Due to cost concerns and the absurd GST structure that takes the length of cars into consideration, many globally popular hatchbacks never end up coming to India. Here is a list of five such hatchbacks which we badly wish were sold in India.

1. Volkswagen Golf

The Golf might be the most popular and highest selling model for Volkswagen across the world, however, the Indian market is just not the right place for it – that’s what the German auto giant believes. Launched for the very first time back in 1974, the VW Golf has seen seven generations till date, with the eighth one soon to be launched.

The VW Golf will be a much expensive hatchback than what most Indian customers would spend on a hatchback. If launched, it will likely cost no less than INR 15 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it will be at par with many premium sedans and SUVs like Hyundai Elantra and Jeep Compass, which makes it least sensible by value for money point of view.

In 2016, it was said that the VW Golf could be brought to India in its hot GTI variant. However, considering the fact that Volkswagen is all set to launch the new eighth generation model, the plan of bringing the Golf GTI seems to have been postponed for an undisclosed duration.

2. Sixth-gen VW Polo

The fifth-gen VW Polo is showing its age in India now, and while the sixth-gen model is already out internationally, it's not coming to India because of its MQB (A0) platform that hasn't been localised here and its 4,000 mm+ length. However, many enthusiasts and prospective premium hatchback buyers were left heartbroken when the news broke that Volkswagen will not bring the all-new sixth generation Polo to the Indian shores.

Bringing the all-new VW Polo will result in a much higher price tag – almost Rs 1-1.5 lakh more than the current crop of premium hatchbacks from other car makers. Instead of bringing the new sixth-gen Polo, Volkswagen will give the old model another facelift Polo in our market. Also, Volkswagen has clearly stated its intention of focusing more on SUVs and premium sedans as compared to hatchbacks in volume based segments.

3. Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 is a C-segment hatchback like the VW Golf. The second-gen model was showcased in India, and from that, it was expected that launching it here is under consideration. However, once the third-gen model was out, it was confirmed that this car has been ruled out for our market as there won't be enough demand for it.

Hyundai is currently gunning towards Maruti Suzuki for surpassing it to become the numero uno car maker in India. This is the reason why it is focusing more on volume oriented segments with cars like Santro, Grand i10, i20, Creta, Verna and recently launched Venue. If the company would have decided to launch the i30 here, it would have done so by importing its CKD kits and locally assembling them. This way, it would have ended up costing around INR 15 lakh (ex-showroom) easily.

To make its presence in the premium end of the mass market, Hyundai has already stated that it will go with the market sentiment with more focus on SUVs like Creta and Tucson. However, considering the fact that the company managed to change the dimensions of hatchback space with the launch of i20 almost a decade ago, we would love to see the same with the inclusion of i30 in its line-up here in India.

4. Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Toyota has always remained one manufacturer which has been shy in breaking the norms and bringing in some revolutionary products in the Indian market. Having said that, Toyota has kept many of its aspirational products away from the Indian market in the past, with the Corolla Hatchback being the latest one in the list.

The new generation Toyota Corolla Hatchback sits on the TNGA platform. So, not only is the compact hatchback a niche product for our market, but also a quite sophisticated one. Instead of bringing the Toyota Corolla Hatchback to India, Toyota has already launched the Glanza (rebadged Maruti Suzuki Baleno) as its most premium offering in the hatchback segment. In addition to it, the focus of Toyota is more on launching rebadged versions of various Maruti Suzuki models like Vitara Brezza, Ertiga and Ciaz to strengthen its game in high-volume segments.

5. Kia Ceed

The Kia Ceed is also a compact hatchback like the VW Golf, and if there's any model from this list that has a remote possibility of being launched in India, it's this one. It is being evaluated as a brand-building model for our market.

Kia is considering launching the Ceed hatchback in India exclusively in the sporty GT Line variant. It may import this car in CKD kits and locally assemble them to keep the price as low as possible. Expect the Kia Seltos' 1.4L T-GDI petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT in this sporty hatchback in our market. This will likely be the only available configuration here. The pricing could be close to INR 20 lakh (ex-showroom).

The last time an automaker dared launching a high-volume C-segment hatchback in India was in July 2006, when Chevrolet introduced the SRV (Optra 5-door). It received a lukewarm response in our market. Twelve years later, as Kia chalks out its India entry, it sees the perception of family hatchbacks changed and finds them opportunistic.

Sun Wook Hwang, Senior General Manager, Marketing and PR, Kia Motors India, has confirmed that the company's line-up could include the Ceed hatchback, which received a full model change in February this year. The company wants to explore opportunities even outside the traditional segments and body styles.

India’s punitive tax structure that levies higher tax on ICE-powered cars longer than four metres is not a deterring factor for Kia in launching the Ceed. The company will market it as a model for buyers looking for something outstanding. It may price this model at the same level as C-segment sedans (such as Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla Altis) or maybe even higher.

If Kia decides to launch the Ceed in India, it will do so it in the sporty GT Line variant that debuted at the 2018 Paris Motor Show last month. This variant features unique 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and bumper designs as well as GT-inspired interior design cues and sports seats.

The Kia Ceed GT Line is available with the 120 PS 1.0L T-GDi and 140 PS 1.4L T-GDi petrol engines and also the 115 PS/136 1.6L Smartstream CRDi diesel engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 7-speed DCT is available optionally with the 1.4L and 1.6L engines. In India, expect the 140 PS 1.4L petrol engine and the 136 PS 1.6L diesel engine paired with a 7-speed DCT as standard.

Also See: Kia Tusker/Trazor (production Kia SP Concept) spied up close [Video]

Initially, Kia will locally assemble the Ceed from CKD kits, but if the demand exceeds 1,000 units a month, it may look at manufacturing.

[Source: autocarindia.com]

Speaking on the new model, Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, has said:

Our first GT models were important for Kia. They laid a blueprint for future performance cars from the brand, and proved there was a genuine appetite for faster and more engaging "drivers' cars" from Kia. The cee'd GT and pro_cee'd GT provided the impetus for cars such as the Stinger and Optima GT, and introduced a sporty design appeal that has inspired a range of popular GT Line models across our product line-up.

The 2019 Kia Cee'd GT features sporty styling with red detailing and a honeycomb pattern for the signature tiger-nose grille. The new model rides on stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. The brake callipers and wheel caps are red, too. Rounding off the sporty styling package is a black diffuser and a roof spoiler.

On the inside, the 2019 Kia Cee'd GT offers a touchscreen infotainment system that supports TomTom sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new model will also be available with a JBL stereo, wireless phone charging and keyless entry.

The 2019 Kia Cee'd GT retains the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that powers the outgoing model. The high-strung turbo-petrol motor outputs a maximum power of 204 PS @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 265 Nm @ 1,500-to-4,500 rpm. While the six-speed manual transmission has been carried over from the earlier version, the company will now offer an optional seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. The engine comes mated to the infamous electronic sound generator that releases a sporty engine note into the cabin.

Also See: Kia Stinger at 2017 Thai Motor Expo – Live

Safety features on offer include six airbags, ABS with EBD, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Smart Parking Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

While previous spy shots had clearly revealed the 2018 Kia Cee’d’s rear-end and profile, the latest spy shots give the first proper look at its front-end. At the front, the all-new Kia Cee’d features new sweptback headlamps in a more fluidic design, revised Tigernose grille, larger lower grille, more aggressive bumper, rectangular fog lamps along with air intakes.

With the redesign, the Kia Cee’d will move into its third generation. Like the latest Hyundai i30, it won’t have a 3-door version. Instead, Kia will launch a shooting brake version, the production version of the Kia Proceed Concept from IAA 2017. In Europe, the all-new Kia Cee’d could share the three- and four-cylinder turbocharged engines in 1.0-, 1.4- and 1.6-litre displacements with the Hyundai i30. Elsewhere, Kia may offer 1.4- and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engines as well.

Also See: Kia Stinger at 2017 Thai Motor Expo – Live

Kia is yet to announce the next-gen Kia Cee’d. According to media reports, the world premiere will take place at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Image Source: Motorgraph]

The third generation Kia C’eed’s design was previewed by the Kia Proceed Concept at IAA 2017. The concept’s influence is evident on the 2018 Kia Cee’d’s sides, where it incorporates a raised shoulder line and a notably slimmer greenhouse. At the rear, the compact hatchback features a more aggressive bumper with sharper ends, sportier tail lamps and fully redesigned tailgate. One of the spy shots reveals the car’s front-end and gives a glimpse of the redesigned bumper and grille layout as well as the new four-element headlamps.

The 2018 Kia Cee’d is expected to share its engines with the latest Hyundai i30. The Hyundai offering is available with 100 PS 1.4-litre MPI, 120 PS 1.0-litre T-GDI, 127.5 PS 1.6-litre MPI, 140 PS 1.4-litre T-GDI and 164 PS 1.6-litre GDi petrol engines and 95 PS 1.6-litre CRDi, 110 PS 1.6-litre CRDi and 136 PS 1.6-litre diesel engines. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.

Also See: Kia Stinger at 2017 Thai Motor Expo – Live

Reports say that the 2018 Kia Cee’d will have its world debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March. Kia is yet to make an official announcement.

[Image Source: Bobaedream.co.kr via The Korean Car Blog]

The 2016 Kia cee’d (facelift) has been showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It comes in three body types - five-door cee’d, cee’d Sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d. All the three versions get a 'GT Line' specification as well. Changes including introduction of Kia’s all-new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine, and new safety, comfort & convenience upgrades, apply to the entire range.

2016 Kia cee’d range

The front gets the hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille, sleek wraparound Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs, revised bumper and fog lamps with chrome touches. The rear sees a redesigned bumper and LED tail lights with reflectors.

The interior has received minor styling updates and a dose of chrome around the instrument binnacle, AC vents and the upper edge of the instrument panel. The central fascia gets an anti-scratch gloss black finish for a more premium look. Chrome highlights can also be found on the gear-stick, door handles, and the temperature control knobs on the dashboard. The 7.0-inch AVN (Audio-visual navigation system) takes care of the entertainment and navigation functions while safety is taken care of by optional systems such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The 2016 cee’d is offered with an all-new 1.0-liter ecoTurbo petrol engine with two power outputs of 100 PS and 120 PS with peak torque being the same for both at 172 Nm. The 1.6-liter GDI and 1.4-liter MPI petrol engines from the previous generations continue to be offered in the 2016 model as well. The 1.6-liter CRDi diesel engine will be powering the diesel variants with power outputs of 110 PS in the low-power version that increases to 136 PS / 285 Nm of torque in the high-power model.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard across all variants with the option of a 7-speed or six-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the 1.6-liter CRDi diesel.

2016 Kia cee'd GT range

The Kia cee'd GT Line models, including 2016 cee'd GT, 2016 cee'd Sportswagon GT and 2016 pro_cee'd GT, feature upgrades in powertrain, dynamics and looks. The exterior of GT Line models get ‘ice-cube’ daytime running lights, sporty bodywork and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The interior receives a new flat-bottomed & concave-centred steering wheel embedded with a subtle GT logo. The engine start/stop button inside the cabin is offered in aluminium instead of a black finish in the outgoing model. The GT lineup gets RECARO suede bucket seats as standard.

The GT models of Kia cee'd get a new electronic sound generator which gets activated by pressing the ‘GT Mode’ button on the steering wheel. This synthesises the revving note of the 1.6-litre T-GDI engine into the cabin. When the GT mode is turned off, a quiet and moderate engine note is produced in the cabin.

The powertrain in the Kia cee'd GT models is comprised of the same 1.6-litre T-GDI diesel engine but with a new turbocharger. With higher air pressure, the low-end grunt of the engine is amplified and 0-100 km/h acceleration is boosted by 0.1 seconds to 7.6 seconds. The mill effectively produces 204 PS and 265 Nm, with CO2 emissions reading at a slightly lower, 170 g/km. Stopping power is also increased by larger front disc brakes (optional) measuring 320 mm while the diameter on the standard equipment is 300 mm. This reduces the stopping distance of the 2016 cee'd GT from 36.4 metres to 35.0 metres.

2016 Kia cee’d 5-door at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show - Image Gallery

2016 Kia cee’d GT at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show - Image Gallery

2016 Kia cee’d Sportswagon GT at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show - Image Gallery

2016 Kia cee’d - Press Release

[Slideshare direct link]

An official image of the facelifted Kia cee'd has surfaced on TheKoreanCarBlog, revealing the changes in store for Kia's premium hatchback.

The 2016 Kia cee'd features minimal design changes, compared to the current model. The only noticeable revisions are the sportier front bumper with bigger intakes and smaller fog lamps with chrome enclosures. It retains the swooping hatchback body style, Kia's tiger nose grille and a large pair of Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs.

No pictures of the interior have surfaced, yet, although we do expect Kia to improve build quality and  update features like the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and the seat upholstery.

In the engine department, the facelifted Kia cee'd will offer the 3-cylinder 1.0-liter T-GDi engine, which produces 120 PS and 172 Nm in the pre-facelift Kia cee'd GT Line. The 1.6-liter CRDi delivering 133 PS and 285 Nm will also be available, while there are chances of Kia replacing the 1.6-liter gasoline motor for a new 1.2-liter T-GDi engine. Other than a manual transmission, Kia will also offer the in-house developed seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Also Read: 2016 Kia Sportage dashboard leaked by a magazine

The 2016 Kia cee'd is expected to be revealed in August, followed by a public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Kia cee'd GT Line (current gen) - Image Gallery

[Source: The Korean Car Blog]

Kia has revealed a new variant of the cee'd hatchback - dubbed the Kia cee'd GT Line - at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The new variant will sit between the performance-oriented cee'd GT and the conventional model, trying to combine the best of both.

Design wise, the cee'd GT Line borrows cues from the cee'd GT and pro_cee’d GT. Up front, it is fitted with a deeper bumper and "ice cube" LED DRLs as well as a honeycomb "tiger nose" grille. At the side, the GT Line adds sporty side sill moldings and new 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. The rear features LED taillights and a wider bumper that houses twin exhausts, while the Sportswagon is fitted with dual exhausts and a subtle rear diffuser.

Inside, Kia has uplifted the cabin with better materials and dynamic touches. The GT Line comes with a mix of grey, white and black upholstery with contrast grey stitching, a series of GT Line logos throughout the cabin, and the same piano black and leather steering wheel, and aluminium alloy pedals from the Kia cee'd GT.

One of the biggest talking points of the cee'd GT Line has to be the engine. For the new variant, Kia is introducing the all new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDi’ three-cylinder turbocharged engine. This is the first of many Kia's to feature the new downsized engine in Europe.

The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine produces 120 PS and 172 Nm torque, and is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Kia is also including a revised version of the 1.6-liter diesel engine, which now produces 133 PS and 285 Nm of torque.

It will come paired with an all new 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which is developed in-house, also debuting at the show. With the new gearbox, Kia is targeting 3-5 percent improvement in acceleration (0-100 kph) and 5-7 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

The Kia cee'd GT Line will arrive at dealerships across Europe towards the end of this year. Prices will be announced closer to the launch.

2015 Kia cee'd GT Line at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - Image Gallery

Kia 1.0-litre T-GDi engine - Image Gallery

2015 Kia cee'd GT Line at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - Press Release

[Can’t see the press release? Head over to Slideshare]

Apart from showcasing the Sportspace concept and introducing the new Kia cee'd GT Line, the Korean manufacturer has also announced a new 1.0-litre engine and dual-clutch seven-speed auto gearbox, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

Both these will be made available in the new Kia cee'd GT Line models. Talking of the engine first, it's a 1-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection (T-GDI) unit that makes 120 PS at 6,000 rpm and 172 Nm of maximum torque between 1,500 and 4,100 rpm. In comparison to the current 1.6-litre GDI (non turbocharged) unit, the engine is 10-15 per cent more fuel efficient.

Coming to the new seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT), it's also headed to the new Kia cee'd GT Line, albeit paired with the 1.6-litre diesel engine. The gearbox is said to be engineered to manage torque outputs of up to 300 Nm.

The new engine and the gearbox will find its way into other models at a later stage, says the Korean manufacturer.

Further details can be found in the press releases below.

Kia 1.0-litre T-GDi engine - Image Gallery

Kia 1-litre T-GDI engine - Press Release

[Can't read the document above? Head to Slideshare.]

Kia seven-speed DCT - Press Release

[Can't read the document above? Head to Slideshare.]

The Korean carmaker is not forthcoming about the details of the concept, and will announce the specs and information only at the show.

However, Kia have announced that the concept was designed by its design team in Irvine, California. The interiors of the sports car will feature seating for four adults in a 2+2 layout. According to the company, the concept will have "stunning" and "head-turning" looks, while delivering "driving enjoyment" on the road and track.

From this single image which was released, it appears that the concept will have a fast-back-like styling, combined with flared wheel arches.

There have been many reports suggesting that Kia could introduce a small sports car to their lineup. Back in June this year, it was even reported that Kia was considering a roadster based on the Pro_cee'd GT. Though the GT is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine, its capable of doing the 0-100 km/h run in 7.9 seconds.

What would power the sports car, we wonder.

Kia To Unveil Sports Car Concept At 2014 Detroit Motor Show - Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]

The company ventured into the country in 1991 and it took almost 22 years to achieve the milestone. However, Kia is bullish about its prospects in the future. The car maker is confident of selling the the next half a million vehicles by 2020.

The 500,000th car was a Kia Cee’d ‘4’ 1.6 CRDi hatchback, which is based on the Hyundai i30's platform. The car was sold to a young couple from Kia’s Sandicliffe Leicester dealership.

In addition to selling its 500,000th car, Kia also registered its highest ever sales for the month of May. This year, 5,604 Kias were sold in the UK which is 8.27% higher than the previous best-ever May in 2012.

Kia UK also registered its best ever year till date sales with registrations of 30,441 units done till now in 2013. The sales for the first five months of the year is also a record with some 10.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The company's long term ambition is to break into the UK's top 5 volume auto brands.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia Motors UK said: "Reaching 500,000 cars in the UK is another important milestone for the Kia brand.  Our growth over the last few years has been down to a combination of great new products, changing perceptions of the brand and is testament to the efforts of our growing UK dealer network."

Head to Page 2 to view the press release.

Kia UK Press Release

Volvo India, through new models and low price, is aiming to increase its market share in India and the V40 hatchback can be the most crucial model from that perspective. The new V40 is the compact car that's pitted against the new introductions - BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class and the Audi A3.

Two out of these three cars are going to be seen for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show where Volvo will also drop the V40. Can the V40 find ways to rewrite the rules in the compact luxury market with its simple yet interesting design?

What's not news is Hyundai working on an i20-size hatchback for the Brazilian market to form a new entry point. What's hot news is the Korean company is not putting a full stop there. The HB platform extends to to roll out a sedan (like the Verna) and a mini SUV (a la Duster) in the next two years.

2012 will be dedicated to the hatch after which the sedan and SUV could be launched in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Hyundai is reportedly trying out engines displacing 1.0-1.6 liters for the HB platform derivatives. These models are not expected to be built outside Brazil.

The Kia Cee'd is the Hyundai i30's distant cousin. The Cee'd, recognized widely for being the "reasonably priced car" on Top Gear UK,  is a C-Segment hatchback and with a complete redesign, it has plans to shake up the American market. Using design and the too-tempting-to-miss 7 year warranty in some markets, luring customers into showrooms is a game Kia is getting better at.

A more pointed “Tiger-nose” grille and more ergonomically designed cockpit are some of the interesting changes on the new Cee'd that lands at Geneva next month. With great design, ever improving quality and competitive pricing, the Cee'd could go a few steps forward and come dangerously close to grabbing customers of the i30!