With the ever increasing launches in the sedan segment, it has become increasingly difficult to make a choice between the same. The following analysis considers a budget of Rs 10 Lacs (Ex-showroom) and compares various models within this segment. Although a vast array of vehicles are subject to this study, we will only consider up to two models per make for the sake of a brief study.
The primary reasons for disqualification from this analysis would include:
1. Budget Range
2. Sedan or Hatch back
3. Petrol/Diesel/Dual Fuel
4. Brand Value
5. Performance
6. Style
7. Comfort
8. Maintenance
9. Service backup
10. Mileage
The first the list of Sedans and their variants available include.
1. Tata Indigo Manza
2. Fiat Linea
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
4. Maruti Suzuki SX4
5. Chevrolet Aveo
6. Chevrolet Optra
7. Ford Ikon
8. Ford Fiesta
9. Hyundai Accent
10. Hyundai Verna
11. Honda City
12. Mitsubishi Lancer
13. Mitsubishi Cedia
Tata Indigo Manza
Tata Manza was launched recently and is performing well. It competes with entry level sedans but also threatens to step on the toes of some mid-segment ones. The Manza comes in both petrol and diesel variants.
The Diesel variant features a 1.3 liter Multijet engine delivering 90 BHP and 200 NM of torque. The price ranges from 5.5 lacs to 7 lacs on-road. The features in the high-end version include ABS, airbags, cup holders in the rear seat and many more including a new body shape. Overall the Manza offers the most in its price range.
More details of the same can be found from the following expert review link.
http://www.cartrade.com/reviews/Tata-Manza-111892.html
Our rating – 7 /10
Maurti Suzuki Swift Dzire
Swift Dzire is an extended version of the Swift. The engine specifications and features are the same except for inclusion of the boot which brings it to the category of sedans. The Zdi (diesel) being the top end version features the same 1248 cc engine with power of 75 BHP and 190 NM of torque. The petrol version has a 1298 cc engine with power output of 87 BHP and torque of 116 NM. Other features include airbags and ABS. While the Zdi is priced at 6.65 lacs (ex-showroom), the Zxi (petrol) costs 5.88 lacs. This car is a great selection Maruti Suzuki fans and is a value for money proposition.
Our rating - 6/10
Maruti Suzuki SX4
For those who think the Swift Dzire is too basic and does not give the impression of a true sedan, the SX4 is the one to check out. It has a 1586 cc engine which delivers power of 104 PS and torque of 145NM. The top end model ZXI features ABS, 2 airbags and other features. The newly introduced automatic version is probably the SX4’s biggest value addition in this price range of the sedan segment. The other sedan which offers an automatic is a variant of the Verna diesel. The SX4 VXI costs around 7.5 lacs and the ZXi is priced around 8 lacs. The advantages of the SX4 are its looks, ground clearance (190 mm) and more boot space.
Our rating - 8/10
Ford Ikon
Ford Ikon is a well known and proven performance vehicle. It has been the dearer choice for the people looking for a “josh machine” as quoted by Ford. As time has progressed and with tough competition in this segment the demand for it has reduced considerably. Also not so satisfactory feed back from owners regarding maintenance has affected the overall image. At present the TDCi variant of the Ikon is available which features a cosmetic facelift in the front. It features a 1399 CC diesel engine delivering 68 BHP and 160 NM Torque. The price range of the TDCi is app 5.33 lacs. Price factor and past performance have enabled the Ikon to achieve impressive sales figures.
Our rating - 6/10
Ford Fiesta
Similar to its sibling, the Ikon, Ford’s Fiesta is too a performance car. The Fiesta SXi Petrol version has a 1596 cc engine, with power output of 101 BHP and 146 NM of torque. The body style, boot space, updated features allow it to have a strong hold on the market share in this segment. The price range starts at around 7.3 lacs ex-showroom.
http://www.cartrade.com/reviews/Ford-Fiesta-111616.html
Our rating - 8/10
Chevrolet Aveo
This entry level sedan from Chevrolet features a 1399 cc engine delivering 94 BHP of power and torque of 125 NM. The stylish sedan from Chevrolet has not been as successful compared to its rivals in the segment because of its poorer mileage, lesser boot space, etc. The price of the Aveo ranges between 7.02 lacs for the 1.4 LT with ABS and 7.42 lacs for 1.6 LT ABS. The 1.6 liter version has the best of power and torque at 102 BHP and 147 Nm. The main boosting factor for Aveo is the warranty backup which indirectly signifies quality and reliability of vehicle.
http://www.cartrade.com/reviews/Chevrolet-Aveo-110654.html
Our rating – 6/10
Chevrolet Optra Magnum
The Optra Magnum has the best combination of power, style and features. The petrol version has a 1598 cc engine delivering power of 104 PS and torque of 148 Nm. The price of an Optra 1.6 MAX petrol is 7.9 lacs. Optra diesel version features a 1991 cc engine delivering power output of 121 PS and torque of 314 Nm which is the highest in the segment. Its features include Dual airbags, leather upholstery, etc. The price of the top end version 2.0 LT TCDi is 9.9 lacs.
Our rating- 8/10
Fiat Linea
The Fiat Linea has been one of the best selling sedans ever since it was launched. The impressive body style, interiors and updated features along with the ever reliable engine boosted its sales figures. Linea’s petrol version has the 1368 cc 90 BHP engine with torque output of 115 Nm. The diesel version has a 1248 CC engine delivering power of 84 BHP and torque of 203 Nm. The price of the petrol version Emotion pack featuring ABS and Airbags costs 7.26 Lacs, while the Linea Active costs 6.14 Lacs. The price of the diesel version Emotion Pack costs 8.37 Lacs and that of the Linea Active costs 7.04 lacs.
Our rating - 9/10
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is well known for its performance and has the reputation of a reliable and comfortable Sedan. The same has been introduced with updated features as the Accent Executive. LPG and CNG versions are also now available. LPG versions are available in the South while CNG versions are available in the NCR region. The diesel variant has been discontinued. The Executive’s engine has a capacity of 1495 cc and delivers power output of 95 PS. The price is 4.99 Lacs for the petrol variant and 5.33 lacs for the LPG Executive.
Our rating - 6/10
Hyundai Verna
“Verna” signifies the power of a hundred horses. Much attention has been drawn to its qualities of noise reduction, suspension, interiors, and vehicle dynamics by the company. The car has been a success in the Rs. 10 lac range. Also with the introduction of an automatic in its diesel version, this makes it the numero uno selection for customers looking for this combination.
The Verna petrol version has a 1599 cc engine delivering power of 103 PS and 134 NM of torque. The diesel version has a 1493 cc engine with power output of 110 BHP and 210 Nm of torque.
The price of the 1.6 SX VTVT is Rs. 7.15 Lacs and the 1.5 SX CRDI VGT AT is 8.03 Lacs. The 1.5 SX CRDI VGT AT costs 8.67 lacs.
http://www.cartrade.com/reviews/Hyundai-Verna-110028.html
Our rating- 8/10
Honda City
Honda cars in India like the Accord and City 1.5 ruled their respective segments until 2000 when competition began to rise. Honda has also come up with newer technologically advanced versions like the City ZX and Accord 3.5 liters variants.
The new city has a 1497 cc engine delivering power output of 118 BHP and torque of 146 Nm.
Honda City 1.5 V MT costs 9.0 lac and 1.5 V AT costs 9.72 lacs.
Our rating: 9/10
Mitsubishi Lancer
The major attraction of the Lancer is its interiors, comfort for driver and passengers which makes it no lesser than a Luxury car. The vehicle is a proven performer. Its only drawback is its body style which looks quite dull to some. The Lancer is available in both petrol and diesel versions. The 1.5 LX petrol has a 1468 cc engine delivering output of 84 BHP and torque of 125 NM. The 2.0L diesel LXd has a 1998 cc engine with power of 68 BHP and torque of 115 Nm. The price of the petrol version 1.5 LXi is 7.33 lacs. The price of a Lancer diesel version 2.0 LXd is 8.11 lacs.
Our rating: 5/10
Mitsubishi Cedia
The Cedia sport features a 1999 cc engine with output of 115 BHP and torque of 160 Nm. The interiors and seating are improved from earlier versions of the Lancer. It also features a 2DIN music system. The performance is particularly good over long journeys. The Cedia’s Ex-showroom price is about 9.9 lacs.
Our rating -9/10
Conclusion
This article is aimed at providing an overview to the Rs. 10 lac car segment in India. The analysis considers overall ratings, price, features, style and performance. Viewers are welcome to have their own opinions on the topic and this is only a writer’s suggestion regarding the same.
