[jessie007]

FEATURES comparison of select Hatchbacks & Sedans in Rs 5-6 (P) & 6-7 (D)

This thread is the fourth in the FEATURES comparison series. Following are the three other threads in which I have compared hatchback in Base and Mid variants and Top-end variants of hatchbacks with entry/mid level variants of sedans.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...atchbacks.html (Base variant FEATURES comparison of select Hatchbacks)

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/113191-features-comparison-select-hatchbacks-rs-5-5-75-p-6-6-75-d-lakhs-range.html

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...khs-range.html

The idea of this features comparison is to bring to light the features one gets in the mid/top variants of B/B+ segment hatchbacks with entry or mid-level variants of entry level sedans. This comparison is a case of feature rich hatchbacks versus the space (especially boot) available in entry level sedans – there are exception of course – the Dzire is not as spacious (passenger & boot) as even some of the hatchbacks.

It is interesting to see that the hatchbacks pack quite a punch in terms of features with quite a few having Airbags & ABS, Music system, Driver’s seat height adjust, 60:40 split-fold rear seats, Alloy wheels, Boot open with remote, Electrically adjustable ORVM; and the i20 & Swift even have Automatic Climate Control (ACC), although the Swift is the most expensive amongst the hatchbacks while at the same time not the most spacious & also has the smallest boot. Amongst the sedans, only the Indigo eCS and to an extent the Dzire have most (not all) of the features listed above – though none of the sedans has an Airbag (except Sail) or 60:40 split folding rear seats. In fact in the Etios and the Dzire the rear seats don’t even fold.

I have broadly taken a price range (mentioned below) as the basis of the comparison. Even though prices do keep on changing, this is an exercise to apprise discerning consumers and fellow BHPians about the features available in variants of various models available in a price range. If I don’t take into account a price band then there is no end to the number of cars that can be considered in the comparison. Please note that all the prices have been taken from manufacturer’s website only and therefore we are not taking into account any prevailing discounts or offers.

Price range of the select hatchbacks & sedans in petrol & diesel variants respectively (prices ex-showroom Delhi):

1) Petrol: Between Rs. 5-6 lakhs (P)
2) Diesel: Between Rs. 6-7 lakhs (D)

Car Models whose Features are compared are as follows:

1) Ford Figo (1.2 P / 1.4 D)
2) FIAT Punto Evo (1.2 P / 1.3 D)
3) Hyundai Elite i20 (1.2 P / 1.4 D)
4) Toyota Etios Liva (1.2 P / 1.5 D)
5) Nissan Micra (1.2 P / 1.5 D)
6) VW Polo (1.2 P / 1.2 D)
7) Chevrolet Sail U-VA (1.2 P / 1.3 D)
9) Maruti Suzuki Swift (1.2 P / 1.3 D)
10) Honda Amaze (1.2 P / 1.5 D)
11) Maruti Suzuki Dzire (1.2 P / 1.3 D)
12) Toyota Etios (1.5 P / 1.5 D)
13) FIAT Linea Classic (1.4 P / 1.3 D)
14) Chevrolet Sail (1.2 P / 1.3 D)
15) Hyundai Xcent (1.2 P / 1.1 D)
16) Tata Zest (1.2T P / 1.3 D)
17) Tata Indigo Manza (1.4 P / 1.3 D)
18) Mahindra Verito (1.4 P / 1.4 D)

The inclusion FIAT’s Punto in this comparison is a borderline case, as even though the vehicles themselves are not bad products, their sales are relatively poor to warrant a whole-hearted inclusion.

BHP and torque figures are mentioned to bring out the value for money – quite a few cars have engines generating less than 75BHP in either Petrol or Diesel variant. I’ve taken wheelbase & boot space also into account in the comparison, as it is a quantifiable aspect (not so in the case of passenger space – leg/knee room) and an important consideration / feature for some while buying a car. It is to be noted that some cars make better use of space like the Figo as compared to i20 & Punto which have 2500mm+ wheelbase, but aren’t as spacious as their long wheelbase suggests.

Euro NCAP rating is also mentioned in order to give an idea of the safety rating of the car as judged by western standards. It is to be noted that the safety features with which the cars have been tested (Airbags, ABS with EBD, etc) are not necessarily available in the models compared over here. But the body structure (with its impact absorbing crumple zones) and the structural/torsional rigidity remains the same across variants, so the ratings are included to give a fair idea of the amount of safety afforded to the passengers of the car.

Please note that this comparison is based solely on the criteria decided by me and it is my personal choice – rest the excel sheet mentions all facts only.

I’ve also colour-coded Unique features (purple), some Delight(ful) features (yellow) that tend to enhance the ownership experience to a small but heart-warming extent.

Some example of Delightful features are:

• Airbags - Driver & Passenger (Figo, Polo, Sail U-VA & Swift)
• Bluetooth & audio controls on steering wheel (Figo, i20, Xcent, Zest)
• Auto-up/down and anti-pinch Power Windows (P/W) both front & rear (Polo)
• Programmable Follow-Me-Home headlights and Speed Buzzer (Punto & Linea Classic)
• Steering wheel adjustable for Rake & Reach (Polo)
• 15 inch Alloy wheels (Swift & Zest)
• 60:40 split/folding rear seats (Sail U-VA & Vista)
• Two 12V power outlets and storage tray under passenger seat (Vista & Manza)
• Rear seat armrest (Amaze, Dzire, Linea Classic, Sail, Xcent)
• Cooled glovebox (Liva & Etios – 13 litres)

Some examples of Unique features are:

• Emergency braking flashers (Figo)
• Rear seat-back metal sheet to prevent luggage intrusion in case of of an accident (Punto)
• Music system with 1 GB storage drive (i20 & Xcent)
• Keyless entry with push button start (Micra)
• Luggage hook on B-pillar in addition to two hooks in the boot (Polo)
• Storage space under rear seat (Sail)
• Automatic Climate Control (Swift)
• Driver seat lumber adjust & lit ring around ignition hole (Vista)
• Electrically foldable ORVM, Dedicated A/C vents for rear seat & Rear parking sensors (Xcent)
• Three adjustable headrest for the rear seat (Verito)
• ECU driving modes - Sports, Economy, City (Zest)

I have also mentioned Glaring omissions (orange), which are features not present in one model but is there in all or most of the other models being compared in the same segment* or across segments** or a feature not available even on the top-end variant***, or is a sort of cost-cutting measure in a certain way****. Features highlighted in light grey are hatchback or sedan specific features and are therefore not applicable for both segments. E.g. rear windscreen wiper and washer is a relevant feature only for a hatchback / notchback and isn’t applicable for sedans and similarly rear seat armrest is generally considered to be a sedan/SUV/MUV specific feature and is generally not present in hatchbacks.

*e.g. Liva & Micra do without eletrically adjustable ORVMs, whereas all other hatchbacks in the comparison have this feature. Linea Classic & Verito do without a music system, whereas all other hatchbacks and even sedans in the comparison have one.

**e.g. The Liva & Etios don’t have a Tachometer nor do they have adjustable headrests on the rear seat – these features are present in almost all hatches and sedans (the Figo, Amaze, Indigo eCS & Sail also don’t have any adjustable headrest in the rear seats - In fact the Amaze doesn't even have adjustable headrest on the front seats).

*** e.g. There is no 60:40 split folding rear seats even in the top-end variants of Figo (Titanium), Liva (GD-Sp) & Swift ('Z'). The Swift’s “Z” variants are in fact the most expensive petrol and diesel variants of hatches in the comparison. Also the Swift has the smallest boot amongst all the cars in the comparison.

**** e.g. The Figo does without rear power windows.

Following are some of the Features common across all the car variants considered in this comparison:

• Body-coloured bumpers
• Body coloured ORVM & door handles
• D/N IRVM
• Digital clock
• Low fuel warning lamp
• Internal boot release
• Internal bonnet release (lever on passenger side in Figo & Etios)
• Internal fuel lid release
• Front & rear seat-belts (lap belt for middle passenger)
• Storage pocket in front doors
• Fabric insert on door trim
• Child lock on rear doors
• Headlight beam adjuster (required by the law)
• High mounted stop lamp (required by the law)

[jessie007]

Click on an image to expand / zoom-in

[jessie007]

Points of note for each car compared

Ford Figo

The Figo has a built-to-price feel to it and it has been built in that way to an extent. But a positive outcome of this is that it is the cheapest amongst the lot, even in the highest trim i.e. Titanium. Figo has features such as Airbags & ABS plus a Bluetooth enabled music system, which even the more expensive cars in the category don’t have. The refresh variant launched recently has also added audio controls on a stalk on the steering column – though since the stalks are in LHD configuration, one will be better off controlling atleast the music system directly than fumbling with the stalk behind the steering (for Bluetooth it might be useful). No one will complain about the space the Figo offers – both passenger and boot. Since the top variant is being compared, rear power windows and 60:40 split-folding rear seats are notable omissions.

FIAT Punto Evo

The Punto has undergone a facelift and the Dynamic variant is fairly well loaded with features such as ABS, a music system, electrically adjustable ORVMs, fog lamps, height adjustable driver’s seat, adjustable rear headrests, auto door locking and foldable key.

It has other good set of unique features such as Follow-me home headlamps, metal sheet behind the rear seat to prevent luggage intrusion and even a full metal plate protecting the engine sump. Though it does without any airbags – the Figo, Sail U-VA, Swift & Vista have the edge in this safety aspect. Also the Dynamic variant of the Punto comes with the thinnest tyres in the comparison (165 / 80).

Hyundai Elite i20

The i20 delights with the quality of interiors which are well-made and bright, with use of beige – something that appeals to most Indians. It is also teeming with features such as rear A/C vents, music system with 1 GB hard drive, electrically folding ORVMs & armrest for the driver. It is surprising though that no variant of i20 even has a Distance to Empty, let alone a fuel consumption / average display – this feature is missing even in their premium offering – the Elantra?!

Nissan Micra

The keyless entry along with the push button start is the only redeeming and unique feature of the Micra in the variants crossing the Rs. 5 lakh mark. Else, the Micra is a size smaller (passenger & boot space - except Swift) and fairly light (built to price feel - similar to the Liva) as compared to the other cars in comparison. The diesel has a better feel & good drivability.

Toyota Etios Liva

The Liva has a built-to-price feel, and the central instrument console (without a tachometer) doesn’t help the cause. Though in the recent facelift, the addition of a driver seat height adjust and a music system has somewhat helped the value proposition. It is to be noted that the diesel variant (GD) has ABS whereas the petrol variant (V) does without ABS (though it is available as an option).

Though Toyota has managed to carve out good amount of passenger space and the boot is decent at 251 litres. The massive 13 litre glovebox is cooled (even in the base variant) is a delightful feature in an otherwise rather ordinary looking car.

I would like to make a special mention of the Liva’s engines (both petrol & diesel) which has been tuned for good drivability in the city – peak power and torque is delivered at fairly low RPMs as compared to other engines in the competition.

VW Polo

The Polo is a mixed bag after the recent variant re-jig. The Comfortline variant being compared here, now has gone up the value chain, with the addition of a music system, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear wiper & demister, front fog lamps and importantly the driver-side control for rear power windows. Though it lacks safety features, ACC or Bluetooth connectivity for the music system. The value proposition is O.K. now, with a fairly powerful & torquey 4 cylinder diesel engine as against the thrummy 3 cylinder earlier. Though the petrol continues with a 3 cylinder unit - one of the two non-4 cylinder petrol motors in this comparison (other being the petrol Micra)

Chevrolet Sail U-VA

The Sail U-VA is a product of GM’s partnership with SAIC (Chinese), but thankfully the built is not as cheap as one had feared. But on the flipside it is not the lowest priced of the lot (that honour goes to its American cousin, the Ford Figo). Nonetheless the Sail U-VA is fairly well-loaded with features such as Airbags, ABS and Bluetooth enabled music system. Notable omissions include MID (Distance to empty & average display) and height adjustment for driver’s seat (even in the top variant compared here). Also the placement of power window switches on the centre console (rather than on the front door-pads) might not be to everyone’s liking.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The new Swift is fairly well-loaded in the ZXi/ZDi variants. Though it seems a bit on the expensive side, but just about falls in the price range, so was considered instead of the ‘V’ variants. Feature-wise the only notable omission is the Bluetooth feature and if we look at space on offer, it is still very limited at the rear (not helped by the small glass area which makes one claustrophobic), plus the boot is smallest of the lot at only 204 litres. The paucity of space is highlighted by the short wheelbase, which is amongst the shortest amongst all cars in the comparison (the shortest being that of the Amaze). Agreed not everyone requires boot space, but even the Eon has a bigger boot at 215 litres.

It is to be noted that the “Z” variants make it the most expensive car in the comparison. But if we consider the “V” variants, then the Swift loses out on quite a bit of kit, such as ACC, Airbags & ABS, 15” 185/65 tyres on alloys (vs. 14” 165/80 tyres on steel rims), rear wiper & defogger, driver’s seat height adjust, music system and a few more.

Tata Vista

It is to be noted that the Vista has passenger/cabin space as its delightful feature, but since it is not a quantifiable aspect, passenger space is not included in the comparison. But the Vista does lag behind others in terms of plastic quality and A.S.S to an extent. The Vista with the 90 HP Quadrajet engine is fairly powerful but comparatively has a higher price tag. Though it is to be noted that the top-end VX version of the 75 HP variant, costs just Rs 5.75 lakhs.

Most importantly the 90 HP version has the instrument cluster located in front of the driver rather than the central location in the 75 HP variant, which was not to everyone's liking. This is a welcome change in addition to the Automatic Climate Control & MID borrowed from Manza. If one is willing to forgo the Airbags, Automatic Climate Control, Touch-screen music system and SAT-NAV; the VX (with ABS) variant of the 90 HP version will costs about Rs 85,000 less than the ZX+ version - which actually makes the ZX+ version seem quite decent value for money considering the amount of kit one gets.

Honda Amaze

Honda with the Amaze introduced a contender to the hitherto indomitable Dzire by Maruti Suzuki. With similar pricing and a decent set of features, plus a more powerful (albeit noisy) diesel engine, & more space; coupled with Honda's brand equity - the Amaze has carved out its space in the compact sedan segment. Even though the VX variant is not that much value for money (considering the base variant has all the essential features - HVAC, power steering, 4 power windows & central locking), still in this comparison, it is a credible competitor. Feature-wise Honda brought the novelty of electrically folding ORVMs into this segment, though this feature is there in the Xcent as well.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

The current Dzire is a slightly less tacky job than the previous Dzire – you can actually digest the looks of the car from the rear, but will be taken aback on seeing the side profile. The interiors, which were taken as segment standard, suddenly seem to be premium in the segment when compared to the ones on offer in the other built-to-price Japanese rivals - aka the Amaze and Etios. The small boot (316 litres) and thin 165mm tyres don’t help the cause either.

Speaking of features, the “V” variants being compared here are moderately loaded - with music system, electrically adjustable ORVMs, MID (Avg. display, DTE, etc) and a rear seat armrest. Being a Maruti, it will still sell like hot cakes inspite of its drawbacks. The correct interpretation of the new Dzire is a Swift with an extended boot (with a lid that feels like tin foil) rather than a sedan or even a compact sedan for that matter.

Toyota Etios

The Etios is a built-to-price sedan, but the Toyota badge gives it a halo and quite a few Indians forgo its foibles. But the supposed bullet-proof reliability of Toyota engines and the sheer space on offer, clinches the deal for it and at the same time seals the fate for the Verito which has space as its only trump card. It is to be noted that one can opt for the safety package which includes driver & front passenger airbag and ABS with EBD – but it comes at an additional cost of around Rs 50,000.

Cost saving made by Toyota are reflected in the interiors and light built. Rear seats don’t fold, there is no tachometer, only one wiper and no illumination of power window switches in the “G” variants being compared here. In spite of all these shortcomings it is the most expensive car in the comparison. Though in the recent facelift, the addition of a driver seat height adjust and a music system has somewhat helped the value proposition.

Fiat Linea Classic

The Linea also doesn’t seem like a hatch with a boot and is in my opinion the best looker of the lot. Average plastics / mouldings quality & suspect After Sales Service, go against the Linea. It has overall a solid build quality and is in fact heavier than all the cars in the comparison – but this weight does tend to blunt performance and have an effect on fuel economy as well w.r.t. the Japanese & Korean competition with lighter vehicles. It is only saved by the low-end drivability of the 75 BHP variant of the Multijet diesel (as in the Punto), as against the 90 HP variant (as in the new Linea).

Feature-wise the Linea Classic is a mixed bag with all four power windows, full-fledged MID, rear seat armrest as its main features. On the other hand it loses out central locking - a basic feature which all other cars in the comparison have. Also there is no music system.

Chevrolet Sail

The Sail is a nicely executed sedan with none of the awkwardness of a sub 4 metre sedan as in the Dzire. Though the 90s-look interiors are left wanting. The Sail is fairly well-loaded with features such as driver’s airbag & ABS (only sedan variant in the comparison to have these safety features) and Bluetooth enabled music system and a rear seat armrest with cup-holders. Electrically adjustable ORVMs and rear seat armrest are welcome addition.

Notable omissions include MID (Distance to empty & average display) and height adjustment for driver’s seat (not present even in the top variant). Also the placement of power window switches on the centre console (rather than on the front door-pads) might not be to everyone’s liking.

Hyundai Xcent

Hyundai has upped the ante with its booted version of the Grand i10. Built on the same wheelbase as the Grandi10 (which infact is an extended wheelbase of the new i10 sold in international markets), the Xcent offers decent rear legroom, plus the advantage of a boot and the image that comes with it, as considered by most Indians. The only weak link is the three cylinder diesel mill, which though fairy refined, is down on power and torque as compared to the immediate competition.

The S (O) variant being compared here boasts of unique features such as inbuilt 1 GB hard disk for storing songs on the music system. Features such as rear A/C vents, rear seat armrest with cupholders, 12V charging points for rear passengers; make it a genuine chauffeur driven car – bettering Dzire’s rear seat (glasshouse & legroom), and Amaze’s average interiors. Add to it Hyundai’s quality interiors and the Xcent makes the Amaze, Etios & Verito seem quite ordinary. The only major omissions are adjustable front seat headrests and a full fledged MID - still can't understand why Hyundai shirks away from providing this feature - is it afraid that its real world fuel efficiency is not as great as its competitors!?

Tata Zest

Tata has thrown a strong challenge in a segment it spawned (sub 4 metre sedan) with the Indigo CS, but was for quite some time lagging behind its competitors in the segment. The Zest is a well-round package with affable exteriors, pleasant interiors, decent space (passenger & boot) and a good enough feature set in the XMS variant being compared here. But the pricing, even if introductory, has set the cat among the pigeons. With the Zest, Tata Motors has made the biggest improvement in terms of interiors of a vehicle, possibly with inputs from professionals from Jaguar & Land Rover. Even though the Zest comes with equally powerful (89 BHP) turbo petrol (segment first) & diesel engines, it loses out to the competitors in terms of outright pace and fuel economy due to its higher kerb weight. But what Tata brings to the table is not being offered by anyone else - a diesel with AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for just Rs 7 lakhs odd.

The XMS variant being compared here is fairly well-loaded and also boasts of segment first features such as alloy wheels as standard & infotainment system from Harman-Kardon - the reknowned premium audio company (across 89 BHP variants). Strangely the Zest misses out on rear seat armrest and 12V outlet for rear passengers, features available in the Manza & even the Vista (only 12V outlet). Also addition of rear A/C vents would have made it a complete package. Then Tata's sales and service could probably be the only missing link.

Mahindra Verito

The former Renault Logan which started off as Dacia Sandero, is a bit of a compromise – a built to price Romanian sedan (Left Hand Drive) which is not so cheap to buy in India. In fact the literal conversion from a LHD car has ruined it. There is no redeeming feature in the Logan except the space on offer and even in this department the Etios fares equally well and the Manza is not far off. On paper it has the least powerful Diesel engine (even when compared to the hatchbacks) and the Petrol engine is only more powerful than the one in the Indigo eCS (amongst the sedans).

In order to eke out as much profit as possible from this Renault licensed Dacia model, Mahindra has commendably addressed the power window switch location (now on doors) and A/C control knobs issue (now correctly oriented with electronic controls) and the wipers are also as per RHD. All these changes have made the Verito acceptable. But there are still a few anomalies / imperfections like the bonnet release lever on the front passenger side, single light for left and right indictor (you won’t know which side indicator is on), no centre or rear cabin roof lamp for such a big car (only 1 lamp in the front) and limited storage space in terms of cubby holes & door pockets and only 2 cupholders for a full-fledged 5 seater.

Tata Indigo Manza

With its base LS variant's price starting from Rs 5.70 & 6.50 lakhs for petrol & diesel variants respectively - the Manza is a veritable premium hatchback cannibalizer. It is overshadowed by Tata’s A.S.S. and average build quality – but it is a worthy contender. It doesn’t look like a hatch with a boot, as was the case of the older Indigo, and has a generally pleasing appeal.

On paper, the Manza has a combination of 88 BHP Petrol & Diesel engines and is a fairly spacious sedan. Though the LX variant being compared here seems a bit pricey, it is moderately loaded with electronic controls for HVAC, steering mounted controls, full-fledged MID, front & rear fog lamps & 15 inch wheel rims. The cheaper LS variant does without these features (except rims & tyres - they are the same) in addition to a music system, plus has only front power windows & central locking (no remote locking). Strangely, the two lower variants i.e. LS & LX, do without tilt adjust for the steering.

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Most of the information has been collated from the manufacturers’ website for their respective cars and their brochures (so it is liable to change anytime at manufacturer’s discretion). Inclusion of some models & exclusion of others are solely on my personal criteria for comparison.

P.S. There are some blanks (“?” in the sheet) which need to be filled – so if owners of those vehicles can pitch-in, it would be great. Please report to me any anomalies in the analysis, as owners of these models would have a better idea and even the manufacturers also sometimes inadvertently don’t give the complete information or the details are mentioned incorrectly in their communication (online / brochure). I have tried to cover all possible features, but if any have been left out owners can point it out, preferably with supporting pictures (and remember they should be of same variant compared here). Please note that we are considering only the latest variants of the respective cars, say 2013 model and not the earlier ones or the ones that are no longer produced (e.g. Pre-facelift / variant rejig or a 2012 model).

[Driving_Nomad]

Awesome effort Jessie!! Take a bow!
Don't you think the the FIAT GP 2012, especially, the Emotion+ and the 90HP Variant, are overpriced by atleast 30 GRAND?
Further, IMO, the new i-Gen i20 could also have been priced less looking at the features that are available. Features like distance-to-empty, average consumption are a real miss in the car, though they have brought back the much needed 6 Speed transmission!

[jessie007]

Originally Posted by Driving_Nomad

Awesome effort Jessie!! Take a bow!
Don't you think the the FIAT GP 2012, especially, the Emotion+ and the 90HP Variant, are overpriced by atleast 30 GRAND?
Further, IMO, the new i-Gen i20 could also have been priced less looking at the features that are available. Features like distance-to-empty, average consumption are a real miss in the car, though they have brought back the much needed 6 Speed transmission!

Thanks Driving_Nomad. If you ask my personal opinion, I have sub-limits on the basis of car type and manufacturer - I feel a hatchback should ideally be priced lower (middle variant atleast, if not top-end) than a sedan (full-grown not necessarily entry-level) and my personal limit is Rs.5 & 6 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) for a petrol & diesel hatchbacks respectively. The Punto & i20 are priced for their set of features (i20 also for interiors) and each individual perceives value in a different way.

In this comparison the hatchbacks are quite competitive, but in another comparison I have done (top variants of Hatchbacks vs Low/middle variant of full sedans), the hatchbacks loose edge on the basis of not necessarily power or safety but in terms of space (passenger & boot), comfort and not to forget the prestige value of a 3-box car, even though the sedans might lack some of the features that are available in the top-end variants of hatchbacks. In this case I would prefer a Sunny or a Rapid vis-a-vis any other hatchback.

[jessie007]

The comparison now includes the latest entrant - Chevrolet Sail U-VA as well. Plus prices and features in refresh variants have also been updated. Please check Posts#1-3 for the comparison which includes:

Model : Variant (P/D)

Hatchbacks
Fabia: Ambition Plus
Figo : Titanium
G. Punto : Dynamic
i20 : Magna (O)
Jazz: Base
Polo : Comfortline
Sail U-VA: LT (ABS)
Swift : Zxi / Zdi
Vista : GVX / ZX

Sedans
Dzire: Vxi / Vdi
Indigo eCS: GVX / VX
Etios: G / GD
Manza: LS
Verito: G4 / D4

[suhaas307]

Note From Team-BHP Support: Thread moved from Assembly Line to The Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

[gemithomas]

Excellent Effort. Thanks a lot. Would be great if you could rank the hatches based on most value for money based on the features/price comparo you have done. Would really add value to this forum is what i feel. Great Effort. I would never have been able to be this patient enough.

Thanks Again.

[jessie007]

The comparison now includes the latest entrant - Vista Quadrajet 90 HP as well. Plus prices and features in refresh variants have also been updated. Please check Posts#1-3 for the comparison which includes:

Model:Variant (P/D)

Hatchbacks
Figo: Titanium
G. Punto: Dynamic
i20: Magna (O)
Liva: V / GD (SP)
Micra: XV / XV Prem
Polo: Comfortline
Sail U-VA: LT (ABS)
Swift: Zxi / Zdi
Indica Vista: VX & ZX+ (90HP Quadrajet diesel only - Not considered petrol)

Sedans
Dzire: Vxi / Vdi
Indigo eCS: GVX / VX
Etios: G / GD
Manza: GLX / LX
Verito: G4 / D4

[jessie007]

Originally Posted by gemithomas

Excellent Effort. Thanks a lot. Would be great if you could rank the hatches based on most value for money based on the features/price comparo you have done. Would really add value to this forum is what i feel. Great Effort. I would never have been able to be this patient enough.

Thanks Again.

Thanks gemithomas. Yes one can do the ranking, but the thing is that if we take it objectively then the points assigned for a set of features may not be really commensurate with the utility of that feature which will tend to vary from person to person.

[MHG]

I think you could've included Ritz in the comparo. It does sell close to the Figo in numbers, and definitely higher than the Indigo eCS and the Punto. Ditto for Chevrolet Beat. Both these are interesting cars since their fully loaded variants can compete in price band with the mid variants of the more expensive hatchbacks.

[jessie007]

Originally Posted by MHG

I think you could've included Ritz in the comparo. It does sell close to the Figo in numbers, and definitely higher than the Indigo eCS and the Punto. Ditto for Chevrolet Beat. Both these are interesting cars since their fully loaded variants can compete in price band with the mid variants of the more expensive hatchbacks.

It is not feasible to cram all cars in one comparison sheet. I feel the Ritz, Beat, Brio & i10 are a shade smaller and a segment lower than the hatchbacks in this comparison (though even Micra & Swift are not exactly big / spacious hatchbacks, but they have a slight upmarket feel). I feel these cars are more value for money at a slightly lower price point. I have compared there cars in another comparison, you can go through it:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...khs-range.html

[MHG]

Originally Posted by jessie007

It is not feasible to cram all cars in one comparison sheet. I feel the Ritz, Beat, Brio & i10 are a shade smaller and a segment lower than the hatchbacks in this comparison (though even Micra & Swift are not exactly big / spacious hatchbacks, but they have a slight upmarket feel). I feel these cars are more value for money at a slightly lower price point. I have compared there cars in another comparison, you can go through it:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...khs-range.html

Maybe true for the other three, but don't you think the Ritz ZDI belongs here, because its priced at 6.5 lacs ex-showroom and comes with all the bells and whistles and is identical to the Swift in features ?

[jessie007]

Originally Posted by MHG

Maybe true for the other three, but don't you think the Ritz ZDI belongs here, because its priced at 6.5 lacs ex-showroom and comes with all the bells and whistles and is identical to the Swift in features ?

I must admit that the recently launched Zdi variant (which is pretty well-loaded) skipped my mind. But still it is not possible to get all the cars in one sheet, that's why I have a separate comparison that includes Ritz alongwith Brio, Beat & i10.

It is to be noted that all these cars (Ritz, Brio, Beat & i10) are a bit smaller than the cars in this comparison, which is reflected in their wheelbase (less than 2400 mm) and boot space (less than 235 odd litres - though Swift is an exception that had to be made due to its no.1 status). On top of it, the Ritz doesn't have any unique or interesting feature which say the not so premium Liva or even the not so big Micra can boast of. Liva has exceptional space on offer and a 13 litre cooled glovebox. Micra has true keyless entry & push button start and electrically foldable ORVMs.

Overall, the size and space (and the design to an extent - though personally I like it) play against the Ritz to allow entry to the next sub-segment (B1 vs B2 -there is no hard and fast rule for the classification, but this comparison is as per my personal classification). Also addition of features such as Automatic Climate Control (which Swift has) and bluetooth connectivity would have helped.

Though I find the split-folding rear seats a very useful feature, that is available even in the base variant of the Ritz! Also I learnt recently from a BHPian - RavenAvi's review that the Ritz's V & Z variants even have a MID (fuel average & distance to empty display), which is not there in the Liva, Sail U-VA, Etios and Indigo eCS. I personally feel, the 'V' variants (with ABS) of the Ritz are more value for money than the 'Z' variants, which creep into premium hatchback & entry level sedan territory.

[jessie007]

The comparison now includes the latest entrant - Sail sedan in addition to the recently launched Vista Quadrajet D90 as well. Please check Posts#1-3 for the comparison which includes:

Model:Variant (P/D)

Hatchbacks
Figo: Titanium
G. Punto: Dynamic
i20: Magna (O)
Liva: V / GD (SP)
Micra: XV / XV Prem
Polo: Comfortline
Sail U-VA: LT
Swift: Zxi / Zdi
Indica Vista: VX & ZX+ (D90 only - Not considered petrol)

Sedans
Dzire: Vxi / Vdi
Sail: LS (ABS)
Etios: G / GD
Manza: GLX / LX
Verito: G4 / D4