As India's leading auto maker, Maruti Suzuki India, gets ready to bring forth its latest entrant in the mid-size sedan segment - the Ciaz - here's a quick comparison between the upcoming sedan and its primary rivals, including the current C-segment leader, i.e. the new-generation Honda City, which was launched earlier this year. Besides the City, other pre-eminent rivals of the Ciaz are Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Review
Dimensions
The Ciaz is claimed to sport the largest dimensions in the C-segment; Maruti's new sedan measures 4,490mm in length, is 1,730mm wide, 1,485mm tall and flaunts a 'largest-in-segment' wheelbase of 2,650mm. Ciaz is followed by the new City sedan that boasts a length of 4,440mm, width of 1,695mm, height of 1,495mm and wheelbase of 2,600mm. Hyundai Verna, on the other hand, is 4,370mm long, 1,700 wide, 1,475mm in height and offers a wheelbase of 2,570mm.
Finally, the Volkswagen Vento. It is 4,384mm long, 1,699mm wide, 1,466mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,552mm. It is quite evident that the Ciaz wins hands down, when it comes to dimensions; segment-largest length and wheelbase will ensure ample room in the cabin and a comfortable rear seating area.
Engine Capacity
In terms of tech specs, the sedan may not score as much since both its engine optiosn offer a relatively lower displacement as compared to its rivals. The petrol variants of the Ciaz will be powered by a 1.4-litre K-Series, 1372cc engine that develops a top-power of 91bhp along with a peak torque of 130Nm. Whereas the diesel line-up will get the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre, 1248cc powertrain that is good for 89bhp and 200Nm.
Ciaz's arch-rival, Honda City, is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor. The 1497cc petrol engine is capable of generating 117bhp of peak power along and 145Nm of torque. 1498cc diesel churns out 99bhp and 200Nm of torque.
Next in the C-segment list is Hyundai Verna; its petrol line-up includes two petrol engines-a 1.4-litre engine and a 1.6-litre motor. The bigger mill, aka the 1.6-litre, promises 121bhp and 155Nm. The Verna's diesel trims are also available in two engine options - a 1.4-litre 1396cc engine and a 1.6-litre 1582cc motor. The 1.4-litre engine delivers 89bhp of power along with 220Nm of torque, while the 1.6-litre mill develops 126bhp and 260Nm.
The other strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment, the Volkswagen Vento, is offered in two petrol and one diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine has a displacement of 1197cc and is good for 103bhp and 175Nm. The other petrol engine is the 1.6-litre 1598cc petrol motor that develops 103bhp and 153Nm. The diesel range houses a 1.6-litre 1598cc powerplant capable of producing 103bhp and a maximum torque of 250Nm.
Key features
In terms of features, the Ciaz is expected to get projector head-lamps, electrically foldable wing mirrors with integrated turn-indicators, automatic climate control, keyless entry, rear AC vents, rear parking sensors, push-button start in specific variants and several other equipments. Alloy wheels will be offered only on the Z and Z+ variants.
Moving on to the Honda City, this one gets alloy wheels as an optional equipment on high-end trims, while electric sunroof is available only on the VX trim.
Hyundai Verna comes with projector head-lamps, though this feature is exclusive to its high-end variants. R16 diamond cut alloy wheels with 2 tone finish are offered as standard fitment on some of the trims. The Verna also gets features like keyless entry, and electrically adjustable ORVMs among others.
Volkswagen Vento gets power windows, climate control, rear air-con vents, power steering, centre arm rest and a string of other features.
Watch: Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Review
Also Read: New Hyundai Verna Facelift Review
