Hyundai Elite i20 AT vs Honda Jazz AT vs Maruti Baleno AT vs VW Polo GT TSI

Hyundai introduced the long-awaited automatic transmission with its popular premium hatchback, the Elite i20, a few days ago. The automatic transmission option is now available with a 1.4-litre petrol motor at a price tag of Rs 9.01 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Wondering about this high price as compared to the Elite AT's direct rivals, the Maruti Baleno and Honda Jazz? Or the price push towards Polo GT TSI territory?
Here's a specification comparison of the four petrol automatics on offer in the premium hatchback category.
Mechanicals
The most technologically advanced engine in this comparison is Volkswagen's 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI motor. It is also the most powerful one and gets an advanced 7-speed dual clutch transmission as opposed to the CVTs available with the Baleno and the Jazz. On the other hand, the Elite i20 offers an archaic four-speed unit. Moreover, out of the four, the Jazz is the only one to get steering-mounted paddle shifter to further ease gear shifting.

Features
The Elite i20 is available with a plethora of features with the top-end trim. Unfortunately, Hyundai has decided to offer the automatic transmission only with the Magna variant - the trim second to the base variant.

Maruti offers the CVT automatic gearbox with the Zeta trim. Though it is one level below the top-end Alfa variant, it still offers a variety of features like UV cut glasses, automatic headlamps, rear wash-wipe with defogger, auto-dimming IRVM, leather-wrapped steering wheel, electrically foldable ORVMs, auto AC and start/stop button. On the entertainment front, it offers a Bluetooth-enabled audio system with AUX-in and USB support along with CD playback.

On the other hand, the Jazz takes the features game to another level with the 'V' variant, which is also one of the most feature-loaded cars of the segment. The automatic variant's standout features include an audio system with a five-inch display screen (without touch) with Bluetooth telephony, AUX-in and USB support. The screen also doubles up as a reversing camera screen. Electrically foldable ORVMs, touch-based AC controls with automatic climate control, rear wash-wipe and defogger, and leather-wrapped steering wheel are among others. The Jazz also triumphs the competition in terms of the luggage space with a cavernous 354 litres of boot space.

The Polo GT TSI is available with an audio system with Bluetooth, AUX-in and USB support along with SD card input. The Polo also gets auto-dimming IRVM, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and leather wrapped gear knob, cruise control and lustrous brake and accelerator pedals. However, the Polo is a bit cramped as compared to the other three in terms of legroom and headroom.
Now, the Elite i20 is an exception and is offered with steel wheels, while all of its rivals offer alloy wheels. Both the Honda Jazz and the VW Polo are offered with 15-inch alloy wheels, whereas the Baleno is bolted to larger 16-inch wheels.
On the inside, the Elite i20 AT gets an audio system with built-in one gigabyte of memory. The system also features Bluetooth phone support along with AUX-in and USB connectivity. The Hyundai offering though is deprived of automatic AC, which is available with the other three cars.
Safety
Safety-wise all the four hatchbacks stand on the same level, as all are available with dual-front airbags. However, the Elite i20 falls short in terms of the active safety features and is not available with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which is standard on the other three. The Polo even has Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Hill-Hold Control, which takes its safety quotient even higher.
The bottom line is that the Hyundai Elite i20 AT, with the price point that it is offered at, is clearly under equipped than the remaining three. The bigger petrol engine does attract a bit, but then it is only more powerful than the Baleno and the Jazz, and it doesn't stand a chance against the performance of the Polo's turbocharged motor.