What makes the hatchback the most popular segment in India?

In the financial year 2019, India sold over 3.37 million passenger cars. This makes India the world’s 4th largest automobile market. Within this, the hatchback is the single largest segment of cars commanding a market share of about 60-70%. This means that for every 3 cars sold in India, 2 are hatchbacks.


Traditionally, the entry-level hatchbackcars in India have been used by first-time buyers as a stepping stone. However, the compact and premium hatchbacks also started making their presence felt very strongly. The entry-level hatchback car market has witnessed a lot of action in the recent past with a host of new players offering great features and value that competes.  


New Hatchback Cars In India | Best Boot Space Cars in India


So what makes the hatchback the most popular car category in India?


Price:

As a rule of thumb, a car’s length is proportional to its price. With sub-4 meter length, hatchbacks attract lower government levies and hence are priced much lower than sedans and SUVs. This makes it an attractive proposition for first-time car buyers.  


Size:

Its shorter length makes these cars very easy to drive, highly manoeuvrable and very agile. Also in a country where parking space is a big concern, its small size becomes a blessing in disguise. 


Carrying capacity:

Most hatchbacks can carry 4 or five passengers. This makes them an ideal personal or family car. Also, with adequate boot space to store luggage, these cars are ideal when it comes to daily city commute or short family vacations. 


Mileage: 

Entry-level hatchback cars in India come with varying capacities ranging from 0.8 litres to 1.2 litres. Such lower engine capacity results in better fuel economy (18-25 KM per litre) which is music to the ears of car owners, given the rising cost of fuel. This is one of the key reasons for the immense popularity of hatchback cars in India. 


Other features

There was a time when the hatchbacks offered just bare minimum features. But not anymore. Like its bigger cousins, these cars now come with a host of premium features that are even standard in some cases. One really good examples of a feature-loaded hatchback could be the Renault KWID. With its SUV inspired look and classy interior, this car caused a storm in the entry-level segment.


Other features include air-conditioning, power steering, power windows, premium upholstery and ergonomic interiors. Also, safety features like airbags, ABS, EBD, parking sensors that were only seen in larger cars earlier are now being offered as standard in most hatchback. The Renault KWID goes one step further. It adds a premium infotainment unit as a standard feature in one of its variants.  


Final Verdict

While hatchbacks enjoy lower taxes due to their smaller size, resulting in lower prices for customers, the popularity of these cars is more to do with the aspirational mindset of a young country. At a time when the car is no longer a status symbol but a necessity, hatchback cars in India are all set to fulfil the ambitions of a young India. 


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