The premium hatchback segment in India is on the growth track again after the destruction by the compact SUV segment for so long. However, this growth might well be short-lived considering the enticing price point offered by products like Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. The customers who wanted to buy a premium hatchback have now the option of going for a compact SUV at the same or even lower price. Therefore, the premium hatchbacks have a real test on their hands to prove their utility in this increasingly SUV-loving world. Let us take a look at the sales figures to see how the premium hatchbacks grew in February.
Also read: Overall Car Sales Report for February 2021 – Brief Overview!
Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 21% Growth
The most popular premium hatchback in the country has been exceptional in February by crossing the 20,000 unit mark. It grew by over 21% on a YoY basis. Whereas in February 2020, Maruti sold over 16,500 units of the Baleno, in February 2021, it sold over 20,000 units. The popularity of the hatchback in this day and age is really impressive. It has held its ground ever so strongly against the trend of SUVs in the country. The Baleno costs Rs 5.90 lakh and Rs 9.10 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: MG records over 215% growth in sales in February – Hector family drives the sales!
Hyundai i20 – 3% Growth
The all-new Hyundai i20 has garnered a lot of interest from the customers ever since its launch last year. It has redefined the segment again with a plethora of segment-first features and also a premium price tag. In February last year, Hyundai managed to sell 8.766 units of the premium hatchback compared to a little over 9,000 units in February of this year. This indicates a marginal 3% growth in sales on a YoY basis. The premium experience and modern convenience features continue to be the strength of the i20. The prices of the i20 range between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 11.32 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Electric car sales for February 2021 – EV market share!
Tata Altroz – 143%
The only 5-star safety-rated hatchback in the country, the Altroz, continues to exhibit tremendous growth for Tata Motors. Tata has made sure that the Altroz is flexible in terms of engine-transmission options to compete against the likes of Hyundai i20 and Baleno. In February last year, Tata sold over 2,800 units of its premium hatchback, whereas in February this year, it sold over 6,800 units, marking an impressive 143% YoY growth in sales. The Altroz starts at Rs 5.69 lakh and tops at Rs 9.45 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Tata reaches highest monthly sales in 9 years – Launches Tiago XTA AMT!
Toyota Glanza – 1% Growth
The badge-engineered Glanza (from Baleno) has also been a very popular product for Toyota in India. In February 2020, Toyota sold 2,710 units of the Glanza and the number increased marginally to 2,743 units in February this year. The Glanza ranges between Rs 7.18 lakh and Rs 9.10 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Nissan grows by over 300% in February – Magnite the sole reason!
VW Polo – 1245% Growth
Volkswagen Polo has again continued with its unpredictable sales figures. Whereas in February of last year, VW managed to sell a mere 144 units of Polo, this year in the same month, it sold just under 2,000 units, marking an astronomical growth of 1245%. In this particular case, the actual number of cars gives a better idea of where the Polo currently stands as compared to the growth percentage. The VW Polo starts at Rs 6.01 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.92 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Skoda releases interior sketches of Kushaq – Unveil on March 18!
Ford Freestyle – 28% Growth
Ford has seen some respite in its growth numbers in February in the premium hatchback segment. The Freestyle was sold over 1,000 times in February 2020, whereas it sold over 1,280 times in the same month this year. This marks a healthy 28% growth in sales for Ford. The Freestyle ranges between Rs 7.09 lakh and Rs 8.84 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Toyota witnesses 36% growth in sales – Innova the top-seller!
Honda Jazz – No Sales
Incidentally, Honda did not sell any Jazz in the month of February 2020, and therefore, there is no comparison to make a YoY growth comment. However, in February 2021, Honda sold 856 units of the Jazz which is pretty decent for this segment against the kind of competition mentioned above. The Jazz starts at Rs 7.55 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 9.79 lakh, ex-showroom.
