Hatchbacks have changed their appeal and appearance over the past decade. Brands are giving their premium hatch models, elegant cuts, and curves to have stylish looks and a splendid road presence. Along with the other changes, the most noticeable one that happened over the past couple of years is the installation of Day Light Running Lamps or DRLs in hatchbacks as well.
DRLs were once a monopoly of premium international brands that cost exorbitantly. Now it has become a standard component of home-grown brands. The shape and styling of DRLs give it a completely different feel to the cars. Some appear as if eyebrows while some others imitate curvy shapes. Most of the car manufacturers haven’t priced exorbitantly for the variants with DRLs. Accordingly, you can buy the DRL variants without spending much. Check out the Maruti Ignis price in Kerala, to have a comparison in this regard.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Maruti Suzuki has been proud of its stunning hatchback Maruti Swift. The model introduced in 2005, has undergone facelifts to keep with the market competition. The top variant of Swift, Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi+ is installed with DRLs that amplify the looks of the car. The ex-showroom price of the model is around ₹7.95 lakhs.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Hope you have compared the price of the Maruti Ignis price in Kerala as suggested by us. Price comparison would give you an idea about the additional expense on DRLs. The premium hatchback from Maruti Suzuki has an array of features that make the model truly urban and advanced. Maruti Ignis Alpha has DRLs. The model costs approximately 6.8 lakhs ex-showroom.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai, the Korean brand that has been posing a strong challenge since the late 90s has introduced several admirable models in India. Hyundai is one of the most successful foreign automobile manufacturers in the country. Hyundai i20, one of the most selling premium hatchbacks from the brand, offers DRLs in the uppermost variant Asta. The ex-showroom price of the Hyundai i20 Asta is 9.4 lakhs (approx.).
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz VX is a premium model installed with DRLs. Found to be one of the most spaciously designed cars among the hatchbacks available in India, the car is extremely stylish and elegant. You can get a Honda Jazz VX at around 8.45 lakhs, ex-showroom.
Toyota Glanza
Do you know that Toyota Glanza is a rebadged variant of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno? Yes, it is. The LED headlamps are superbly integrated with DRLs in the top variant of the model, Glanza V. Priced (ex-showroom) at 8.1 lakhs, it would be a preferable choice for those looking for premium hatchback models.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Incorporated with many advanced features, the Hyundai i10 is a magnificent model from the brand. One of the top-selling hatchbacks, the Hyundai i10 offers day-time running lamps in its top variant Hyundai i10 Asta. The ex-showroom price of the model is around 7.42 lakhs.
Renault Kwid
French Brand Renault has entered the Indian car market in collaboration with Mahindra. They separated in the recent past and Renault has been introducing models independently since then. Renault Kwid is a uniquely designed hatchback that has registered a decent sale. The top variant of the model Renault Kwid Climber (O), priced at 5.15 lakhs (ex-showroom) has DRLs, in addition to other features.
Tata Altroz
Tata, the truly international car brand from India, has been in the news for all positive reasons. Tata Altroz has been a widely selling premium hatchback from one of the most reliable car manufacturers. Altroz is a spacious car that features innovative features and design elements. It has beautifully carved daytime running lamps that augment its on-road presence. Priced around 8.4 lakhs, ex-showroom, Altroz is also a good choice to buy.
Things to Consider When You Buy a Hatchback
You may decide upon the right hatchback after evaluating the following:
- Affordability – Compare the price of the car with the budget you have. Avoid buying a car that is beyond your financial level. Else, you would be shouldering an unwanted financial burden for years. Think of the maintenance costs, the familial requirements, and other immediate financial needs whilst planning a car purchase.
- Safety Features – This wouldn’t have been a point if we were discussing this topic a few years ago. Safety aspects have become a prime factor for cars nowadays. Check out the safety features offered.
- Mileage – With the rising fuel prices, it is advisable to go for a car that provides a decent mileage. The models would be indicating the fuel efficiency in the standard test conditions. Even though that may not be realistic, it could be taken as the yardstick for ascertaining the real mileage.
- Maintenance-friendly – Periodic preventive and predictive maintenance is essential for keeping the vehicle healthy. It should not happen that each time the maintenance cost puts a hole in your pocket. Better to buy a maintenance-friendly model with affordably priced spares and accessories if you have budgetary limitations.
- Financing – Many dealerships offer assistance to obtain finance for buying the car. The executives in the sales section would help complete the process to get a car loan quickly. Although this is the case, you must compare different banks and go for the financer or bank, who gives loans at the best rate. Avoid paying exorbitantly in interest. You must also check other factors including prepayment penalty, processing fee, hidden charges, and loan processing period.
After confirming all these, buy the right car and enjoy the drives