Hatchbacks that are more economic are very popular in the market. Some magnificent hatchbacks like Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki A-star, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Chevrolet Beat and Honda Jazz were introduced in the market in this fiscal year. [break]
Hyundai i20 is one of the most luxurious looking hatchbacks in the market. i10 -- the more economic car from Hyundai´s i-series -- is probably the highest selling hatchback in the market, beating the sales of Santro from the same company. But i20 could not become as popular as i10 in the market.
“The reason for the lower sales of i20 is that this car falls under the higher end segment,” said Rupesh Sharma Bhatta, the senior manager for business development and planning of Laxmi Hyundai, the authorized distributor of Hyundai vehicles.
i20 was introduced in September 2009 with two models -- Magna and Asta -- both with 1.2 liter engine. After the proper market response of these models, Laxmi Hyundai also introduced two more models with 1.4 liter engine -- i20 automatic transmission and i20 CRDI (i20 with diesel engine).
The price of i20 Magna is Rs 2.25 million, i20 Asta is Rs 2.49 million, i20 automatic transmission is Rs 2.89 million and i20 CRDI is Rs 2.99 million. Magna is the most popular model among them, according to Bhatta.
Arun Intercontinental - the sole authorized distributor of Maruti Suzuki cars -- also provided the Nepali automobile market with two new cars from Maruti Suzuki stable. Both these cars have K-series engine that meets the Euro III standard, making it more environment friendly.
A-star is the mid-range hatchback from Maruti Suzuki. Ritz is the high range hatchback with a polished look. Both of these cars may not be the most sold cars from the stable of Maruti Suzuki, as other ones like Zen Estilo, Swift, Dzire and Alto, but these models are doing smooth in the overall automobile market.
A-star is available in three different models. The A-star LXI costs Rs 1.7 million, VXI costs Rs 1.9 million and ZXI costs Rs 2 million in the market. Ritz is also available in the similar models. Ritz LXI costs Rs 1.96 million, VXI costs Rs 2.06 million and ZXI costs Rs 2.32 million in the market.
Chevrolet Beat was introduced in the market just about a month ago. The attraction of this sporty car has been polished further by the pre-budget offers provided by Vijay Motors - the authorized distributor of Chevrolet vehicles -- immediately after it was launched.
The beautiful car is catching the attention of young people in the market and that is helping the market share of Chevrolet rise further.
“At least one Beat is being booked everyday. We have received booking for about 35 Beats in less than two months since we brought it here,” said Rabindra Raut, the general manager of sales and after sales of Vijay Motors.
Beat -- the car with 1.2 liter engine - is available in four different models. Beat 1.2 costs Rs 1.84 million, while Beat 1.2 LS is priced Rs 1.92 million. Similarly, Beat 1.2 LT costs Rs 2.1 million and Beat 1.2 LT with additional optional features can be taken home for Rs 2.27 million. Raut told Republica that the price of Beat may rise in the future.
The list of high-range hatchbacks has one more car that has the most stylish look of all. Honda Jazz with 1.2 liter engine is the most economic car from the Honda stable. Syakar Company -- the authorized distributor of Honda cars for Nepal -- introduced Jazz in August 2009. The price of Jazz has recently been raised by Rs 25,000 from Rs 3.05 million.
Related story
More Kathmanduites opting for hatchbacks, say auto dealers
