[Aditya]

Maruti Swift

What you'll like:

• The same successful formula (including good looks)...now improved
• Stylish black cabin, with better rear seat space & boot capacity than the outgoing car
• Sweet petrol & an efficient diesel. AMT available with both engines for just 47k extra
• Fun to drive, especially the slick Petrol MT. Enjoyable handling & on-road behaviour
• Impressively equipped (Auto LED headlamps + DRLs, reversing camera, Apple & Android touchscreen ICE…)
• Dual airbags, ABS & ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard across the range
• Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• The more spacious & comfortable Baleno is priced not too far away. Likewise with the i20
• Old 1.3L DDiS motor is nowhere as competent as the i20, Figo & Polo diesels
• Mediocre plastic quality (interiors) is typical Maruti grade; very ordinary
• Diesel AT is too jerky. AMT, although improved, can’t match conventional ATs on smoothness & speed
• 163 mm of ground clearance & small 37-liter fuel tank raise our eyebrows
• Some misses (auto-dimming IRVM, skinny 165 mm tyres on L & V variants, rear air-con, smaller spare tyre on the Z trims...)
• Waiting periods have already begun

Link to Official Review

Hyundai Grand i10

What you'll like:

• All-rounded package in a contemporary design. Improved over the old i10 in nearly every way
• Interiors have best-in-class fit, finish & quality. Increased cabin space & boot capacity
• Fuel-efficient, practical diesel & peppy petrol. Smooth gearbox too
• Loaded with features (keyless start & go, electric folding ORVMs, rear air-con, cooled glovebox etc.)
• Comfortable ride quality and predictable handling. No bumpiness
• Hyundai's fussfree ownership experience & excellent after-sales service
• Priced lower than chief competitor, the Maruti Swift

What you won't:

• Missing adjustable front neck restraints and dead pedal
• The Swift and Brio are more fun to drive. Grand i10's steering & dynamics aren't to an enthusiast's tastes
• More suited as a 4 seater, rather than 5

Link to Official Review

Elite i20

What you'll like:

• All-rounded package in a sharp design. Improved over the 1st-gen i20 in nearly every way
• Spacious interiors with outstanding quality, fit and finish. Practical 285 liter boot too
• 1.4L diesel has excellent driveability, refinement, performance & fuel economy. 6-speed gearbox is smooth
• Mature suspension offers a comfortable ride and neutral handling characteristics
• Hyundai's fuss-free ownership experience & excellent after-sales-service
• Loaded with features & gizmos (16" rims, keyless entry & go, 8-speaker stereo, rake & reach steering, rear air-con, reversing cam, cooled glovebox and lots more)

What you won't:

• Missing equipment vis-a-vis old i20: Rear disc brakes, side & curtain airbags, sunroof, auto-wipers & DRLs
• 1.2L petrol is nowhere as impressive as the diesel. Mediocre highway performance for a premium hatchback
• Anyone over 5'11" will find rear headroom to be insufficient. Sloping roof eats into cabin height at the back
• Dynamics & steering aren't to an enthusiast's tastes. Swift, Polo etc. are more fun to drive
• Rear wiper only on the top Asta trim! No fuel-efficiency indicator, auto-locking doors or height-adjustable seatbelts on any variant

Link to Official Review

Maruti Baleno

What you'll like:

• A well-priced, smart looking hatchback
• User-friendly cabin with loads of space! Can easily seat 5 tall adults
• Accommodating 339 liter boot. The 2nd biggest among hatchbacks (after the Jazz)
• Peppy petrol, efficient diesel & smooth automatic - take your pick
• Comfortable ride quality matched to neutral handling
• Dual Airbags & ABS with EBD are standard across all variants!
• Maruti's excellent after-sales service & fuss-free ownership experience
• Loaded with features such as UV-cut glass, projector headlamps + DRLs, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, navigation, electrically-foldable ORVMs and more

What you won't:

• Ordinary interior quality is Swift-like. Several budget grade parts in here
• Rear seat headroom & under-thigh support are limited for tall passengers
• Light build quality (weighs merely 865 kilos). Lacks the solidity of its rivals
• CVT suffers from rubber-band effect on the highway
• Priced at par with the more substantial & premium Elite i20
• Sold exclusively through Nexa outlets. Limits the reach of the car

Link to Official Review

Maruti Ignis

What you'll like:

• Unique, funky design - exterior & interior stand out in a crowd. Customisation options available
• Smart packaging! Good legroom & headroom in such a small car. Useable 260-liter boot too
• Peppy petrol & efficient diesel. What’s more, the AMT automatic is available with both engines
• Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard across all variants
• Maruti's widespread service network, excellent after-sales support & fuss-free ownership experiences
• Features such as LED projector headlamps + DRLs, reversing camera, Apple & Android ICE, navigation, electrically-foldable ORVMs etc.

What you won't:

• Simply overpriced, not a VFM Maruti. Top trim is especially pricey
• You can buy more accomplished cars for the same (Grand i10) or a little more (Baleno) money
• Weird rear end styling. Overall, the unconventional looks will polarize opinions
• AMT, although improved, still can’t match conventional ATs on smoothness or speed
• Narrow cabin width. Rear seat is better for 2 adults than 3
• 32-liter fuel tank is too small for this segment. Even the humble Alto gets a larger tank

Link to Official Review

Honda Jazz

What you'll like:

• Versatile package wearing sharp clothes. One car for several roles
• Spacious, user-friendly cabin. Easily the roomiest hatchback in India
• Big 354 liter boot is the segment best. Magic seats bring tons of flexibility
• Practical & efficient diesel, refined & revv-happy petrol and a convenient CVT. Take your pick
• Comfortable ride quality. Much improved over the older Jazz
• Light controls and easy maneuverability. Effortless to drive in the city
• Features such as feather-touch climate control, reversing camera, touchscreen ICE, paddle shifters (CVT) & more

What you won't:

• Loud diesel engine is nowhere as refined as the Elite i20's. Doesn't like high rpms either
• 1.2L petrol has a weak bottom end. Feels lethargic <2,500 rpm
• Magic seats only on the top variant (earlier Jazz had them on all trim levels)
• CVT unavailable with the VX trim! No fully loaded Automatic
• Skinny 175 mm tyres. All competitors offer thicker rubber (Elite i20 = 195 mm)
• Missing goodies (steering reach adjustment, keyless entry & go, rear air-con vents, driver armrest & proper dead pedal)

Link to Official Review

Volkswagen Polo

What you'll like:

• A well-built solid European hatchback
• 1.5L diesel & 1.2L TSI petrol engines are very competent
• Clean and contemporary styling. Absolutely no quirkiness
• Mature suspension offers a balanced ride & handling package
• Dual airbags even in the base variants!
• Accommodating 280 liter boot

What you won't:

• Base 3-cylinder 1.0L petrol engine is unimpressive
• Mediocre rear bench legroom and a large floor hump
• Missing essentials (driver armrest of the Vento, 60:40 splitting rear seat, seatback pockets)
• VW's sub-par dealership & service experiences

Link to Official Review

Ford Figo

What you'll like:

• Aston Martin-esque face looks very stylish!
• Value for money positioning.
• Powerful & efficient 1.5L diesel engine. Good driveability too
• Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
• Airbags across the range. Titanium+ variant gets 6 airbags!
• Well-packaged cabin offers good legroom, lots of features and a chilling air-con
• Dual-clutch Automatic with a bigger 1.5L petrol, ESP, traction control & hill start assist

What you won't:

• Commuter 1.2L petrol is unimpressive. A mediocre engine
• Ordinary handling and lighter build quality are a departure from the usual Ford characteristics
• Cabin width makes the Figo suited to 4 adults, not 5
• 14" rims look too puny. Tyres could be wider, especially for the fast diesel
• Rear headroom is limited. Headliner brushes the heads of taller passengers
• Automatic unavailable in the fully-loaded trim
• At highway speeds, downshifts aren't as immediate as you'd expect from a dual-clutch automatic

Link to Official Review

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Hatchbacks Section. Thanks for sharing!

Tough poll, to be honest. Overall, if I had to pick ONE, it would be the Elite i20. It's still the benchmark hatchback IMHO. That said, my actual choice would vary depending on the engine + transmission:

Diesel MT - Elite i20 or Ford Figo S (both have fantastic engines).

Petrol MT - Swift because it's a lot of fun to drive (for personal use). Second choice Elite i20 (for family use).

Petrol AT - Elite i20, Grand i10 or Brio (fun to drive), depending on the size requirements & budget. The AMT is too jerky for my tastes, hence I wouldn't even consider the Marutis (except the Baleno CVT). Really love the Polo DSG, but I'm not at all convinced that VW has magically solved the DSG's failures. Let the current crop of cars complete 5 years, then we'll talk.

Diesel AT - None . Because all are jerky Maruti AMTs. Maruti's diesel AMTs are a lot more jerky than the petrols. Might consider the Nexon AMT, although I can't really comment without driving it. Hopefully the larger engine makes for a smoother experience.

[PrideRed]

Oven hot fresh contender and I will go with it- Freestyle. the top spec Titanium+ is almost a 40K cheaper, better features, safety and lot more practical. While the diesel is in a different league compared to Swift, with Dragon inside the hood, petrol is competent too.

[silverado]

Surely a tough poll, but these are the options that most people go through when in market for a B2 segment hatch. They also have to contend with sub 4m sedans to add to confusion.

I have chosen Baleno Petrol since I bought one 2 years ago.
My second option would be Honda Jazz.I would have bought it had it come in 1.5 petrol, eyes closed.

If you only have one car to buy, how many would go for a fun to drive car vs a VFM offering? I would be interested to know these facts.

Things change when you are out shopping for a second car in B2 segment, which I guess is a rarity.I believe most people in B2 segment only have one car to buy , and majority would go for a VFM/practical car.

[VKumar]

Although it was tough, I am myself driving a Polo but my vote goes for Hyundai Elite i20, what it is actually best in is only and only the fit and finish and the feel good factor, but if I am looking for an overall package then the elite i20 CRDi makes a lot of sense.

It's the fastest? Na, VW or Ford diesels are actually more responsive and faster and Maruti petrol is definitely a step ahead
It's safest? Can't say!
It's most spacious? Honda Jazz is there
It's fun to drive? Joking?

Still, if I am looking for the best balance between all the ingredients, then I don't find a dish that tastes as sweet as this one.

[libranof1987]

From this list, I'd chose the i20 (and I have), although I'd take a really long look at the Jazz and Figo/Freestyle. The i20 just comes across as more complete package; in terms of styling, features and safety/convenience.

The age-old Polo, I believe, can't hold a candle to this segment unless someone goes for the GT TSi/TDi. Volkswagen better be listening.

[aravind.anand]

I had voted for the Elite i20, which to me is a really good package, and also feels the most premium of this lot. Polo is decent, but is getting old and the Figo has a really potent engine but the interiors don't feel premium at all. However, all of them have average petrol engines - thanks to our country's excise tax structure.

The current lot seems to have improved on every count, when compared to their previous versions except for their gasoline engines. We used to have options like Fusion 1.6, Palio 1.6 even a decade and a half ago, which have all sadly perished today.

[humyum]

Call me a fanboy but for me its the Swift and that to a Swift Diesel

It has the Swift heritage, it has the fun to drive factor which Swifts are known for, it has the looks which have improved even more now, it has the features too now and most of all it has Maruti as its Papa/Mom which automatically translates to an after sales service experience which I can find in every nook and corner of the country along with the fact that its cheap with amazing parts availablity

Find a front strut assembly of any car in this range below Rs 3000, Swift has it, what more can you want?

[IshaanIan]

The polo is definitely the best, but since it is way too overpriced in my honest opinion, it loses out. Figo is also a great car but I get reminded of how the older fiesta based figo was far superior.

Call me crazy but I don't see why the Tiago is not a part of this list. Sure it is slightly smaller than these new bloated up hatchbacks, but having checked it out I feel Tata's unknown service and quality control levels aside (my family has never owned a Tata), this car is definitely the most compelling buy in the small hatchback space.

[anthusiast]

Eagerly waiting for the Official review of Ford Freestyle. The diesel engine already has good reviews. If the petrol is better than Swift's K12, Freestyle would be my overall winner. The car is designed to be fun-to-drive with most reviews appreciating the good handling and ride quality.

[2000rpm]

Voted for the Elite i20. Definitely the segment benchmark in all department. Even when it comes to handling, I think this version of the Swift is well met by the Elite i20.

[AYP]

I'd go for the Polo GT TDI among these cars. However, when it comes to petrol, the Baleno would be my choice.

[Dr.Naren]

If I am buying a hatch today, it would be Figo diesel. Hence voted for the same!

Originally Posted by GTO

Petrol MT - Swift because it's a lot of fun to drive (for personal use).

I second that . Baleno RS is also good, but doesn't feel as sharp as Swift on corners.

Second choice Elite i20 (for family use).

Why not Baleno? You can enjoy the drive and family has adequate space and features. Initial batch did have stiff / bouncy ride at rear.

[swiftdiesel]

Just a year back I did this exact research (well, almost) and bought the i20 diesel. One year down the line and 16000 kms later, I'm extremely happy with my decision. The fit and finish of the interiors and the part quality is evident after a year of usage: no rattle or squeak anywhere and the car still feels like it's just out of the showroom.

The recline angle of the rear seats is another highlight of the i20. It's angle gives that restful position, almost like a push-back seat in aircrafts. This relaxed posture greatly helps in long drives. The suspension is very stiff though and the 16 inch tyres with nitrogen don't help but the upside is the sporty handling that comes with it.

My cars always drink diesel and choosing the i20 over others was a no-brainer. This 1.4 CRDi engine has got what it takes to keep you happy in the city and the highway. Top notch refinement and lag free driving makes driving this hatchback a pleasure. Don't let the 1.4 nomenclature fool you; I was fooled by it for many years and never tried the i20. When I test drove it last year, it was a revelation and it never felt like a 1.4 diesel.

This engine has the perfect tune for city driving. Get this: I can take off from a speed bump in 3rd gear from 17 kmph. Don't believe me? I can post a video if needed! This is something impossible in all of my previous cars. The flat torque aids drivability so well that it feels like an automatic. Driving in the city is a breeze. Highway performance is equally impressive thanks in no small part to the 6 speed gearbox. Yet, I'll rate my previous Lodgy higher because it did 100 at 1950 RPM while the i20 does the same at ~2100 RPM. That being said, the i20 is a great performer if you don't drive pedal to the metal.

All the other cars listed here have their positives but didn't suit my requirements. These are the reasons I rejected them:

1. Suzuki Swift: My first car was a Swift diesel as apparent with my handle. Great car for the time but in 2017, it was too old and the engine was unrefined and crude. Also, no more Suzuki for me until they get rid of the 1.3 diesel or provide an alternative.

2. Hyundai Grand i10: Never test drove one as I already decided on the i20.

3. Suzuki Baleno: Again, never test drove this car. Didn't like the looks and the same old 1.3 MJD and turbo lag. If I was looking for a petrol, I'd have picked the Baleno.

4. Suzuki Ignis: Again for reasons mentioned above and for the size, the asking price was too high.

5. Honda Jazz: I loved the Jazz. I rejected it for being overpriced, poor top end and no DRLs.

6. VW Polo: Loved the Polo 1.5 TDi. Test drove the 90PS version. Rejected it for cramped cabin (left the showroom with a bad back!), lack of 6 speed gearbox for this beautiful engine and no DRLs.

7. Ford Figo: This is a hatch I almost bought but the spartan interiors put me off, especially the instrument cluster. Also, the ABC pedals vibrated with the engine. Again no 6 speed gearbox to harness the potential of this good engine. Yes, I don't like engines that scream on the highway.

Voted for the i20.

[roy_libran]

None of my Top 3 preferences are there on the list, so I had to vote for "other" -

• First Choice would be the Tata Tiago - for the overall Value (Build quality + Features + space + Ride Quality + Refinement + Price Point) that it offers! I know it is one segment down, but that isn't the experience once you are inside the car (that is if you have an open mind).
• Second Choice would be the new Ford Freestyle - for fixing the flaws in the Figo and overall making it a better proposition. I already own a Ford (Ecosport AT), and know from my own experience of close to 5 yrs. that in my geography Ford's make for a fuss-free and inexpensive ownership at least in the medium term.
  and finally
• Third Choice would be the Suzuki Swift - just for looking so delicious, and nothing else really.

EDIT 1 - I am unapologetically biased towards Petrols nowadays, a complete 180 degrees turn from my preference position from a few years back, and it will stay this way unless the new Bosch technology that is making waves, becomes credible, commercially viable and mainstream; so my choices take that into account.

EDIT 2 - A part of me is sad that a Punto didn't make it to either the Poll List or my list.