More. Extra. Free. These words define the common mentality of most of us. And to get these add-ons, we have not left any section of life untouched, be it taking groceries from thelas to street foods -- “Bhaiyya chutney thoda extra” -- to even automobiles, we always do that, isn’t it? Even while buying a car, we do inquire about what’s coming free with it. It seems the car manufacturers have understood that we not only need a value for money car but also want things beyond that. That’s why they have started to roll out features that were once offered only in cars a segment above. To help you get a more value for money car, we have listed the top five hatchbacks which come with a segment above or first in class features. Here you go.


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Datsun redi-GO


To be frank, the Datsun redi-GO does not have many premium or segment-first features, but it’s the aggressive price and the small yet vital features offered that makes it appear in our list. However, it does carry a segment-leading 185mm of ground clearance, which makes it easy to manoeuvre in the city and cross over those humongous speed breakers.


The Datsun small car also boasts daytime running LEDs that lend a sporty character to its quirky styling. Since most buyers of the redi-GO would be first timers, a gear shift indicator (segment-first) is provided in the instrument cluster for their assistance.  



Renault KWID


Next in line is the Renault KWID. The hatchback was the first to revolutionise the entry level hatch segment with its beefed up looks and SUVish styling. Coming to its segment-above features, it gets an all-digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch MediaNAV touchscreen system with navigation. The touchscreen is a straight lift from the earlier Duster.


The KWID not only appears big, it actually is. Its interiors boast excellent space and, not to forget, it also has segment-leading 300-litres of boot space. To top it all, the Renault KWID can be customised in a number of ways with special personalisation options on offer.



Tata Tiago


The Tiago speaks of the hard work that Tata Motors have done in every department of product making, be it design or technology. The home grown automaker has gone way ahead in providing value for money cars in the recent past and, with the Tiago, the bar is set much higher with a number of first-in-class features on offer. It gets multi-drive modes (eco and city), next-gen ConnectNext Infotainment System by Harman with Juke-Car App, and smartphone enabled Turn-By-Turn Navigation App as segment-first features.


The paint quality, fit and finish and build quality have all gone up in the new Tiago. All this at prices starting as low as Rs 3.2 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. That makes it a segment above car at a segment below price!



Mahindra KUV100


Born in a clan of SUVs, the Mahindra KUV 100 carries forward the mini-SUV trend initiated by the KWID. The KUV100 gets a first in segment six seater variant, electronic start/stop and unique double barrel tail lamps. It also comes with Mahindra Blue sense app, which gives access to audio controls and vehicle information such as the fuel level with travel range, parking lamp status, door open warning and an organizer – all on your smartphone.


The carmaker went ahead and also introduced some first-in-class features like mood lighting in inner door handles, micro-hybrid technology, power/eco mode in diesel version, armrest in first and second row with cup holders, flat floor with underfloor storage and puddle lamps on all four doors. Phew! That’s quite a long list of segment first features.



Ford Figo


It might come as a surprise to some but the updated Ford Figo is not only a smart looking city hatch but a leader when it comes to offering advanced features. Competing with the Swift, the Figo is way ahead in many ways but here we’ll restrict ourselves only to its segment-first features. It gets one of a kind Ford MyKey, which helps in programming speed and volume limit. It can be very useful, especially when you hand over the car to a newbie.


It gets six airbags, which is something we’ve never heard of in any under 10 lakh car. It also gets Ford’s trademark Sync system with AppLink and emergency assist. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine returns segment-best power figure of 100PS. Also, its 1.5-litre petrol engine is linked to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, besides the manual one.


This sums up our list of top five hatchbacks being offered in India with segment-above features. Do let us know in the comments section below which among the above is your personal favourite.


Source: CarDekho.com