The competition in the mid-sized sedan segment of the Indian car market is stiffening as each day progresses. Just like the hatchback vertical, there are a large number of models fighting it out for the top slot with Honda City and Hyundai Verna leading the charts. However, no matter what any company does, Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest passenger car maker, cannot be ruled out ever. After maintaining a rather low profile in the last 18 months, Maruti Suzuki is set to take the market by storm with the launch of its new sedan called Ciaz, which is likely to give the Hyundai Verna a run for its money. Set to be launched on October 6th, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, according to experts, could make a huge impact on its segment. Though it would be tough, Ciaz will surely provide competition to Hyundai Verna. Let’s take a look at how these two rack up against each other.
A mere look at the Ciaz is explanatory enough to tell that Maruti Suzuki has worked hard on making it look attractive, considering that the competition is really high and there is no scope for any negative point. Elegant chrome grille, projector headlamps, rear combination lamps, stylish alloy wheels and aerodynamically designed body are the appearance highlights of this sedan. Interiors of this car have been designed to optimise comfort with availability of features like spaciousness, rear sunshade, rear AC vents and rear reading lamps.
The use of Suzuki Total Effective Technology (STECT) and presence of security features like Dual Airbags, seat belt pretensioners and force limiters make this vehicle a safe one. Available in both petrol and diesel variants, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz offers best in class mileage. Petrol version of this sedan is powered by a 1.4-litre engine producing 91 BHP of power while the diesel variant, fitted with a 1.3-litre drivetrain, generates an output of 89 BHP.
Hyundai Verna is arguably the best sedan available in the Indian market at the moment, ahead of even Honda City due to its combination of class, appearance, performance, style and efficiency. The fluidic design architecture of this sedan is its biggest USP and strikes a chord with anyone in the first instant. Sharp headlights, chrome front grille, two tone chrome rear garnish and alloy wheels make this car score high in terms of appearance.
Interiors of this car are heavily loaded with comfort and convenience features, such as sun visor with mirror, large boot space, power window control and sliding front armrest. The biggest advantage for anyone purchasing Hyundai Verna is the high number of engine options available. There are two diesel (1.4-litre and 1.6-litre) and two petrol (1.4-litre and 1.6-litre) variants of Hyundai Verna, from which customers can buy. Petrol versions, powered by 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre, churn out power levels of 105 BHP and 121 BHP, respectively. On the other hand, diesel variants churn out 89 BHP (1.4-litre) and 126 BHP (1.6-litre) of power.
On a purely factual comparison, Hyundai Verna outdoes Maruti Suzuki Ciaz by a long shot. However, the Indian market is hardly predictable and Maruti Suzuki can never be underestimated. Industry experts believe that the pricing strategy of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is going to be really important in influencing its market performance. If Maruti Suzuki can manage to price it aggressively then the Ciaz has a great chance of giving competition to Hyundai Verna.
