TATA TIAGO JTP

Why is it here?

For the performance, it offers, at an affordable price point

This hot hatch was revealed back in February 2018. Tata priced the Tiago JTP at Rs 6.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which gave consumers the option of going for a more powerful model compared to the Tiago AMT, for Rs 74,000 more. The 1.2-litre petrol engine makes 114 PS of power, 150 Nm of torque and can get the car from 0-100 kph in under 10 seconds.

Rs 6.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

MARUTI BALENO RS

Why is it here?

For being another well-rounded offering by Maruti 

Maruti launched the ‘standard’ Baleno for family-oriented customers, but the Baleno RS was given an aesthetic tweak, a more powerful engine and better braking capability, to make it attractive to a younger audience. Subtle changes like larger fog lamp enclosures, new LED projector headlamps and machine-finished alloy wheels add to the sporty aspect of the car, which will do the 0-100 kph sprint in 10 seconds.

Rs 8.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

 VW POLO GT TSI

Why is it here?

For its combination of build quality and performance

The Polo has always had a fun and sporty image from its launch, and the GT TSI helps take that image further. A 1.2-litre turbocharged engine delivers 103 PS of power and 175 Nm of torque, and the car’s handling is exemplary. It also gets a fancier interior treatment than the other Polos, with the Milan Titanschwarz fabric upholstery and ambient lighting option.

Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS

Why is it here?

For the German engineering goodness you get in a compact package

The A-Class is a great entry into the world of Mercedes-Benz, and a fine hatchback by itself. You get 1.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engine options, putting out 122 PS and 136 PS respectively. You could get a Mini Cooper for almost the same price, but if you want impeccable German engineering, then the A-Class is the one.

Price: Rs 32.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

HYUNDAI ELITE I20

Why is it here?

For its sweet spot of value, looks and fun

Just like the Polo, the i20 is another hatchback that has left its mark on the Indian automotive market. The i20 Active was one of the first to take the bold step of bringing sporty hatches to India, and the Elite takes it up a notch. Without making too many changes to the performance, Hyundai’s addition of smart design elements like modified alloy wheels and tail lights helped give the i20 its road presence.

Rs 5.50 to 9.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

 VOLVO V40

Why is it here?

For its impeccable combination of style, safety and fun

The V40 is Volvo’s most affordable offering in India. It takes on the Mercedes A-Class and Mini Cooper in the luxury hatchback segment and takes its design cues from its elder SUV siblings. It comes with a powerful and refined 2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, and the Swedish carmaker’s emphasis on safety doesn’t take a backseat in its hatches. The V40 comes equipped with multiple airbags, structural crumple zones as well as ESP and EBD.

Rs 31.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) 

MINI COOPER

Why is it here?

Because of Mini’s unmatched expertise in making and perfecting hatchbacks

The Mini is considered to be the king of fun hatchbacks, and has been instrumental in creating the image that small is fun, and the Mini Cooper is one of the carmaker’s most popular models. Under the hood, you can choose between a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine in various states of tune and a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel motor. This is a car that is built for driving pleasure, and it doesn’t disappoint in the handling department.

Rs 35.3 to 43.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)