Honda has launched the new City hatchback which will go on sale in Thailand first. It is essentially a shorter, hatchback version of the existing 5th Gen Honda City Sedan which was recently launched in India.

Design:

The new Honda City hatchback looks almost same as the Sedan, till the C-pillar. However, instead of an elongated trunk, the car gets a hatch beyond that. The rear too resembles the Sedan when it comes to the wide, horizontally placed tail-lights and the number plate housing. However, the hatchback gets a shorter overhang and a

more rounded appearance. The rear bumper too is sporty with vertically placed faux air vents and a contrast black rear faux diffuser.

The new Honda City hatchback RS Turbo gets more sporty bits like a blacked-out grille and dark-chrome finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, similar to the City Sedan RS Turbo version sold in Thailand.

The new Honda City hatchback is 4,349mm long, 1,748mm wide and 1,488mm tall and has a 2,589mm long wheelbase. It is 200mm shorter than the Thailand-spec City sedan but is 314mm longer, 53mm wider and has a 59mm longer wheelbase than the Honda Jazz.

Interior:

On the inside too, the City hatchback is exactly the same as the sedan without any significant changes. However unlike the Sedan, the hatchback gets Honda’s innovative rear seats that can split 60:40, fold down to increase boot space, fold up to increase vertical space and sit flush with the front seats to create a bed.

Powertrain:

The City hatchback will be currently available with only a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 122hp through a CVT gearbox. More powertrain options will be offered based on the different markets.

 Launch markets:

The new City hatchback will be introduced in many markets like South America and in countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia where it will also replace the third-gen Jazz. However, the fourth-gen Jazz has already been launched in markets like Japan, Europe and even North America where the City hatchback is not expected to be launched.

In India however, Honda has just introduced a facelift version of the 3rd Gen Jazz with more features. This Jazz facelift will not be replaced by any new model anytime soon.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Tata Motors’ new premium hatchback, the Altroz has successfully established itself among Indian car buyers since it's launch in January 2020. The standard Altroz is available with either a 1.2L Revotron Naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol or a 1.5L Revotorq 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine. The 86PS petrol engine is fine for average users, however it’s definitely not enough for the enthusiasts.

     Tata motors had already hinted at a Turbocharged petrol engine option on the Altroz. The turbo version of the shrugs Altroz has been spotted testing on public roads numerous times as well. Now, however the powertrain specifications and variant

details have been leaked online. Here are the details on the new Altroz turbo petrol:

• Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl turbo petrol engine similar to the Tata Nexon.

• Will produce maximum power of 110PS (108bhp) and torque of 140NM through a 5 speed Manual gearbox.

• Will be available with a Sport mode instead of the Economy mode.

• Will also include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.

• The turbo petrol option is likely to be available on XT, XT(O), XZ and XZ(O) variants.

• The 'Tectonic Blue’ shade from the Nexon will also be made available on the Altroz.

• A DCT wet clutch automatic transmission option too is expected to arrive very soon.

      Though there won't be significant cosmetic changes on the Turbo petrol variants except for the “Turbo” badge at the rear, the higher trim levels are expected to receive some new features such as 60:40 split folding rear seats and connected car tech.

      Pricing for the new turbo petrol equipped version is expected to start from Rs.7.99L for the XT variant and go up to Rs.8.75L for the XZ(O) variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Altroz turbo version.

Suzuki’s popular Swift has been around for many years. After all, the Japanese manufacturer has been giving it all the important touches and updates over time, making it seem fresh and ageless.

After its latest update in 2016, the Suzuki Swift has now been launched in Japan with many changes and we could expect to see this in India towards the last quarter of 2020. Not only are the updates just cosmetic, we expect to see some changes related to engine and performance too!

Expected Features: The new Swift won’t have too many significant changes in terms of looks. Small changes like

a new grille and a redesigned front bumper could make it look like it got a much needed change but the overall look remains the same. Images also suggest a new look in terms of skirts and new alloy wheels. Auto folding ORVMs, cruise control feature, a new 4.2 inch MID colour display and new upholstery to refresh the feel inside could be a part of the new Facelifted Swift.  However, not much could be said about additions in terms of safety features as they remain the same. Electronic Stability Control and hill hold assist could new additions to the AMT variants.

 

Price:
The new facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift is expected to cost Rs. 20,000 more than the outgoing model. So prices could start at around 5.5 Lakhs and go all the way upto Rs. 8.20 Lakhs (Ex- Showroom Delhi).

 

Engine and Performance: The new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift 2021 could be launched with a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as seen on the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The new engine produces 90PS power, 7PS more than the current Swift’s petrol engine while the torque remains unchanged at 113NM. We do think that’s a good step taken towards offering more power.

In terms of fuel efficiency, we expect the new Swift to fetch similar mileage figures as the existing Maruti Suzuki Swift. Howver, the engine in question comes with an idle start-stop feature which could help improve overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of the transmission, Maruti will continue to offer the facelifted Swift the 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox. Keeping in mind the BS6 norms, there would be no diesel engine on offer in the facelifted Swift.

 

So, would the new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift make you want to buy it? Or, would you consider any of the other hatchbacks in the market like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle, Hyundai i20 and the Volkswagen Polo?