[manish7]

Actually, the question could have been posted either in Hatchback or Sedan segment, and I have chosen Sedan as I had to choose only one.

I am planning to upgrade from my Alto to a new car and I am little confused now because I am unable to decide whether I should go for a premium B+ segment Hatchback or some entry level Sedan. Hatchback seems attractive for maneuverability and lesser parking space in Pune's maddening traffic. However, Sedan does offer better comfort and more style/image. I want car for its driving pleasure, good power, reliability and good A.S.S.

My budget is around 6L to 6.5L (on road) and I can stretch it a bit if I can get a good deal (missed out on Fiesta though) in Sedan!

These are the options I am considering -

(1) Hatchback - Palio SDX Multijet, Swift, i10 or better still i20.
(2) Sedan - Ford Ikon, Ascent or....

I have taken test ride of Palio SDX last month and it was around 5.23L on on-rad after discount. I found it a bit pricey and not so exciting. The power is good for a car of its size though.

I took test drive of Ikon Diesel on Saturday and liked handling and power very much. The interiors look boring/cheap though. Comparatively i10 interiors are much better.

I am waiting to try i20 and then see how it fits my budget. Which other cars can I consider? I can wait till Jan/Feb for my actual purchase. Is there some other good deal going on that I can consider? I will be grateful for any pointers/ suggestions.

TIA,
- Manish

[madhokritesh]

The i20 shud easily fit your budget check the i20 thread for its price.

[manish7]

Originally Posted by madhokritesh

The i20 shud easily fit your budget check the i20 thread for its price.

It might, but how do I resolve the confusion between Sedan or Hatchback?

[snaronikar]

Whatz your daily usage? How many people you travel most of the times? How many long trips you do per month (max 250~300 kms one way)

Answer these questions and you will find the answers for whether hatchback or sedan...

[manikjeet]

Originally Posted by manish7

It might, but how do I resolve the confusion between Sedan or Hatchback?

try to get a test drive of I-20
the interiors of the I-20 can put many sedans to shame

BTW as far as your question about the sedan and hatch

How often you travel with full load of bags?
and where will the car mostly driven highway or city??

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by manish7

It might, but how do I resolve the confusion between Sedan or Hatchback?

The boot

i20 sure looks good.

Would suggest that you stay away from the new Ikon. Its looks yuck head-on.Accent is old, why get it when you have other options!

[Fountainheader]

Originally Posted by manikjeet

try to get a test drive of I-20
the interiors of the I-20 can put many sedans to shame

BTW as far as your question about the sedan and hatch

How often you travel with full load of bags?
and where will the car mostly driven highway or city??

To add to that list..

1: What about parking space at your residence and office ?

If a Sedan, you might have a look at the Aveo/Fiesta with year-end discounts.

[finneyp]

It depends if you need the large boot in a sedan?
Will you be using the car for daily commute OR only for family outings on weekends?

For daily commute, hatch is the ideal choice.

[DCEite]

Originally Posted by manish7

Sedan does offer better comfort and more style/image.

Gone are the days when there was a certain 'aura' associated with sedans. The economic bubble of 2003-2007 resulted in even local barber and metric pass real estate 'tycoons' driving around in Ford Ikons and Scorpios. There was too much easy money. So a sedan is not much of a status symbol than it used to be in 90's and early 2k's.
As the saying goes in hindi: "Dikhave par mat jao, apni akal lagao".
And in today's mad traffic, a small car makes sense anyways. And there is no truth in saying that sedan offers better comfort than a Hatchback. Sit back to back in Indica Vista/Getz/Palio and then in Hyundai Accent/Ford iKON, you would know yourself which offered better comfort.

Just my 0.2 cents.

[snaronikar]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Sit back to back in Indica Vista/Getz/Palio and then in Hyundai Accent/Ford iKON, you would know yourself which offered better comfort.

Just my 0.2 cents.

OT: I have sat in Indica (mr brother), Getz - my BIL's and compared with Ikon/Accent. Ikon is far better in RR seat comfort compared to above hatch cars. I'am not telling this as I own an Ikon...but I feel it is a fact and many people here may vouch for this.

[CtrlAltDel]

hatchback anyday! the only so-called 'advantage' of a sedan is the boot. if you would be carrying lots of luggage in the boot regularly, then the sedan would make sense. if you use it more for in-city runs with not much use of the luggage space, hatch back makes sense. even if your requirement is a subwoofer in the boot, a big hatchback can accomodate that too!

dont worry about comfort, space etc. big hatches like Vista and Fabia can put some sedans to shame in this aspect.

[phamilyman]

There is a definite comfort for sedans like Ikon/NHC.

However, I would say that if your traffic isnt too bad - kindly consider Ikon Diesel. that boot is useful - if not anything else, for ICE wonlee

[Sowmya]

Originally Posted by DCEite

Gone are the days when there was a certain 'aura' associated with sedans. The economic bubble of 2003-2007 resulted in even local barber and metric pass real estate 'tycoons' driving around in Ford Ikons and Scorpios. There was too much easy money. So a sedan is not much of a status symbol than it used to be in 90's and early 2k's.
As the saying goes in hindi: "Dikhave par mat jao, apni akal lagao".

Adding my 0.2 cents here. Remember those day when a White Doctor Vehicle was appreciated. And now we all hate the White Vehicle Cabbies Sticker.
I too had a same Confusion and Ended the "Ford Fusion"

[manish7]

Thanks for prompt responses. DCEite - the image/style is also in mind. I think Fiesta or City looks more classy than any given hatchback. Fabia is way too expensive for me, I am reluctant to shell out so much money for a small car.

Ford Ikon Diesel is definitely under consideration. As for boot, I don't use alto outside city for travel, but if I have Sedan (esp Diesel), then I might as well travel more. It would 3/4 trips in a year though. Mostly the car will be used on weekends for long drives, mall shopping and nearby picnics to Lonavala/Khandala or so.

I liked Palio's power -- but it is really disappointing on interiors & eqipments! I want to know what other cars can I consider in Sedan?

[bblost]

A hatchback without a parcel tray crosses security checks faster than any other car.
Thanks to the stupid security theatre we have here.