Compact cars launches in 2011

A petrol and diesel price hike may have dampened car sales across the country this year, but that hasn't stopped car makers from launching new hatchbacks or better versions of the existing ones. The hatchback war is heating up with Maruti, Honda, Chevrolet, Tata Motors & Toyota pitching in new models in the cut-throat market.

While Honda has launched Brio to take on Hyundai i10 and Maruti WagonR, Chevrolet Motors has come up with a diesel variant of its Beat. Not to be out beaten, Maruti has also come out with a new version of its Swift.

In the year ahead, Hyundai is slated to come out with Eon which is expected to give stiff competition to Maruti Alto. It might just be the modern day 21st century 800! Luxury carmaker BMW is also set to launch the BMW Minii in India at a starting price of Rs 25 lakh. The German carmaker will start importing the iconic small car within the next two months and open two flagship dealerships, in Delhi and Mumbai.

Honda Brio at a starting price of Rs 3.95 lakh
Honda announced its foray into the highly competitive low-price compact car segment in India with the launch of its Brio model, priced between Rs 3.95 lakh and Rs 5.1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Brio will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i10, Maruti WagonR and General Motors Chevrolet Beat, which are priced in a similar range.

Honda claims that the Brio will give a fuel economy of 18.4 km/l. The car is available in 5-speed manual transmission. It accommodates five adults, but falls in government's small car category that is taxed 10% compared to 22% for bigger vehicles.

The Honda Brio will be available in four variants - EMT, SMT, S(O)MT and VMT in six exterior colours - Energetic Blue, Rallye Red, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl.

New versions of Tata's Vista hatchback
Automobile major Tata Motors launched the new petrol and diesel versions of its hatchback Vista, priced between Rs.3.88 lakh and Rs.4.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

"Vista will come in four trim levels starting from Rs 3.88 lakh for the petrol range and from Rs 4.79 lakh for the quadrajet diesel range (ex-showroom Delhi)," the company said in a statement.

The car is powered by 1.3 litre common-rail direct injection Quadrajet diesel engine and 1.4 litre MPFi Safire petrol engine with variable valve timing technology.

"The diesel engine delivers 75 ps of max power at 4,000 rpm, while the petrol engine delivers max power of 90 ps at 6,000 rpm," the statement said. The car is also equipped with a new feature called clutch-to-start which decreases the possibility of the engine getting re-cranked, it said..

Maruti Swift relaunched at a starting price of Rs 4.22 lakh
The country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India launched the new version of its premium hatchback 'Swift' at an introductory price ranging from Rs 4.22 lakh to Rs 6.38 lakh.

Built on an all-new platform, the company and its suppliers have invested over Rs 500 crore on the new car.

"We have launched the new Swift at a time when there was a significant demand for the outgoing model. I am confident that the new Swift will create new benchmarks with its improved fuel efficiency, stylish and sportier looks and high performance," Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi told reporters.

The new Swift retains the round look; however elements like the headlights and tail lights have a stretched look. The only department where the difference isn't drastic between the older model and the new Swift lies under the hood. The engines from the outgoing Swift have been carried over to the new car, essentially the K-Series 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines.

Chevrolet launches Beat diesel
Worried by the petrol prices going up at the rate of a space shuttle? A diesel hatch back is the answer but expensive as well, not anymore! Meet the new Chevrolet Beat diesel, India's cheapest diesel car.

The car is the perfect buy for those on a tight purchasing and fuel cost budget as it combines the low-running costs of a diesel along with a purchasing price close to a similar petrol.

On the styling front the diesel could easily pass-by as a petrol as there aren't any major changes here. The most prominent give away of the car being an oil burner is the TCDI badge at the rear.

In addition, the tyres get a much needed upgrade and now grip 165mm of road along with an aspect ratio height of 70, all on 14 inch wheels.

Toyota Etios Liva launched between Rs 3.99 lakhs to Rs 5.99 lakhs
Toyota India launched the much awaited hatchback Liva. The car is essentially an Etios minus the boot. The car has been aggressively priced between Rs 3.99 lakhs and Rs 5.99 lakhs.

The Liva is powered by a 1.2 litre engine producing 80bhp and 104Nm torque. The ARAI certified fuel efficiency is rated at an impressive 18.3 kmpl.

While the Liva is essentially an Etios without a boot Toyota has made a few changes to differentiate it further. The Liva gets a new pair of tail lamps and an optional aerodynamic pack including a rear spoiler and skirtings. Another nice addition is a cooled glove box across all variants.

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