India, being a developing country, did not enjoy the luxury of starting with bigger cars. Hence, the most popular models in the country during its industrialization were hatchbacks. Today, we thought we should bring to you the 15 iconic hatchbacks of the Indian car market that you might not remember now. These hatchbacks were all the craze back in the ’90s and 2000s. So without any further delay, here’s the list.
Maruti 800
No other hatchback in India has had a bigger impact than the Maruti 800. This hatchback was launched back in 1983, and it was discontinued in 2014. The Maruti 800 revolutionized the Indian car market.
This compact hatchback came powered by a 796 cc inline-3 engine producing 37 bhp. It became synonymous with affordable car ownership for the Indian middle class. With its simple yet reliable design, the Maruti 800 dominated the roads for decades.
Maruti Zen
Following the success of the Maruti 800, the company in 1993 introduced the Zen. It also quickly became a favorite among urban drivers. Its 993 cc engine delivered a sprightly 60 bhp, making it a fun and efficient city car.
The Zen’s sporty handling and compact dimensions appealed to a number of younger buyers at the time. Because of this hatchback, Maruti’s leadership in the hatchback segment increased.
Daewoo Matiz
This particular hatchback might not be remembered by a lot of people. However, the Daewoo Matiz, which launched in 1998, brought a touch of Korean innovation to Indian roads.
This small hatchback came powered by a 796 cc engine producing 52 bhp. The Matiz was appreciated for its quirky design and spacious interior.
Fiat Uno
Another one of the popular hatchbacks from the era was the Fiat Uno. This car debuted back in 1996 in India and was met with high expectations.
It was available with a 1.0L petrol or 1.7L diesel engine, and it offered decent power and fuel efficiency. However, Fiat’s inconsistent service and parts availability hindered its success. This also led to the model’s discontinuation despite its potential.
Hyundai Getz
The Hyundai Getz, which was introduced in 2004, was Hyundai’s first foray into the premium hatchback market. Think of it like the i20 of that era. This small hatchback featured engines ranging from 1.1L to 1.5L CRDi.
The Getz offered a mixture of performance and comfort. It set the stage for future Hyundai hatchbacks. This particular model was then phased out to make room for more modern models.
Chevrolet Spark
Rebranded from the Daewoo Matiz in 2007, the Chevrolet Spark continued the legacy with a 995 cc engine delivering 63 bhp. Unfortunately, despite its practical design and affordability, the Spark couldn’t withstand the fierce competition and Chevrolet’s strategic shifts.
Fiat Palio
This hatchback was also a very popular model of its time, and it was launched in India in 2001. The Fiat Palio was known for its strong build and powerful engine, which was a 1.6L variant producing 100 bhp.
Unfortunately, this hatchback, too, despite its strong performance and loyal fan base, could not overcome Fiat’s market challenges. Hence, it was eventually phased out as the company refocused its efforts.
Maruti Zen Estilo
After enjoying a successful stint with the Maruti Zen, the company in 2006 launched the Zen Estilo. This hatchback aimed to continue the Zen legacy with a 998 cc engine producing 67 bhp. However, even with its practical features and improved design, the Estilo struggled to capture the original Zen’s magic, leading to its discontinuation in 2013.
Chevrolet Aveo U-VA
The American automaker Chevrolet in 2006 introduced the Aveo U-VA. This hatchback offered a spacious interior and decent performance with its 1.2L engine. However, like many Chevrolet models, it faced tough competition and was discontinued.
Maruti A-Star
The Maruti A-Star was also a decently successful hatchback, which was launched in 2008. It was targeted at both Indian and export markets. Its 998 cc engine provided 67 bhp, and it was known for its compact dimensions and efficiency. Despite its appeal, the A-Star was eventually replaced by the more contemporary Celerio in 2014.
Chevrolet SR-V
The Chevrolet SR-V was launched as a premium hatchback variant of the Optra sedan. This hatchback made its debut in 2006, featuring a 1.6L engine producing 101 bhp. Unfortunately, despite its sporty styling and performance, it was too niche for widespread success and was discontinued shortly after its introduction.
Hyundai i10
Launched in 2007, the Hyundai i10 quickly became a best-seller with its reliable performance and quality. It came powered by 1.1L and 1.2L engine options. This hatchback offered decent power and fuel efficiency. Although later succeeded by the Grand i10, the i10 left a lasting legacy in the hatchback segment.
Maruti Ritz
Another very popular hatchback from the country’s largest carmaker was the Ritz. This hatchback was introduced in 2009, and it featured a tall-boy design. Its engine options included the 1.2L K12M and 1.3L DDiS. The Ritz appealed to many families until it was replaced by newer models like the Ignis in 2016.
Chevrolet Beat
Before exiting the Indian car market, Chevrolet decided to launch the Beat in India. This hatchback was launched back in 2010. It stood out on the Indian roads with its futuristic design and fuel-efficient engines.
Its engine options included a 1.2L petrol and a 1.0L diesel. Now, despite its initial popularity, the Beat couldn’t survive GM’s strategic exit from India, leading to its discontinuation in 2017.
Hyundai Santro
When it comes to the most successful hatchbacks of the 2000s, the Hyundai Santro is a hard-to-miss car. It was originally launched in 1998, and it became an instant hit with its practical design and reliable performance. Despite being discontinued in the early 2010s, the Santro made a comeback in 2018 but was then discontinued due to lackluster sales.