3 hot hatchbacks to look forward to

A few years ago if you wanted to buy a hatchback the choices were limited - a Maruti, Hyundai or a Tata.

But this is not true any longer. The year 2010 was full of hatchback launches and the country got many new models in the form of Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra et al.

With the rapid growth of the Indian market many new carmakers are going to enter the country and the existing ones are going to come up with newer models.

Next year too there will be a number of new hatchbacks to look forward to. Let's take a look at three big ones that have been awaited for sometime now.

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Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011

The car has a lot to worry about with several close contenders making their presence felt in the market.

A new and evolved version of the car is expected to be in the country next year to take on competition.

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It is likely that the new model will have the same engine powering it.

The current K-series (K12) motor that does duty in the Swift and Ritz is likely to power the new model as well.

The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology that is available in the European version could come to India.

Even the 1.3-Multijet diesel Fiat engine will also be the same.

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The new design includes several cosmetic changes - the new model looks more rounded and gets a pronounced place for license plates.

The rear is also reworked and what you get is a pair of vertically split up tail-lamps.

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The slight but cleaver changes made to the new model give it a refreshed look that is likely to ...

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Toyota Etios Liva

A lot has already been talked about the big sister Etios sedan after its launch on December 1.

Come 2011 and all eyes will be on the launch of Toyota's first ever hatchback Etios Liva.

The car will be powered by a 1.2 litre engine capable of producing 80bhp.

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The company might later come up with a 1.4 diesel unit.

And there are also talks of the Liva getting its sedan versions' 1.5-litre 88.7bhp engine.

Toyota has priced the sedan at Rs 496,000 so it would be interesting to see how it prices the hatchback.

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Honda Brio

Another important hatchback scheduled to be launched next year around September is the Honda Brio.

It is built on a 2CV concept and has a grill with a chrome strip, bold looks, a forward inclined stance etc.

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It is different from other hatches and is in a league of its own.

The car is meant for the developing markets with special focus on India.

It will come with a 1.2-litre Honda Jazz engine and might get a 1-litre motor in the future.

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Prominent headlamp pods set in black surrounds, all glass rear and low tail lights with a smoked-out effect are some of its special features.

At 3.6 meters it is shorter than the Swift and is expected to be a practical car.

The Brio is likely to be priced around Rs 450,000 and take its competitors head on.

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