Hatchbacks, the first thing that pops up in one’s mind after uttering this harmless word is cheap, economical, simple...and what not. But if your pockets are deep enough and you’ve got a Beamer or a Merc just lying around and another one to drop ‘Baba and Baby’ to school, I doubt that the run-of-the mill Hyundais and Marutis will satisfy your bootless dreams. The Ritz wouldn’t be ritzy enough and the i20 wouldn’t be ‘Ubѐr Cool’ at all. Do not worry my prosperous friends; consumerism and capitalism have the answers to your hitch.
Welcome to the world of imports. The concept remains the same; you purchase a car that has been completely built abroad and imported to India by the manufacturer along with a 100% + import duty. This leads to a normal 6-7 lakh hatchback to be sold at 16-17 lakhs. The Europeans have been smart enough to tap this market and Fiat and Volkswagen have their own offerings to cater to this demand. The Japanese could have also done this, they too have brilliant hatches but none of those brands hold the prestige the Europeans brands have. So let’s meet the contenders...
Both were born as the ‘Tata Nano’ of their era and country, a people’s car for a post-world war nation. Both were cheap and sold in astonishing numbers. One had simple Italian design yet oozing panache, the other had intuitive German engineering designed by the automotive legend Dr. Ferdinand Porsche summoned by Hitler himself! So if you haven’t guessed it by now, I am talking about the Fiat 500 and the VW Beetle.
Fiat 500
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| The original Fiat 500 |
Launched internationally in 2007, the Fiat 500 is the remake of the original 1950’s Fiat 500. Fiat has tried very hard to retain the original design cues and maintain similar overall appeal. The new 500 is actually based on the Fiat Panda. This car has won a plethora of awards and is highly regarded internationally. Though this car is sold as a basic hatch in UK and other markets, in India it costs almost Rs. 18 lakh. It comes fully loaded with all the creature comforts one desires and to be honest it does look a class apart.
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| The Fiat 500 |
Despite having a huge range of engines abroad, Fiat has decided to get the same 75bhp 1.3L Multijet diesel engine that powers the Punto, for the 500 in India. I believe that if you are wondering of actually purchasing this car, you could be one of those I-care-for-the-environment-and-I-brag-about-every-small-thing-I-do types...so go ahead and boast all you want ‘coz diesel does burn better and is green. The downside to this car could be that Fiat doesn’t have all that snob value.
Volkswagen Beetle
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| Original VW Beetle |
The Beetle is one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century, instantly recognizable anywhere in the world. Launched in 1998, the new Beetle has managed to keep some of the aura of the original Beetle. The car is based on the VW Golf, but apparently is not very engrossing to drive. I doubt that this would be a deal breaker in this segment in India though. The car has people hooked to its looks and also has a small vase in the dashboard! No wonder every daddy’s girl wants this as her 18th birthday gift...
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| Current VW Beetle |
This cute little mechanical wonder will set you back by almost Rs. 27 lakhs, no much for your little princess...eh, Mr Rich? VW has got the 2.0 L petrol engine that boasts of a power output of 114 bhp, kind of low for this capacity though. The even newer Beetle is slated for a 2012 launch; with this one they have addressed the main issue...feminine looks. The rear half of it actually does look very similar to the original one. But if you are stuck on the cutie-cutie looks no ones to blame you.
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| 2012 VW Beetle |
But if you actually are an enthusiast, you will be smart enough to not fall these two gimmicky cars, and rather import some other hatch. There are many other well established hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, Renault Megane and Clio, Alfa Romeos, and a few hot-hatches that will set you back by almost the same amount and let you enjoy the freedom of a small car but with a grin on your face that stretches from ear-to-ear.
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