3 new cars to hit India's entry-level, hatchback segments this yr

Two of India's automobile segments that are crowded with combative marketers ” the entry-level and the hatchback ” are revving up with more competition. This year alone, three new cars are expected to battle for their share of glory in the two niches: the small car Figo, manufactured by the US auto giant Ford Motor Company; the Micra, a Nissan-Renault offering; and Volkswagen's Polo.

Figo was unveiled at a global launch last year; in this country, it will be seen at New Delhi's Auto Expo which begins on 5th January 2010. Figo's principal rivals are Maruti Suzuki's Alto, A-Star, and Swift, and Hyundai's Santro, Getz, and i10.

As for Micra, it will be manufactured in five countries, including India and China. Micra's India launch is scheduled for May, according to reports that have quoted the company's senior executives.

The Polo is expected to be launched in India within the first half of this year.