automotive pros
• Facelift makes it look
young again
• Plush ride
CoNs
• Not an enthusiast ’ s
machine
• Needs a diesel-auto variant
X-faCtor
Segment leader in terms refinement and quality . pockets , and a feature that allows you to operate the music system and power windows even when the car is switched off . It truly is a very well thought out vehicle .
Drum roll , please Usually , it ’ s customary to mention just one , but since this is an exhaustive comparison , we ’ ve decided to reveal the top three vehicles of the segment – irrespective of body type . Let ’ s begin with the bad news first . Unfortunately , none of the SUVs made the cut . I can only imagine how unpopular this revelation could be , but the truth is that these vehicles don ’ t really bring any additional value to the table – apart from slightly raised ground clearance that is . And that too comes at the cost of limited boot space – except in the Nexon , which boasts 350 litres of boot space . Also , all the three SUVs offer limited rear leg and headroom .
The Amaze almost broke into the top three , but , as the automatic variant lacks many common comfort features
Hyundai Elite i20 Asta ( O ) Engine : 1,396cc 4-Cylinders 16 Valves Turbocharged Fuel : Diesel Transmission : 6-Speed Manual Front-Wheel Drive Power : 89bhp @ 4,000rpm Torque : 220Nm @ 1,500-2,750rpm Price : `9.15 lakh ( Ex-showroom , Delhi )
and has average headlamps , it ’ s placed fourth in our list . The CVT is the best automatic transmission in the segment without a doubt , and it has a roomy cabin , comfortable seats and a boot space of 420 litres . But , unfortunately , it ’ s a Jack of all trades and a master of none .
For the second runner up position , we have the enthusiast ’ s favourite , the Swift . Believe it or not , it offers more or less the same knee room as the i20 but compromises slightly on headroom . The evergreen 1.3-litre diesel motor continues to be very peppy and fuel
efficient . And , without a doubt , it remains one of the best hatchbacks in the handling department . But it loses out because of average plastic quality , soft seats and the limitations of the AMT .
It may come as a surprise to many , but the Dzire managed to pip the Swift in terms of better ride quality , better interiors , more comfortable and supportive seats and extra boot space – 378 litres of space as compared to the Swift ’ s 260 litres . You can ’ t really go wrong with this stylish sedan .
Make way for the king however – the Hyundai Elite i20 . Now , it may not be an enthusiast ’ s delight , but it ’ s the best there is with regards to ride , handling and refinement . And in terms of quality , the i20 easily leads the way . Yes , the i20 might be slightly pricey as compared to the competition , but it does offer all the bells and whistles without any compromise . And , to top it off , both the cabin and boot are spacious . It ’ s a practical car par excellence !
Space & Comfort ( 10 ) |
Boot Space ( 5 ) |
Ride Quality ( 5 ) |
Driving Dynamics ( 5 ) |
Quality & Refinement ( 10 ) |
Features ( 5 ) |
Value for Money ( 10 ) |
Total ( 50 ) |
i20 |
6 |
2 ( 285 lts ) |
5 |
4 |
9 |
4 |
7 |
37 |
Dzire |
6.5 |
3.5 ( 378 lts ) |
4 |
3.5 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
36.5 |
Swift |
4 |
2 ( 268 lts ) |
3.5 |
4.5 |
6.5 |
4 |
7.5 |
32 |
Amaze |
6.5 |
4.5 ( 420 lts ) |
4 |
2.5 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
31.5 |
Brezza |
4.5 |
3 ( 328 lts ) |
2 |
4 |
5 |
4.5 |
8 |
31 |
EcoSport |
5.5 |
3 ( 352 lts ) |
3 |
3 |
6 |
4.5 |
5 |
30 |
Nexon |
5.5 |
3 ( 350 lts ) |
3.5 |
3.5 |
4 |
3.5 |
5.5 |
28.5 |
54 OutlOOk 18 June 2018