Breaking Stereo Types

What’s your calling – glamour, practicality or enthusiasm? Why not all three in a hatchback? We search for the middle path and compare the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Figo to find out which is the all-conquering one.

- Arup Das

Hatchbacks have come a long way from being plain looking cars. Apart from being a practical and affordable option, they’ve now evolved into attractive cars with an air of sophistication. They’re also now loaded with the latest features.

It all began when Hyundai launched the Grand i10 in 2013. If the first generation Grand i10 carved its own niche in the hatchback segment, then the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has raised some pretty pertinent follow up questions – such as, why can’t hatchbacks make a style statement while not compromising on safety? If Hyundai set the ball rolling then it’s Maruti Suzuki, with their brand new urban hatch, that’s bringing in the flair and attitude. That’s right, India’s largest car manufacturer now wants to break free from the staid and predictable tag it’s cultivated over the decades. This segment also caters to enthusiasts on a shoestring budget, and that’s where the Ford Figo comes in. The Blue Oval is the most powerful car in this category and can easily put bigger sedans to shame. We decided to put top-of-the-line diesel variants of these three hatchbacks in a slugfest to find out who takes the crown – the pretty Figo, the edgy Ignis or the face-lifted Grand i10.

Exterior Exuberance