Smaller cars like compact sedans and hatchbacks are needed by car companies and ordinary buyers alike. These compact cars are popular in most cities throughout the world just as they are in Pakistan. A compact sedan usually comes with a 1.2-1.3 liter petrol engine or 1.5-liter diesel engine, similar to the hatchbacks of the same category.

Buyers of these cars believe in the economic value of these cars and understand how they have a lot to offer at a reasonable price. Proof of this can be seen with the popularity of cars like the Suzuki Alto and the KIA Picanto, Toyota Yaris and the now discontinued Suzuki Swift.

The advantages of these cars are apparent. Their modest size allows them to be easily maneuverable in the restrictive cityscape. It also allows city dwellers to find parking in the toughest spots. Because let’s face it, finding parking in the city with an SUV or a massive sedan is a difficult task for even the best drivers.

Another advantage of these compact cars is the small-medium-sized engine itself. A 1.2-litres and 1.3-liters engine along with the lower bodyweight allows them to be highly fuel-efficient and ensure great mileage. Driven properly one can get close to a hundred kilometres on just 5 to 6 liters of fuel.

A 1.2-litre hatchback or a compact sedan offers a lot of storage and passenger space. Something that the category had been previously criticized for. But with modern ergonomic design and cabin spacing, the new hatchbacks and compact 1.2-liter cars offer enough room to fit in passengers as well as your luggage and goods, almost as good as a compact SUV.

One single disadvantage associated with these cars was the fact that they were not great for cross country travel or highway travel, but this too is increasingly a thing of the past. Modern 1.2 liter hatchbacks have not only perfected inner-city travel by offering great mileage and economical value but the newer models are great when it comes to the city to city travel as well. Their improved performance and mileage have proven well on highways too. We all know at least one person in our circle who has taken a cross-country trip in their Suzuki Swift or has gone up north in a Cultus.

Now on to the engine. The 1.2-litre engine may sound like a low budget machine at first, but don’t let the lower price tags fool you. Hatchbacks in this category such as Suzuki Swift come with Dualjet petrol engines which are a joy to rev. They offer superior thermal efficiency which allows impeccable performance fuel efficiency and impeccable performance.

With all they have on offer, these compact cars have become very popular and are slowly cutting into the sedan category as well. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly but luxurious, a powerful engine, yet fuel-efficient, then getting a 1.2-litre hatchback is your best bet. And if rumours are to be true, 3rd generation Suzuki swift is already in production and will have opened for booking late next month. Among a range of other driving amenities, it boasts a powerful 1.2 L engine and will potentially lead the hatchback market segment into a new era.