Team-BHP - FEATURES comparison of select cars (incl automatic) in Rs 8-10 (D) lakhs range

FEATURES comparison of select Sedans & urban SUVs (including automatic) in Rs 8-10 (D) lakhs range

The idea of this features comparison is to bring to light the features one gets higher/top-end variants of C segment sedans and the new segment of small/urban SUVs. Premium feel, long Features list & Space (passenger as well as boot) are important aspects when one is spending Rs. 8 lakhs plus on their prized possession. It is to be noted that most of the vehicle variants being compared here are sufficiently loaded with features such as Automatic Climate Control (except Duster), Electrically adjustable ORVMs, Music system, MID (Multi Information Display) with fuel economy / average & Distance to Empty display, Airbags for driver & front passenger, ABS, Alloy wheels (except Duster), Driver’s seat height adjust, Rear seat armrest (except EcoSport) and Rear defogger. Considering quite a few people are chauffeur driven in this segment, a comfortable rear seat and presence of rear A/C vents are a plus - the City, Linea, Rapid and Vento have an edge with rear A/C vents.

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. Also, all prices are ex-showroom Delhi as of Feb’14.

Car Models whose Features are compared are as follows:

1) Honda City (1.5 P & A / 1.5 D)
2) Ford Fiesta (1.5 D only)
3) Fiat Linea (1.4 P-Tjet / 1.3 D)
4) Skoda Rapid (1.6 P & A/ 1.6 D)
5) VW Vento (1.6 P / 1.2 A / 1.6 D)
6) Hyundai Verna (1.6 P & A / 1.6 D & A)
7) Ford EcoSport (1.5 P & A / 1.0 P-Turbo / 1.5 D)
8) Renault Duster (1.5 D only – 85 PS)
9) Mahindra Scorpio (2.2 D & A)

P - Petrol; D - Diesel; A - Automatic

In addition to the sedans, I have slipped in the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster and the latest entrant - EcoSport as well. While one is a full-fledged SUV the other two are city SUVs and both are fairly credible options for those who don’t want a sedan but something to tower over them or to travel with the whole jing-bang. The quality of interiors and plastics is just about average in the Scorpio & Duster, but better in the EcoSport. But what the Scorpio has is “road presence” and one won’t be scared treading bad and waterlogged roads where sedans tread with caution their owners dread these moments. The Duster & Eco Sport have got street cred in a compact form. So, one can also get an urban SUV for the price of a C segment sedan and this really makes the comparison interesting.

BHP and torque figures are mentioned to differentiate cars on the basis of power and torque on offer. I’ve taken boot space & wheelbase 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. Also, Euro NCAP rating is 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) might not be 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. 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 - 2014 model and not the earlier ones or the ones that are no longer produced (e.g. Pre refresh Linea, Pre feature addition in the Vento or pre variant rejig of the Fiesta).

Points of note for each car compared

Honda City

The 2014 Honda City is more of an evolution that revolution. Space was never an issue with the City, but Honda has further improved on this aspect with an increased wheelbase translating to better in-cabin space, as well as a slightly bigger boot. Overall it is a mixed bag with a host of features thrown-in, which I must say is more a result of healthy competition rather than Honda’s own choice. Till recently the City came without segment standard features such as Automatic Climate Control, a multimedia system with CD playback & Bluetooth, plus premium features such as rear A/C vents & parking camera and cruise control. But now Honda has added these and other features such as electrically foldable ORVM, extra 12V power outlets. Plus on the top-end VX model there is smart key and push-button start and sun-roof.

Still it misses out on height adjustable seat belts & height adjustable rear head rests and not to forget the rather narrow tires for the sake for fuel economy, plus cost cutting is quite apparent in the flexing door cards and then there is no cladding in the boot-lid. But at the end of the day, Honda’s powerful yet fuel efficient engines, after sales service and the brand halo will win over atleast current Honda clients looking for an upgrade. The diesel variant is also likely to make an impact (even with lower power & more significantly torque than the competition) as drivability is the key in today’s congested cities and it is here where Honda delivers.

Must mention that the diesel variant comes with a 6 speed manual gearbox. The petrol specific automatic variant of the City has shifted to a CVT from a conventional 4 speed box, but retains the paddle shift – a feature that is not offered by the competition. But the competition (VW & Ford) has a superior offering in the form of dual-clutch gearboxes and extra safety features such as Traction Control and Hill Hold. Queer marketing by Honda results in City automatic coming in SV & VX variants only. The SV auto variant is of good value – but as compared to the ‘V’ variant, it loses out on rear parking camera, electrically foldable ORVM (electric adjust is present), front fog lamps, 5” screen (instead has 3.5” screen) and some trimmings; but gains an Eco mode button (versus the manual variant).

Ford Fiesta

The new Fiesta is one of the least spacious & powerful cars in the comparison. It seems Ford intends to sell the Fiesta just on the basis of driving dynamics. Considering it was priced atrociously to start with, even with the price correction and variant rejig, the Fiesta does not make for a compelling buy. The petrol Titanium+ variant being compared is pricey since the petrol Style variant comes only in Automatic, no manual gearshift option.

Same is the case for the diesel variant w.r.t price only (no automatic on offer). The closest competition (City, Rapid, Vento & Verna) in comparison not only offer more space but are more powerful as well as have more features. Ford’s diesel mill has primarily been tuned for fuel efficiency and comfortingly has the good ARAI figures. The only substantial unique features of the Fiesta are the Cruise Control & Voice Control (Titanium+ only) – both these features are more or less gimmicky, even though the Cruise Control is a good feature, its usefulness is limited to some good highways, which are quite limited in number & length in our country.

One really positive aspect of Ford is that it doesn’t stint on bringing in the latest technology, so instead of conventional automatic / CVT transmissions, it has introduced the 6 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. This gives Ford the upper edge in the comparison if automatic variants are considered, with the Vento’s 1.2 TSI variant being the only other sedan competitor with its 7-speed DSG gearbox & identical pricing.

Fiat Linea

The Linea doesn’t seem like a hatch with a boot and is in my opinion the best looker of the lot, though space is not so great inspite of boasting of the longest wheelbase amongst sedans in this comparison. The 2014 Linea refresh, addresses the fact that the quality of interiors was below average as compared to the competition. It has overall a solid build quality and is in fact heavier than most of the cars in the comparison – but this weight does tend to blunt performance – in fact even the slightly heavier SX4 with Fiat’s same Multijet engine propels it faster than the Linea, which is quite perplexing. The T-Jet though is no slow coach and is in fact the only manual turbo petrol amongst sedans in this comparison (Vento Tsi comes with automatic gearbox only), though the higher kerb weight will penalise fuel economy.

The Linea still has a good set of delightful features such as foot & knee level rear A/C vents, cruise control, exact door open indication, auto on/off headlights, programmable follow-me-home lights, folding rear seats, ambient lighting, plus there are unique features - rain sensing wipers & foldable rear sun blind (found mostly in luxury/premium cars). The Linea is the only sedan in this comparison that lacks an automatic variant, which is a limiting factor, considering the amount of people opting for the ease of an automatic transmission.

Skoda Rapid

The Skoda Rapid is a strong contender in the C-segment, despite not the best A.S.S. and possibly expensive spares, but is cheaper than its closest competitors. The Rapid seems to be fairly well-built, spacious and has ample 1.6 petrol and a stonker of a diesel motor – the same as in its more expensive sibling – the Vento. Rear A/C vents and features such as Auto-up/down and anti-pinch power windows for all four doors that can be opened/closed from the car’s remote (also there on the Vento) are delightful features. Features that were previously used to distinguish the Rapid from the Vento have thankfully been included now – steering mounted audio controls, USB & Bluetooth for music system. Otherwise the Vento and the Rapid are quite identical mechanically distinguished only by their exterior/interior appearance.

The Rapid only gets a conventional 6-speed automatic gearbox with its petrol variant. Big brother VW doesn’t share the dual clutch gearbox and is until now exclusive to Vento.

Nissan Sunny

Though not included in this comparison, but the Sunny deserves a mention as it is a spacious car with decent choice of petrol, diesel and automatic variants. Although the Sunny is built-to-price, its size belies its rather light built (for a full-size sedan) – the petrol variant weighs in at only 1027 kgs versus the next lightest sedan in the bunch - the Honda City at 1050 kgs. A couple of delightful features in Sunny’s top-end XV variant are electrically foldable ORVMs, real chrome inside door handles (which is a welcome change from the silver painted / chrome finish handles in most of the other sedans) and also offers true keyless entry with push button start.

The automatic variant in petrol version is a very good entry level option for those looking at a full-size sedan with a price just under Rs 9 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The conventional CVT is a decent performer, tuned more towards fuel economy. In fact the CVT variant has a slightly higher ARAI mileage as compare to the manual petrol variant!

Hyundai Verna

The new Fluidic Verna has taken the C segment by storm. The 1.6 petrol and diesel variants are fairly powerful and well equipped. Feature-wise, the Verna has rear parking sensors (even a reverse assistance camera in the SX variant), electrically foldable ORVM, Bluetooth and rear disc brakes (Linea T-Jet is the only other car to have it). Even though the Verna matches the Vento in the performance department, it is tuned for sedate driving and has a comfortable low speed ride which sadly translates to not so confidence inspiring high speed ride & handling as compared to the other sedans. Rear seats lack dedicated A/C vents and space-wise are only adequate, plus the low seating position might not be comfortable for everyone.

Verna offers automatic variants with both its 1.6 litre petrol & diesel engines (Not to forget the 1.6 manual diesel is a 6-speed gearbox). Scorpio is the only other vehicle in this comparison to offer a diesel automatic. For the automatics, I’ve considered the EX variants for pricing. Feature-wise, it loses out on passenger airbag, alloys, electrically foldable ORVMs, cooled glove-box, adjustable rear headrests & a better instrument cluster w.r.t. to the SX variant. Though it gains an Eco mode feature.

VW Vento

The Vento simply blows the competition away with its gutsy 1.6 litre diesel engine which though is amongst the noisiest engine in the competition, boasts of astonishing performance figures. Vento is actually brutal in real world in-gear acceleration.

The Vento has some interesting features which are not apparent off hand. The music volume reduces when one puts the car into reverse gear, so that the driver is able to hear the beeps of the rear parking sensors and increases to the previously set volume once the car is out of reverse gear. Another such feature is – a warning beep if one tries to drive on with the handbrake on (also there in the Linea). It also has a digital reading for the car’s speed which is displayed in the MID.

Some quirky aspects of the Vento are the funny central locking system, the requirement to set the wipers to service position first in order to be able to lift them to clean the windshield / open the bonnet (imagine explaining it to your car washing guy), spare tyre is kept the other way around as a result one has to lift the tyre out of the wheel well to fill air in it. Also there are no free services in this competitive environment.

The 1.2 TSI is an interesting automatic option with a 7 speed dual-clutch gearbox. The turbo petrol is both punchy as well as fuel efficient and the combination has been launched at some keen pricing. Plus on the safety front it boasts of ESP/Traction control & Hill hold function.

Ford EcoSport

The brash boy in town has set the car market on fire, attracting buyers from every segment – be it hatchback, sedan or SUV. Ducking under the crucial 4 metres length and availing excise benefits, the EcoSport is a competitively priced urban SUV, which makes the Duster look over-priced, though recent price hikes have reduced the gap. Space (leg as well as shoulder room) is at the premium in the rear seats, which makes it a comfortable 4 seater rather than a full-fledged 5 seater, which the Duster can lay claim to.

The butch exterior styling and the futuristic interior design lends it an upmarket feel. The list of features is impressive (only major miss being a rear seat armrest) and it seems Ford has left no stone unturned and ensured that the EcoSport has everything that people are looking for in today’s competitive car market. There are even three engine options - a staid 1.5L petrol (with automatic option), a frugal 1.5L diesel and a 3-pot 1 litre turbo petrol that claims to offer the best mix of power and fuel economy (though it is available in only the top-end variant). The only deterrent for buyers is the image of Ford cars as relatively expensive to maintain and the petrol variants not being very fuel efficient and having possibly average to poor resale value.

Only the 1.5 litre petrol variant comes with automatic transmission, but on the positive side it has the same 6-speed dual clutch box used in the Fiesta and this portrays a positive image of Ford in the sense that it is willing to bring in the latest technology.

Renault Duster

The Duster is an urban SUV with adequate space (passenger & boot) and is a veritable option for the sedan buyer who will rarely consider the big, bulky & mini-truck like full-size SUVs. Though now the Duster is set to face stiff competition from the EcoSport, even though it is a size bigger and a comfortable 5 seater as compared to the EcoSport, wherein cabin space is at a slight premium. The biggest asset of the Duster is a comfortable ride and good handling. But then one can always go for a sedan (City, VW or Skoda), which have comparable comfort and ride & handling. At the end of the day, the Duster seems slightly over-priced and average vehicle in terms of interiors and engines, especially the 85 BHP diesel, in comparison to the cars in the competition. The interiors are quite average and pale in comparison to the sedans, and for that matter even the EcoSport.

Exterior styling is butch, but things like down-market looking external rear-view mirrors and lift-type door handles, leave the Duster wanting. Quirky ergonomics due to the LHD (Left Hand Drive) controls are quite annoying – not only are the light & indicator stalks LHD (as also in the Fiesta, Linea, Rapid, Vento & EcoSport), even the frequently used central locking button is located away from the driver in the centre console and the worst of all is the electric controls for the ORVMs which are placed below the hand-brake. Also the music system and Bluetooth control are weirdly placed on the steering column behind the steering wheel (though some people prefer it, as one does not accidently push the buttons as in the case of cars which have controls directly on the steering wheel)

Even though the Duster has a 6-speed manual gearbox in its 110 PS variant, lack of an automatic variant is going to divert potential clients to Ford’s EcoSport or even to one of the sedans.

Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio is not really in league of the sedans & M/SUVs in this comparison, but it makes for a strong case if one is looking for a decent people mover (large families or ones who would like to take their dog along on their journey) for about Rs. 11 lakhs (most expensive in comparison) with a 120BHP diesel mill. You do get space / roominess and the option of seating a total of 7 people, though middle row is not the best. The high driving position and the road presence really helps in negotiating traffic and make the pesky auto-rickshaws scurry for cover.

The Scorpio has the edge over sedans, only if ones daily commute involves traversing really bad roads (kind of mild off-roading) – to fully exploit the sturdy ladder-frame chassis, helped by the 16 inch 235/70 tyres and a decent ground clearance. Feature-wise it is a mixed bag with both Driver & Passenger airbags alongwith ABS, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, but misses out on Automatic Climate Control.

The Scorpio has an option of a conventional 6-speed automatic gearbox, an options which its nearest segment competitors don’t have viz. Duster, Safari Storme & Innova.
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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 - 2014 model and not the earlier ones or the ones that are no longer produced (e.g. Pre refresh Linea, Pre feature addition in the Vento or pre variant rejig of the Fiesta).

Quote:

Originally Posted by ambadan (Post 3378810)

As far as I know, Honda city CVT has seven stepped ratios (7 speed) instead of 5 speed mentioned above

The 2014 City has a 5 speed CVT only. What you are talking about is the pre-2014 City.

Quote:

Originally Posted by veyron_head (Post 3378901)

Great thought there to start such a thread. I am sure it would be useful for people looking to buy a car in this segment.

But the title 8-10 lacs is kind of misleading. I know that the exshowroom delhi price is considered for this write up but, the verna diesel automatic costs 14.5 lacs on road in Bangalore - Thats almost 5 lacs more than 10 lacs!

The thread title could be changed to something like 'Features comparision of select C segment sedans and SUVs'.

I understand the price can be a bit misleading, but wanted to mention as much info in the thread title, which also has a word/letter limit. It is clearly mentioned in my post that all prices are ex-showroom Delhi and since Delhi is India's biggest car market by volume, it makes sense to use Delhi prices. Also taxation differs for each state and the quantum of increase in prices will be similar for all vehicles in the comparison, so in the end one will still be comparing cars in the same price bracket. You should compare apples to apples - don't compare the ex-showroom price of one place with the on-road price of another. The difference between on-road price in Bangalore & Delhi of Verna diesel's automatic EX variant is only around Rs. 90k (approx Rs 12.80 lakhs versus Rs 11.90 lakhs)

Quote:

Originally Posted by girishglg (Post 3379435)

Excellent effort jessie on the comparison charts. Its not only very comprehensive but also a great reference of everything in one place. It would be great if we have such comparisons of compact sedans, premuim and mid segment hatches that form the bulk of our industry sales.

As mentioned Sunny/Scala is a big miss here. IMO it should be there even at the cost of some other models since it moves many more cars compared to say Linea and Fiesta. It would be good if it could be added even now.

That said it seems clearly the feature leaders in the sedan segment goes to the ever popular Fluidic Verna and in the SUV space to EcoSport which beats Duster hollow in terms of features (exclude mechanicals) in over a dozen counts.

Always felt Duster was a great model but either more features should be added to justify its current price or priced lower to provide value to the customer.

Sunny & Scala are credible vehicles but not in league of the ones in this comparison. The very fact that it is being compared with the vehicles in this comparison, speaks volumes of its competency as a full-size sedan with space as its key asset.

However, you can go through my other comparisons across segments, which includes hatchbacks, compact sedans & full-size sedan including Sunny / Scala. Some of these threads are not up-to-date, but should still serve some purpose - the first thread is what might interest you.

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

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

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

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