The C-segment is buzzing with choice and I'm going to take them all out and pit them against one another. Here are the contenders: Mahindra Renault Logan 1.6, the Ford Fiesta 1.4, and the Chevrolet Aveo 1.4.
If you are confused about which car is the right one for you, then it's time to clear the air.
If you are looking at the new generation budget sedan in the Rs 6-7 lakh (Rs 600,000-700,000) range, then these three are it. But let's start from the beginning -- what matters to the Indian customer the most is looks.
So, which of these three is the beauty? The Aveo walks away with the honours -- it's the sassiest of the lot and its 1.4 litre engine's 94 bhp is also the most that cars in this trio have on offer. Actually, it's just 8 bhp less than the much more expensive Aveo 1.6.
The Chevy Aveo is the cool kid on the block. It's got sexy styling and very nice interiors. It has got a spacious and airy cabin and the backseat is really one of the most comfortable places to be in.
Upfront, the story is different. The gearstick is iffy and it just does not have the go. But of all the 1.4 litre cars, the Aveo clearly gives the better figures.
The Logan's extra 200 cc gives it the torque advantage and, therefore, the best roll-on times. However, it's the zesty Fiesta which draws you into a world of charged, enthusiastic driving.
The Fiesta has the quicker 0-100 time and is clearly the one that makes the cut on the road -- for me.
The Fiesta is a pure driver's delight. The gearshift has a nice positive throw about it. The steering feels well weighted and has a direct feel. And the engine has a good bottom-end torque, giving it a nice punchy drive. The only thing this one lacks is top-end whack.
Now the Fiesta may engage you from the front seat, but the rear seat passenger may find it cramped and drab compared to the Aveo. Moral of the story -- stick to the front seat to enjoy the Fiesta.
The Logan does come with a 1.4 engine which is way cheaper than anything else in this comparison. So, it would definitely make that one the value-for-money package. But I chose the 1.6 because it's in the right price category (which is how I've chosen to compare the cars). With the Logan 1.6, it matches the 1.4 Aveo. So, what you're getting is a better engine, better acceleration figures at the price of a 1.4 engine.
This car is extremely spacious and it has a large boot, which is a plus point, especially for the Indian market. The engine is refined and it handles well. This car is quite an all-rounder and it's really tough to pin any shortcomings on it, other than its terribly staid image.
But the Logan makes up for that with a boot that is as big as the Civic's and has space enough to match a Corolla and it's 85 bhp 1.6 litre dutiful engine -- though hardly exciting -- seems a steal at the price.
Well, with each car having a distinctive character, it's not easy. It's all a matter of what you want: beauty, brains or brawn. If you are someone who likes to drive by the seat of your pants, then go for the Fiesta for your driving pleasure.
On the other hand, if you are someone who wants space, comfort, refinement, a little bit of class and sexy styling and you're really not bothered about performance, then the Chevrolet Aveo should be your choice.
But if you want to combine it all, want cracking value for money, and are not too hung about style or luxury, then go for the Logan.
So, basically, it's to each, his own.
For more on management, log on to www.moneycontrol.com.
