The Ten Best Hatchback Cars

Convenience, manoeuvrability and ease of parking have made hatchbacks extremely popular with women in the past few years. Here’s a look at the reigning top ten hatchback cars that are fun, reliable, and perfect for people on the go:

1. VW Polo Vivo

Available in five versions, Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo comes in six dazzling colours and yields mileage of 17 km/l. It is equipped with airbags (for driver and front passenger), head restraints, ABS, high brake lights, child-lock, and immobiliser. It has a 5-speed manual transmission with top speeds ranging from 171 kmph to 187 kmph.

2. Suzuki Alto

The latest version of the popular Alto comes in 1.0 GL and 1.0 GLS  models. This 3-cylinder aerodynamic hatchback looks sporty-stylish and is kind to the environment. It has manual transmission, multipoint fuel injection, power steering, and a mileage of 17 km/l. The Alto packs quite a punch, going from 0-100 km in 16 seconds. Safety features (airbags, ABS, EBD, and immobilizer) are all in place.

3. Chevrolet Spark

Available in three versions and 10 fabulous colours, the cute and edgy Chevrolet Spark (5-speed manual transmission) comes with multipoint fuel injection, front and rear brakes, power steering, tailgate glass defogger, and remotely adjustable rear view mirrors. The Spark’s safety features are exceptional – airbags, immobilizer, ABS, central locking, high brake lights, and steering lock.

4. Ford Figo

Available in petrol and diesel variations and seven trendy colours, the 5-speed manual transmission Ford Figo boasts of cool features: flip/fold rear seats, ABS, EBD, remote locking, front and rear brakes, hydraulic power steering, remote boot open, electrically adjustable mirrors, day/night rear view mirrors, rear defogger, ABS, EBD, Bluetooth phone interface, and MP3 player/radio.

5. Fiat Panda

A hatchback with eight variations? Yes, that’s the fuel-efficient Fiat Panda for you. Featuring a 1.3 MultiJet Engine and high mileage (27 km/l) this gem of a car has you well-protected with pre-tensioner and load-limiter equipped seatbelts, airbags, reinforced body, pedal support, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability, and traction control. The Fiat Panda also features high seats, spacious interiors, and MP3-compatible CD player.

6. VW New Polo

Another reliable and zesty car from the Volkswagen stable, the New Polo comes in six versions and 13 snazzy colours. Depending on the model, the Polo comes with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and top speeds of 177-189 kmph. The VW Polo has an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating thanks to features such as ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, curtain airbags, front fog lights, and Park Distance Control.

7. Citroen C3

This supermini from French carmaker Citroën is bound to get you some serious attention. Available in petrol and diesel versions, this powerful and environmentally friendly 5-speed manual transmission hatchback does 20 km/l and boasts of futuristic elements such as a panoramic windscreen, sunlight control, hooded instrument cluster, digital dials, cocoon-like interiors, ambient lighting and state-of-the-art acoustics. All this and ample leg room, too! Safety is top-notch in the Citroen C3, with airbags, child lock, ISOFIX child seats, EBA, ABS, EBD and automatic hazard warning.

8. Honda Jazz

Don’t let its diminutive size deceive you – the Honda Jazz is spacious and flexible. With honeycomb grille and large headlamps, this supermini-MPV comes in eight subtle colours. Depending on the model, the Honda Jazz comes with 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, power steering, ABS, BAS, airbags, front/rear disc brakes, fog lamps, ISOFIX child seat, and electric mirrors and seats (with lumbar support), sunroof, start button, and Autostop.

9. Hyundai i30

Voted by Britons in 2010 as the most satisfying car to own , the Hyundai i30 is the perfect small-family car. It’s slightly pricier than its competitors. The increase is possibly justified if you factor in the many impressive features the i30 boasts of – inside and out – such as generous seating space and storage, folding rear seats, reinforced structure, 4-channel ABS, ESP and airbags. The Hyundai i30 is available in seven versions and 11 eye popping colours. 

10. Volvo C30

One of the safest hatchbacks around, the Scandinavian-design Volvo C30 comes equipped with Active Bending Lights, ABS/EBA, fog lamps, glass tailgate, side-impact protection, pre-tensioner seatbelts, immobilizer, central locking, and dual airbags. Other cool features include keyless drive, parking assist, cruise control, Bluetooth, GPS, and MP3 compatible CD player. Available in petrol and diesel variants, the Euro 4 and 5 compliant C30 has a five or six speed manual transmission and does roughly 26 km/l.

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