[GTO]

Within the Indian mindset, sedans are seen as the logical *move up the ladder*. Atleast, that's how it used to be until premium hatchbacks like the i20 came around. Now, there's an increasing number of customers in the market who choose a more modern, higher-spec'ed, premium hatchback over an entry-level sedan.

I recently bought a 8 lakh rupee sedan. Reason? While hatchbacks are gaining on space & equipment, the majority are still sold with engines that focus only on fuel-efficiency! In the C segment, we have several 100 - 118 BHP options. How many hatchbacks can match that kind of power, or a 0 - 100 < 10 seconds.

Of course, if things change...and they will (premium hatchbacks with powerful engines), I'll certainly consider a hot hatch. Think 120 BHP + tight handling + driver-oriented nature.

[vasoo]

GTO, you are spot on. Better engine options is exactly one of the main reasons why I went for a sedan after driving a hatch for 10 years. Boot space on a sedan is an added plus, but then we don't need it all the time, do we? I also wanted a long distance cruiser with decent space in the back row. Some good features like AT, cruise control, etc adds more value.

[carfreak]

Originally Posted by GTO

Of course, if things change...and they will (premium hatchbacks with powerful engines), I'll certainly consider a hot hatch. Think 120 BHP + tight handling + driver-oriented nature.

True but i really doubt such cars will come!!Simply because manufacturers are interested in volumes, not satisfying the enthusiasts!!and with our 'Indian mindset' associating hatch-backs with fuel-efficiency and 'more economical than sedan' attitude, i doubt we will ever see hot hatches here

I am glad i had a Palio 1.6!!I can at least tell i had a proper hot hatch!!

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by GTO

... Of course, if things change...and they will (premium hatchbacks with powerful engines), I'll certainly consider a hot hatch. Think 120 BHP + tight handling + driver-oriented nature.

It makes a lot more sense than the current dealer/customer pretence that a Swift is a hot hatch!

The Polo 1.6 could be a start

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by carfreak

True but i really doubt such cars will come!!Simply because manufacturers are interested in volumes, not satisfying the enthusiasts!!and with our 'Indian mindset' associating hatch-backs with fuel-efficiency and 'more economical than sedan' attitude, i doubt we will ever see hot hatches here

I am glad i had a Palio 1.6!!I can at least tell i had a proper hot hatch!!

+1 to carfreak. It is obvious from the Indian mindset that Fuel efficiency tops the priority list rather than the engine options. Have you seen the latest Maruti ads where even an Army general is interested in knowing the mileage rather than its actual use. Maruti for long has been using this mindset to its advantage to churn out huge selling numbers.

As GTO said if ever the hatch with 120 BHP comes out, it will get lapped up only if it meets the fuel efficiency criteria. This effect is such that it has forced even company like Ford to cater to the mass requirement rather than class.

[vabs78]

Originally Posted by GTO

Think 120 BHP + tight handling + driver-oriented nature.

Some of us driving Getz CRDi are pretty close to that on power front (110 BHP). Handling is a suspect though.

But what the heck, GetzD's sheer torque and acceleration leaves behind most of the sedans on the expressway.

[harishsegar]

Different cars for different people. Everyone buys for their personal choice and i believe it is not far to compare sedans to hatches. It is the same as trying to compare SUVs to Sedans. How many SUV's have we seen which are fully utilized and yet people buy them?

The whole hatchback - sedan - suv etc are personal choices. Another analogy is the half sleeve shirt Vs a full sleeve shirt. Does it make a difference so vast that there is a criteria for buying them? I think its just every individual's choice and the way they would like to represent themselves.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

The Polo 1.6 could be a start

Its coming, Thad! Dealers have already started accepting bookings (unofficially).

Originally Posted by vabs78

GetzD's sheer torque and acceleration leaves behind most of the sedans on the expressway.

Completely agree. The Getz CRDi is a monster hatch in a straight line...torqueist offered so far in India. It's just the corner carving that leaves some to be desired.

Originally Posted by harishsegar

Another analogy is the half sleeve shirt Vs a full sleeve shirt. Does it make a difference so vast that there is a criteria for buying them? I think its just every individual's choice and the way they would like to represent themselves.

I'd disagree with that Harish. Primarily because:

a) An equal spec sedan costs much more than a hatch

b) There's a large difference in the utility offered by either

c) Again, powerful engines are the exception rather than the norm in hatchbacks. You have plenty of 100+ BHP options within the sedan category.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

As GTO said if ever the hatch with 120 BHP comes out, it will get lapped up only if it meets the fuel efficiency criteria. This effect is such that it has forced even company like Ford to cater to the mass requirement rather than class.

So it is "class" to appreciate only about engine size and BHP, and not bother about fuel efficiency, a la Americans? I think it is "crass", not class.

The way you put it makes a virtue sound almost like a vice!

[vabs78]

Originally Posted by Gansan

So it is "class" to appreciate only about engine size and BHP, and not bother about fuel efficiency, a la Americans? I think it is "crass", not class.

The way you put it makes a virtue sound almost like a vice!

Agree with you to some extent. But the problem is that people compare FE without appreciating other aspects of the vehicle. I had to face lot of criticism from friends and family when I bought GetzD.

Statements like "Indica gives much better FE than this." , "Why didnt you go for SwiftD, its FE is much better." and "Its so expensive that FE is also not good why did you go for Getz?" etc. were common.

It is a fact that we Indians are overtly obsessed with FE.

[sanagg1]

@Vabs78
+1 to your observation about "Indian are overtly obsessed with FE"..etc

But the ones(Indian i presume) like you give a hoot to what people say, and go for things like GetzD and enjoy the goodies to fullest satisfaction

cheers

P.S However obsession with FE does have its rationale.

[misquitas]

A boot is generally described as a “compartment in an automobile that carries luggage or shopping or tools.” And carrying luggage, luggage and even more luggage in a vehicle is a considered a necessity for a large number of Indians.

But is Maruti out to redefine this necessity? Consider some of its cars introduced in recent years: A-Star, Ritz, WagonR, New Swift and the New DZire. All of them have something in common – a meagre boot space. Some other cars (Beat, Spark, etc.) also have also bare minimum boot space, in proportion to the cabin space.

On the other hand, many hatches from rival manufacturers offer much more boot space. The Figo, Jazz, Polo and even the compact Eon are some cars that have allotted a generous area for luggage. And they are quick to highlight the prominent size of their boots.

There are many on this forum hardly bothered about the space behind the rear seat, while there are others who may end up filling luggage on the rear seat because the existing boot space is simply insufficient.

So then, is generous boot space an important feature for you? Would you consider a car which has poor boot space? Are you OK with recent cars which have trimmed their boot space? Are you willing to give a boot to the boot?

It would be interesting to read your comments on this topic.

[mayankjha1806]

When i bought my first hatchback i choose Indica as it offered more boot space as compared to others in the market (Maruti and Hyundai inclusive). A car with smallish boot which cannot take things a small family need to travel with is surely a no-no for us.

When we choose sedans for next two purchase we did looked at boot space, ensuring its sufficient and decent, and not necessarily the largest in the segment.

[amitwlele]

Cannot do without a boot. In fact bought the hatchback Vista keeping that in mind and evaluating the options.

Even for a small family of 2 + 2 some boot space is vital for short trips.

My opinion is its got to do more with the budget of the car buyer. Most car buyers would not want to let go of the boot space.

[sachinayak]

I think its just about getting used to something. When our only car was the Santro, the boot space it offered sufficed our need. No complaints.

Then we got the Fusion and got used to the amazing boot-space it came with. It spoiled us. We started carrying more stuff on our trips. When we had to sell the Fusion, a decent boot space was a must-have and hence (along with a host of other reasons) in came the Manza.

I think its just that your need increases when some feature/convenience is available and then its difficult to go back. But all said and done, I kind of agree with MSIL strategy. Passenger comfort/space for me is more important that boot space. With 60-40 split seats, you can make luggage space, but no point paying lakhs of Rupees and ending up with a cramped cabin.

my 2 cents.