The premium hatch segment seems to have caught the attention of most manufacturers with each pitching new variants to attract buyers during the festive season. With personal mobility becoming a necessity forced by the pandemic, the hatch is back in business.

“Its not just the entry-level cars but the premium hatches are also in demand as customers and the market in India mature. Many of the buyers of premium hatch are first-time car buyers,” said an industry source.

If Hyundai made a pitch with its fourth-generation i20, Tata Motors launched a new variant of its Altroz, both this week.

In August, Honda launched its “niched brand” Jazz. Maruti continues with its Baleno which recorded its highest sales in October. Toyota Glanza and Volkswagen Polo complete the segment that has a market size of 30,000 to 33,000 units per month.

The price segment ranges from Rs 5.44 lakh to Rs 11.18 lakh. The segment has recorded over 50 per cent growth year-on-year compared to 2019. The premium hatches constitute 26 per cent of the overall hatchback segment and contribute 13 per cent to the total sales.