With the launch of the Ciaz, Maruti has stepped into the very competitive mid-size sedan segment again. It's previous players in the class - SX4 and Baleno - never managed to garner much market share. Keeping that in mind, we find out how this new player stacks up against its rivals in the class, as far as cosmetics are concerned.
Most of the cars in this segment start at a very affordable price point, but it is only the top trims that usually come solidly equipped, and hence, with a price point north of around Rs 9 lakh. So, when you intend to shell out that extra moolah for the top trim, it helps to know what bells and whistles come with the model. It is for this reason, we have compared the top trims of these midsize sedans to see the noteworthy features each car gets. The cars considered here are - the new Maruti Ciaz, the best-seller Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Sunny.
All the cars mentioned here, except the Ford Fiesta Titanium, get a petrol and a diesel variant each. However, the top-end Nissan Sunny XV is only available with a diesel engine. Considering the petrol variants, the top spec Ciaz Z is the cheapest in the class at Rs 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento Highline cost a little more at Rs 8.79 lakh and Rs 8.87 lakh respectively. The Fiat Linea Emotion will have you shell Rs 9.02 lakh. The most expensive in the class is the Honda City, which will cost you Rs 9.97 lakh.
Among the diesels, the Ciaz is again the cheapest among the top-end models at Rs 9.45 lakh. The Nissan Sunny XV follows closely at Rs 9.48 lakh. Shell out some more and you can buy the Fiat Linea Emotion that is priced at Rs 9.74 lakh. The Volkswagen Vento Highline and The Hyundai Verna SX are priced a little higher at Rs 9.90 lakh and Rs 9.97 lakh respectively. The Honda City VX again is the most expensive at Rs 11.11 lakh.
Now, all these top end models get features and fitments like alloy wheels, turn indicators on electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, climate control, tilt-adjustable steering, height adjustable driver's seat, central locking, audio system with USB, Bluetooth, aux-in and steering-mounted controls for audio and telephony as standard.
Over and above this, the new Ciaz Z gets projector headlamps, electrically-foldable wing mirrors, electric trunk opening, keyless entry and go, reversing sensors and camera, and height-adjustable front seatbelts. The audio system comes with speed-sensing volume control, but the cabin misses out on a touchscreen interface. There are rear aircon vents and a rear armrest too. In terms of safety, there's a rear defogger, speed-sensing auto door lock, ABS and front airbags. You can also opt for an optional Z(O) package that adds leather upholstery and 16-inch alloys. It retails for Rs 8.59 lakh (petrol) and Rs 9.80 lakh (diesel).
Additionally, the Honda City VX gets a sunroof, a five-inch screen for the audio system, leather upholstery, and cruise control. It is also the only car that gets a reversing camera with changeable view angles, namely, wide, normal and top-down view. On the safety front, it gets EBD to go with the ABS. However, it does miss out on projector headlamps and reversing sensors.
The Hyundai Verna SX, over and above this, gets a cooled glove box. For safety, it also gets rear disc brakes. However, there's no touchscreen, start/stop button, speed sensing auto door lock or rear AC vents. You can also buy an optional SX(O) pack which will add projector headlamps, side and curtain airbags, speed sensing auto door lock, start/stop button and leather upholstery. The pack is priced at Rs 9.73 lakh (petrol) and Rs 11.01 lakh (diesel).
The Volkswagen Vento Highline additionally gets a flat-bottom steering wheel with reach-adjust feature and SD card
compatibility for the audio system. But the Vento Highline doesn't get rear disc brakes, start/stop button, projector headlamps, touchscreen, reversing camera and height-adjustable front seatbelts.
The Fiat Linea Emotion boasts of automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and dual stage front airbags. However, there's no touchscreen, projector headlamps, start/stop button and reversing camera here either.
The Ford Fiesta Titanium gets most of the features mentioned here, but misses out on a reversing camera, touchscreen interface, projector headlamps and rear AC vents.
The Nissan Sunny XV gets almost every major feature expected on a top-end car in this class, but misses out on a touchscreen, projector headlamps, height-adjustable seatbelts and rear AC vents. However, there are two option packs available over the XV. The XV Premium (Leather), priced at Rs 9.96 lakh that adds leather upholstery, and the XV Premium (Safety), priced at Rs 9.76 lakh, which adds side airbags.
Although prices are still only introductory, the Ciaz is priced very competitively. It also offers enough equipment and features to justify the price tag. Maruti will also be launching a top-of-the-line Z+ trim of the Ciaz in early 2015. It will get a touchscreen-based Smartplay infotainment system.
Targeted as an upmarket offering, the Ciaz seems well on its way to making a strong case in the mid-size sedan segment.
Maruti Ciaz vs rivals: Price and specification comparison