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This article was first published 11 years ago

Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans

Last updated on: November 7, 2012 08:32 IST


Photographs: Reuters CarKhabri.com

D
iwali is just round the corner, and since Indians consider it auspicious to buy high-value items around this time, most car buyers are getting ready with ample sops to attract prospective buyers.

Since the Indian market is flooded by innumerable cars, it is indeed a daunting task to choose the best from the lost. By best, we mean, the one that best suits your pocket and your requirements.

Thus in a special series called 'Diwali Car Shopping Carnival', we will help you with the best available four-wheeled vehicle based on authentic and tested information. To start with, we take you through some decent choices you can make in the sedan segment.

All prices mentioned are of Ex-Showroom, Delhi.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


Maruti Swift Dzire

This Maruti mass-segment sedan has managed to bag the tag of being India's favourite sedan; especially with its whopping sales numbers, along with a waiting period of about 7-8 months for certain variants.

In terms of looks, Maruti Swift Dzire is far better than the previous generation model, while the interior with some commendable features speaks for itself.

The interior is lively when it comes to head-room and knee-room, moreover the seats are quite cozy. The ARAI certified mileage is of 19.1 kmpl for petrol Dzire, whereas diesel variant gets a big 23.4 kmpl.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


But do you actually attain these numbers? The answer is no. What you actually end up getting is an overall mileage of 14-18 kmpl and 17-21 kmpl for petrol and diesel versions respectively.

The price tag too is mouth-watering with Rs 491,000 for the base petrol model and Rs 740,000 for the top-end diesel version. In addition, there is also an Automatic Transmission available with the petrol run variant costing Rs 669,000.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


The ARAI figures means standard testing conditions, such as no applying of frequent brakes, no stop-n-go conditions, continuous driving at set speed, proper tyre pressures, clear oil filters, minimal load carry including occupants.

Since the car falls under the  reliable banner of Maruti, Swift Dzire assures value for money, wide-spreads service network and low maintenance along with superior resale value.

Pros: Well designed interior, marvelous fuel economy, reasonable ride and handling

Cons: Small-sized impractical boot, rear seat space, and long waiting period (with more than 9 months in some cities)

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


Mahindra Verito

An avatar of the earlier Logan, Mahindra Verito got its boxy looking exterior dimensions moulded into premium aesthetics, which are pretty attractive.

The spacious interior also look better now with the insertion of right quality upholstery and features.

Thanks to the new look, availability in both petrol and diesel versions and inexpensive price tag has made it one of the most popular after Maruti Dzire.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


The real-time overall mileage obtained ranges from 11.5 kmpl to 14 kmpl for the petrol model, while the diesel returns better output with 15-19 kmpl.

However as validated by ARAI, it delivers 15.7 kmpl and 21.03 kmpl for petrol and diesel respectively.

Another catchy aspect is its impressive pricing -- Rs 528,000 for the petrol-run version and for the diesel-run it's Rs 626,000.

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Being a Mahindra vehicle, it has low maintenance and has got decent service centre network across the nation.

On the whole, the face-lifted Mahindra Verito is now very prudent and endows you great value teamed up with family-car charm.

As far as its resale value is concerned, the verdict is 'average'.      

Pros: Solid built, full on space, fuel economy, and affordable proper-size sedan

Cons: Safety features, less interior features.

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Hyundai Verna

The Fluidic monikerof Korean car maker in the form of Hyundai Verna sedan has been luring car buyers not only in India but across the world.

The appealing vehicle has been a runaway success for Hyundai in the sedan segment as Santro was among the hatchbacks.

Beside gorgeous exterior design Hyundai Verna has got award winning interior too.

This sedan is mainly for those looking up for plenty of gadgets on the move alongside some well appointed and comfortable interiors.

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One of the success mantras for Fluidic Verna has been the petrol and diesel engine choices with different displacements of 1.4L and 1.6L.

Moreover, the option of AT is also on offer for the powerful 1.6L trims.

Whereas to take you on 'cloud nine' both the variants offer exceptional on-road overall fuel economy of 11-14 kmpl for the petrol version and 15-19 kmpl for the diesel model.

While the actual ARAI numbers are 15.5 kmpl (petrol) and 20.3 kmpl (diesel).

Being the second largest manufacturer after Maruti, it is one of the most trusted automotive brands in the nation, hence it has got wide-spread service network for its consumers.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


Hyundai cars don't require high maintenance and that's another positive of Verna.

If you want to sell it off after 2-3 years you will get decent resale value too. Prices start at Rs 711,000 for 1.4L petrol model and goes up to Rs 910,000 for the top-end diesel version.

The 1.6L petrol trim opens with a price tag of Rs 848,000 and ends up with high-end diesel at Rs 10.54 lakh.

The 1.6L petrol AT and diesel AT are priced Rs 994,000 and Rs 11.26 lakh correspondingly.

Pros: Out of the league looks, engaging interiors, mileage, numerous choices

Cons: Build quality, high speed handling, ride quality, soft suspension

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Honda City

Honda City is indeed a true sedan. Be it the interior or exterior it scores a perfect 10/10. The present 3rd Generation Honda City has got gratifying futuristic styling at front and rear that puts every other competitor at bay.

The interior has amazing space and excellent fit and finish. Despite stiff competition, City has always managed to remain popular among Indian car buyers.

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However, changing market trends, shift in consumer demand, and absence of diesel engine has hit Honda City sales. With the recent launch of a CNG version, Honda hopes to bridge the gap to some extent.

This sedan is available with a 1497cc, i- VTEC petrol engine that provides one with an on-road overall mileage of 12-15 kmpl (the ARAI label says 16.8 kmpl).

The major attraction for City has been its refined i-VTEC motor that bestows you nearly everything you prayed for i.e. ride and handling, refinement, drivability and efficiency.

To compete with younger sedans, the Japanese company unleashed new upgraded City with a smoother Automatic Transmission.

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The price starts at Rs 726,000 for the base corporate variant and climbs up to Rs 978,000 for the sunroof model, while the AT version opens at Rs 915,000. The newly modified V MT model, compliant for CNG kits, is priced at Rs 903,000.

On the resale value part, you can even sell a decade old City and get a good deal. Being a premium car, it targets mostly urban customers, hence its service network is majorly restricted to the metros and tier II cities.

With all this and much more, Honda City is one of the most celebrated and trustworthy car available in India.

Pros: Brand value, safety features are standard across all variants, refined engine

Cons: limited features, no diesel choice.

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Nissan Sunny

It seems that this Japanese saloon has got everything that an Indian car buyer desires for. This is the sedan that eventually introduced 'Nissan' in the 'volume-seller' sedan segment.

Be it the larger exterior dimensions, premium road presence or superior drivability, Sunny is a runaway success. It is of course available in both fuel options. The interior is generous.

The rear occupants get ample leg room and shoulder room together with numerous convenient features, especially start-stop ignition and keyless entry.

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Planning to buy a car this Diwali? Check out these 6 sedans


Under hood the 1.5L petrol motor is well refined, while the diesel motor of similar displacement offers decent drivability in cities and on long routes.

Mated to 5-speed manual gearbox, both motors offer respectable mileage numbers. The petrol version gets you a realistic 11-13 kmpl in the city, while anything above 15 kmpl can be attained on highways; here the ARAI certified fuel economy is 16.9 kmpl.

The diesel freaks can cherish as Sunny diesel claims an ARAI figure of 21.6 kmpl, whereas practically it secures 14-15 kmpl and 17-19 kmpl in city and highway drives respectively.

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Competitive pricing has played a major role as it petrol model starts at Rs 593,000 and the entry-level diesel is tagged at Rs 811,000 and climbs up to Rs 893,000 (ex showroom, Delhi).

As far as its resale value is concerned, limited service network across the nation is a big drawback.

Pros: engine refinement, drivability, interior space, finish

Cons: service network, no AT on offer.

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Fiat Linea

This car has got bold looks and strong build. It has enough space to seat 5 individuals. It has pleasant features including the BLUE&ME technology.

The seats too are comfortable. Fiat Linea comes in both the petrol and diesel variants.

Among the two, the multi-jet diesel is pretty performance oriented and refined. Fiat has focused on ride and handling aspect of both the variants of Linea.

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The 1.4L petrol variant returns actual city-highway mileage of 11-13.5kmpl, while ARAI certified efficiency reads nearly 14.6kmpl.

On the other hand, the 1.3L diesel version delivers overall fuel economy of 14.5-18.5kmpl, however, as per ARAI standard test it is nearly 20.4kmpl.

The maintenance cost is slightly higher and its after sales service, at this point, is a bit shaky.

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Even though Fiat has got very refined and reliable product, limited number of dealerships and shoddy service is a big drawback as far as resale value is concerned.

Reasonably priced at Rs 696,000 and Rs 798,000 for base petrol and diesel trims respectively it's one of the best buys in the market today.

The company has recently introduced the ABSOLUTE edition incorporated with some terrific features never seen in the segment at no extra cost.

Pros: peppy yet refined engine, drivability, apt pricing

Cons: After sales service, lacks interior features.

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