7 Hatchbacks That Terribly Failed In The Indian Market

Hatchbacks are known for their compact size, great efficiency and affordable prices. Probably this is the reason why the majority of sales of almost all OEMs are taken up by hatchback and entry-level vehicles combined. And while hatches in this sense are the most practical offerings, there are a few that aimed at providing the best in terms of an overall package, but miserably failed in the Indian market. So here are 7 hatchbacks that miserably failed in the Indian market.

1. Renault Pulse
   

   

   Launched back in 2012, the Renault Pulse was essentially a redesigned Nissan Micra that was given a bit of a masculine style. Based on the Nissan-Renault V-platform the Pulse aimed to be a premium offering in the market that offered large cabin space, great headroom and peppy petrol and diesel engines as well. However, despite an overall good package, the low demand of Renault as a brand, killed the Pulse as well which ultimately died in 2017.

2. Skoda Fabia
   

   

   Launched back in 2009, the Fabia was Skoda’s premium hatchback for India. Topped with ample luxury features onboard, the Fabia also possessed a great powertrain. Being the only hatchback from the House of Skoda, all eyes were on the Fabia. However, one of the biggest issues with the Fabia was the fact that it was built via import-based assembly. This meant that not only was the Fabia expensive to purchase, but also to repair. This led to a substantial decline in demand that eventually killed the hatch never to return again.

3. Toyota Etios Liva
   

   

   Trying its luck in the small car segment, Toyota brought the Etios Liva to the market back in 2011. Built on the ECF platform, the Etios Liva was the hatch version of the Etios sedan. Even though the vehicle offered a value for money package, the demand did not see any substantial rise, leading to lower sales volume each passing year. The final blow to the vehicle was given by the BS6 adoption, after which the entire Etios lineup died a sudden death.

4. Chevrolet Sail UVA
   

   

   Debuting back in 2012, the Sail UVA was launched at a highly aggressive price tag that made the UVA’s launch seem like a success. Probably this is the reason why the vehicle did well initially. But the problem started off in 2014 after which the vehicle reported sluggish sales that finally led to an end of the UVA’s run in 2016, making it one of India’s failed hatchbacks.

   

5. Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo
   

   

   Launched in 2007 as the successor to the iconic Zen, the Zen Estilo was too a compact hatchback that aimed to be one of the best-selling entry-level hatchbacks back then. And despite being a value for money offering, the Zen Estilo could never live up to the charm of the Zen and this lead to poor sales figures that ultimately pushed Maruti to pull the plug on the vehicle.

6. Hyundai Eon
   

   

   The entry-level hatchback that was meant to rule the entry-level hatchback segment, the Hyundai Eon was the cheapest vehicle from Hyundai to come with a fluidic stance. No doubt the Eon was value for money, but owing to its lack of even standard safety, the vehicle was looked down on by the consumers which lead to its discontinuation in 2018-19, making it enter the list of India’s failed hatchbacks.

7. Datsun Go
   

   

   One of the latest offerings from the house of Datsun, the Datsun Go exists as a promising hatchback. But despite all the pros that go in favour of Datsun Go, one thing that is eating up Datsun Go’s success is its competition and the brand’s shaky image in India. Though not discontinued, the Datsun Go continues to clock in sluggish growth, unable to match up to competitors.

   So these were 7 failed hatchbacks of the Indian market. Stay pinned to the GoMechanic blog for everything automotive.

   Also Read: Next-Gen Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Spied Testing

    

   

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