 P
 

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