Upcoming Hatchbacks In India

No matter how much the SUV trend continues to grow, the hatchback segment will always be evergreen. A peep into the sales chart and one can realise that we Indians love our cars small. Be it the Alto’s 40 Lakh sales milestone, or the WagonR’s unbeatable run at the top of the sales charts in 2022, hatchbacks were and will continue to be the most practical pick for the city. Much like every year, there’s a lot in store for the segment in the coming months. In this article, we have compiled a list of most exciting upcoming hatchbacks in India.

Overview Table

Car	Powertrain	Estimated Launch Date
Citroen E-C3	Electric	February 2023
MG Air EV	Electric	April/May 2023
Altroz EV	Electric	Mid-2023
Swift Hybrid	Hybrid	September 2023
MG3	Petrol	December 2023
MG4	Electric	Mid to Late 2024
Nissan Leaf	Electric	Late 2023 to Early 2024

Citroen eC3

The Citroen C3 created quite a buzz when it was first launched. Dubbed as a “hatchback with a twist”, the C3 is all set to arrive in an EV avatar in February 2023 as the Citroen eC3. Equipped with a 29.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor producing 57PS of power with 143 Nm, the eC3 will offer a range of 320 km on a single charge.

While the hatchback will retain the looks offered by the ICE version of the C3, the electric version will feature minor interior changes. Overall, the eC3 will be tough competition for the Tiago EV and offer a better boot space of 315 litres. Expected to be priced at around 8.99 Lakh, the Citroen eC3 has the potential to make the carmaker a mass market name.

Citroen E-C3 Key Details

Expected Launch: February 2023
Expected Price: Rs. 8.99 Lakh onwards
Rivals: Tata Tiago EV, Tata Tigor EV
Powertrain: 29.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor

MG Air EV

Another imminent launch from Morris Garages, the MG Air EV will be the carmaker’s second EV offering in India. Expected to launch around April/May 2023, the MG Air EV will be the country’s smallest EV at only 2900 mm of length. Offered as the perfect companion for the city, the Air EV, despite its small size, will offer a high range of about 200 to 300 km on a single charge.

Expected to utilise a 20-25 kWh LFP-cell battery, the compact EV will likely be powered by a single, front-axle motor with a power output of around 50kW. Much like every other MG car, the Air EV will also offer a host of segment-first features that will change how Indians perceive compact cars. However, the Air EV’s price tag will likely be higher at around Rs. 10.5 Lakh.

MG Air EV Key Details

Expected Launch: April/May 2023
Expected Price: 10.5 Lakh.
Rivals: Tata Tiago EV
Powertrain: 20-25 kWh LFP-cell battery coupled with a single-front-axle motor

Tata Altroz EV

The gold standard of premium hatchbacks, the Tata Altroz is ready to join the long line of Tata EVs. After the success of the Tigor EV, Tiago EV, and Nexon EV, the Altroz EV will open the gates for consumers looking for a dynamic, feature-rich and balanced premium hatchback in an EV form.

With the news of the Altroz’s official launch hinted at by the carmaker at the Auto Expo 2023, we can expect the EV to arrive as early as mid-2023. Based on Tata’s tried and tested ALFA platform, the Altroz EV will likely share the Nexon EV’s 30.2 kWh battery pack mated to a PMS electric motor. The hatchback will likely offer a range of more than 350 kms on a single charge. In terms of pricing, expect a price tag of around 14 to 16 Lakh.

Tata Altroz EV Key Details

Expected Launch: Mid-2023
Expected Price: 14 to 16 Lakh.
Rivals: Swift Hybrid, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Powertrain: 30.2 kWh battery pack with a PMS electric motor.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid

Hailed as one of the best-selling cars in India, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is a people’s favourite. With Maruti ditching the Diesel engine, the Swift lost many loyal fans looking for better power and mileage. Now, with the Swift Hybrid expected to arrive, the hatchback will attract a much stronger consumer base.

First showcased at the Auto Expo 2020, the Swift Hybrid is reportedly close to its launch. Expected to launch around September 2023, the Swift Hybrid will likely be offered an electric motor coupled with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery pack. With additional features onboard, the Swift Hybrid is expected to deliver exciting driving dynamics and efficiency as high as 32 to 35 kmpl. Likely to be launched for a price starting at Rs. 10 lakh, the Swift Hybrid will surely change the game.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid Key Details

Expected Launch: September 2023
Expected Price: 10 Lakh
Rivals: Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza
Powertrain: 1.2-litre petrol coupled with an electric motor and Li-on battery pack.

MG 3

Morris Garages is a name that is not quite popular in the Indian market. With a plan to launch several vehicles in the coming years, the first of many from MG will be the MG 3 premium hatchback. Already a success in the UK market, the MG 3 is expected to arrive in India around December 2023.

Sharing design cues with the Astor, the MG 3 is an elegant yet sporty hatchback that will be offered at a highly competitive price tag starting from around 6 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). Much like all other MG Cars, the MG3 will also offer a host of premium features and a luxurious cabin. Power-wise, the MG 3 globally is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a manual and a CVT gearbox. In India, the hatchback is likely to retain the engine with little tweaks.

MG 3 Key Details

Expected Launch: December 2023
Expected Price: 6 Lakh
Rivals: Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz
Powertrain: 1.5 litres naturally aspirated petrol

MG4

Showcased at the Auto Expo 2023, the MG4 is the carmaker’s premium electric hatchback that is sold in over 20 European countries. Filled to the brim with premium features, the MG4 boasts spacious interiors and modern looks that can turn heads effortlessly.

Globally powered by either a 51 kWh or a 64 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor, the MG4 produces an output of 170 PS & 250 Nm with the smaller pack, while the larger one is rated at 203 PS & 250 Nm. With a WLTP-claimed range of up to 450 km on a single charge, the MG4 is expected to launch anytime around mid to late 2024. Likely to be positioned as a premium alternative to the ZS EV, the MG4 could be priced at around 30 Lakh.

MG4 Key Details

Expected Launch: Mid to Late 2024
Expected Price: 30 Lakh
Rivals: Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Ioniq 5
Powertrain: 51/64 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor

Nissan Leaf

Spied testing a few times now, the Nissan Leaf could be the carmaker’s big launch planned for India. Expected to come in India as a complete CBU unit, the premium electric hatchback will change the EV game with its segment-first features and revolutionary technology, such as the ProPilot autonomous driving with 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Powered by an EM57 electric motor mated to a 40 kWh battery pack, the Leaf will offer a range of around 350 km on a single charge. Expected to launch anytime around late 2023 to early 2024, the premium electric hatchback will likely be priced at around 30 to 35 Lakh, rivalling the Hyundai Kona and even the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Nissan Leaf Key Details

Expected Launch: Late 2023 to Early 2024
Expected Price: 30 to 35 Lakh
Rivals: Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Ioniq 5
Powertrain: 51/64 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor