Coca-Cola denies US consumer group’s claim that its colouring ingredient causes cancer; yet the company says it will modify its drinks in India like it has in California
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A hatch above
High-end hatchbacks combine the comfort of a big car and the practicality of a small one. Find out how the three players in this segment – the Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and Skoda Fabia – stack up
Premium hatchbacks are one of the newest categories in the Indian car market, established in 2008 by the arrival of the Skoda Fabia, which was almost a hatchback version of the full-size Skoda Octavia.
Most cars in this segment cost 5-8 lakh. However, this high cost is repaid with higher quality and more features than budget hatches. Usually larger than budget hatchbacks (around a foot longer and about 50-100mm wider), they nonetheless have to stick to a four-metre length limit to be considered hatchbacks and enjoy the associated tax benefit.
While budget hatchbacks remain firm bestsellers in India, the pool of people who consider buying a premium hatch is evidently growing, as can be seen from their rising sales.
The best seller in this segment is the Hyundai i20, which sold a whopping 7,680 units in September 2010 – many more than the 4,152 units it sold in September 2009. Its competitors – the Skoda Fabia and the Honda Jazz – sold just 256 and 649 units respectively in the same period.
To catch up with the i20, Skoda recently unveiled a refreshed Fabia, and Honda is offering heavy discounts on the Jazz. Do these cars have what it takes to pip the i20? Let’s find out.
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