With Maruti Suzuki readying for the launch of the Ritz hatchback, which comes as its second launch in less than six months other companies such as Hyundai Motors, Honda Siel Cars, Toyota Kirloskar, Fiat Auto, Volkswagen India and Ford India are also in the forefront to challenge this launch by launching their own flamboyant and fashionable hatchbacks.

The Ritz, which is being launched on Friday is expected to cost around Rs. 4.5-5 lakhs. Also, it will feature a new fuel efficient K12M, 1.2 litre petrol engine, which is claimed to be low on emissions and meet BS-IV emission norms. Honda will launch its flashy hatchback in June, which will cost a bit less than its cousin the City, thus pushing it into India’s most expensive hatch back category. According to Jnaneshwar Sen, senior V-P (marketing), HSCI, the price of the Jazz will be slightly lower than the City at around Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), due to the excise duty structure in the country.

While the Italian car manufacturer Fiat will introduce the Grande Punto in a few weeks, which is the cars second stint in the compact segment, Hyundai Motors India (HMIL) will launch the diesel version of the i20 by the year end. Further according to market sources, Volkswagen could launch the Polo hatchback by the end of this year instead of its earlier announced date in early 2010. However, there was no confirmation from Fiat itself about this. Ford Motor Company is also launching its hatchback in both petrol and diesel versions – anticipated to be an upper-B segment car, in early 2010. Its likely competitors are expected to be Maruti, Hyundai, and Tata Motors. This hatchback could include high localization content.

According to experts, car makers are increasingly focusing on the premium compact segment as most developed auto markets are witnessing a transition to smaller cars in the premium segment. This trend is also evident in Indian consumers, especially from metropolitan cities, who now prefer premium compact cars to entry mid-sized segments. The advantages are the price of around Rs. 4.5-7 lakhs, and better style, power, comfort, and drivability than cars in the mid sized segment.

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 15 May, 2009 4:54:28 PM IST #