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India’s largest passenger car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is once again filled with enthusiasm as it now comes back in the C segment with its newest offering, the Ciaz.
The car was launched at an aggressive price tag of Rs 6.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Replacing the SX4 sedan, the car now boast a fresh new look with mature design that gives it a bold presence on road. It has 1.4-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines, both generating an equivalent power figure of 91bhp - marginally less than others but doesn't disappoints.
Moreover, the best in class mileage and plenty of features inside like 7-inch infotainment system that incorporates ‘SmartPlay, rear A/C vents, leather upholstery, makes it an overall captivating package. But there are hurdles in the way with a bunch of rivals that can play spoilsport in which Honda City and Hyundai Verna are some of the toughest competitors in the list. Lets have a brief look on top five rivals of Ciaz.
Honda City
A car that has received over 15 years of appreciation and acceptance from people of India.
Honda City has contributed a lot in gaining the mid-size segment, a significant position in hearts and minds of the masses. And not to mention, the Japanese carmaker has thrived to provide the best by a series of updates given to it over these years.
The current city looks very aggressive and ahead of times with striking design language. The interiors too are very futuristic with layered two tone dash and door panels.
The central console gets infotainment system, reverse guide system, satellite navigation. Other premium features are sunroof, lumbar support, reach/tilt steering column, etc.
Powering the car are 2 motor; a 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel while the other is 1.6 litre i-VTEC petrol with former being a frugal one, the latter provides optimum performance. Price of City sedan in the Indian market starts at Rs 740,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Hyundai Verna
Hyundai has also managed to remain in the fight with Verna and the update that it received a few years back, helped shot its sale.
The car gets a fluidic design with curves running through the body. Its 1.6 diesel motor is the most popular among buyers and it is the most powerful (126.2bhp@4000rpm) of the lot. The interiors are plush and carry a nice feel overall.
The top of the line variant get maximum safety with 6 airbags and other features like ABS/EBD are also on offer. Price of Hyundai Verna starts at Rs 760,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
VW Vento
The quiet one out of the C-segment is the Vento. Nothing is too flashy or radical about it (except the 7 speed DSG it gets).
The car looks composed both on the inside and outside and everything in it fulfils itself with best in class build quality.
The 1.5-litre TDI engine when coupled to super smooth automatic gearbox delivers commendable performance that leaves everyone awestruck. Little change has been made in the facelift but that too makes a big difference.
Overall, this German package still gives stiff competition in the league. One can own Vento at a starting price tag of Rs 790,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Nissan Sunny
issan surely has managed to make a good car with Sunny but it is has failed to make its mark as a driver’s car.
It is good to sit back on the rear seat and enjoy the space that you get inside. Performance wise too it is fair but one can’t expect more out of it. Moreover, the styling looks dated and bulky and the curvilinear body is not attractive either.
The price tag is not also buyer friendly when you see the top variant compared to others in the segment offering a better package.
The car is mated to a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 84.8bhp and 200Nm of torque while the 1.5-litre petrol produces a 97.7bhp and peak torque of 134Nm. Sunny is priced at Rs 710,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Fiat Linea
Linea is not too far from the league as it has received update lately. The retro exterior and interior design seems to look little dated compared to other cars in the segment which have evolved over the time.
Undoubtedly, the engine remains the key factor of its popularity. It has 1.4-litre T-jet petrol motor that puts out 112.4Bhp@5000rpm and churns out a torque of 207Nm@2200 giving fun to drive experience.
Linea is also the longest in the C-Segment with 4596mm overall length but still its wheelbase is less than Ciaz. Price of the car starts at Rs 720,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
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