0We Indians love hatchbacks, in fact, it is the largest segment in the industry in terms of sheer volume and the choices are endless. However, there is a niche space within this segment of performance hatchback cars or 'Hot Hatches'. In fact, until a few years ago we had several hot hatch options in the Indian market in the under Rs. 12 lakh space, however, most of those cars have been discontinued. Now if you are looking for a brand-new hot hatch, then the only option available today in the market is the Hyundai i20 N-Line. However, if you are on a budget, then we would suggest you search the used car market for one of these 5 hot hatches.
The older Polo GT TSI was offered with a 104 bhp, 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder engine, mated to a DSG automatic unit.
The Volkswagen Polo GT was the car that made hot hatches famous in India. However, VW India has now discontinued the car, and the used car market is the only place where you will find one right now. The older GT TSI was offered with a 104 bhp, 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder turbocharged engine, while mated to a DSG automatic unit. However, the newer model gets a 108 bhp, 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine that comes mated to a 6-speed torque converter. You can get one for around Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the model year and its condition.
Also Read: Top 5 Pre-Owned Automatic Hatchbacks To Buy
You can get a used Abarth Punto for around Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh.
Fiat India's Abarth Punto was the most powerful hatchback in its segment. The car came with a 1.4-litre T-Jet engine that churned out a massive 145 bhp and 212 Nm of peak torque, while mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Fiat did not offer an automatic option though. The car came with Abarth-specific styling, with the Scorpion livery and the works. Sadly, when Fiat stopped making cars in India, the Abarth Punto was also discontinued. But you can get a used one for around Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh.
The Ford Figo 1.5-litre Ti-VCT was tuned to churn out 110 bhp and 136 Nm of peak torque, and it was mated to a capable 6-speed DCT automatic
The Ford Figo was one of the most popular hatchbacks in India, and with the second-gen model, the company also introduced a powerful 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine. The motor was tuned to churn out 110 bhp and 136 Nm of peak torque, and it was mated to a capable 6-speed DCT automatic. Sadly, the car was not sold in high numbers so you'll find limited options in the market, but if you do get your hands on one it would cost you over Rs. 6 lakh, depending on its condition.
The Baleno RS came with a 1.0-litre BoosterJet that was tuned to offer 101 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque, while mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS was yet another popular hot hatch in India and a very capable car. It was the first Maruti Suzuki car in India to get a turbocharged petrol engine, which was the 1.0-litre BoosterJet. The motor was tuned to offer 101 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque, while mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Depending on the condition of the car you can get one for around Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh.
The Tata Tiago JTP was one of the nicest hatchbacks from the home-grown automaker, and the performance hatch was introduced under JT Special Vehicles (JTSV), a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Motors and Jayem Automobiles. Sadly, the JV did not last long, and the car was discontinued as well. However, Tata Motors did manage to sell a decent number of units, and if at all you find one you can get it for around Rs. 5 lakh. The Tata Tiago JTP draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 112 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
