It is not clear to me in which forum I should post this question. If this is not the appropriate forum, please let me know which one is.
The base trim of Corolla is more expensive than the higest-end Innova. In Bangalore, the entry-level 1.8J model of Corolla sells at Rs 977650 ex-showroom, while the fully-loaded 2.0V VVTi Innova costs 944250. The latter is even slightly better than the former in terms of features: fog lamps, driver seat height adjustment etc. Corolla delivers 125PS whereas Innova gives 136. Of course, the power-to-weight ratio must be in favor of the sedan as it is lighter.
Features of the two cars are more less the same. I suspect that the between them, Innova takes more raw material and labor to produce than the other car. Hence, it doesn't make sense to me that Corolla is more expensive than Innova. The sales person at the showroom told me that Innova is mostly indigenously manufactured, whereas the Corolla is mostly imported in component form and locally assembled, and that this explains the price differential. Is this correct?
The only thing justifyijng Corolla's higher price, in my opinion, is the better build quality of the car compared to Innova but then again the difference is not so glaringly noticeable after all.
The differential pricing of similar cars by other manufacturers is not a very intriguing thing. Tavera, for instance, is nowhere near the Optra in terms of quality, performance and features. But Innova and Corolla are not that far apart on these parameters.
Answers and views appreciated. |