Honda City versus Maruti Ciaz-Intense sedan competition

Honda is an eminent auto brand in India, and the all new City is desirable beyond imagination, and a source of inspiration for new launches. Maruti Suzuki recently launched the much awaited Ciaz C segment sedan to fight the fierce battle with new City. The new City is an evolution from the past draped in the innovative ‘Exciting H design’ technology. As revolutionary as the design is the 1.5 liter i-DTEC engine potential. Does Ciaz have what it takes to beat City? Let’s find out.

Design:

City is stunning at first sight, its high profile sophisticated nature is highlighted by bold creases and arrow shot profile. The styling of headlights is creative, and its killer beauty is accentuated by solid chrome treatment on grille. The 15 inch alloy wheels enhances its magnificent profile, and the high-performance 175/65 profile tires makes driving the City is heck of an exhilaration.

Ciaz is elegantly styled, its Maruti Suzuki’s rare venture into the mid segment market, and the outcome is impressive. The true luxury value of the car is highlighted by the cuts and creases. The headlights look arty, so do the projector lights, the solid C pillars and wheel arches add deep character. The surprise package is engraved on the rear, the tail lights dazzle to the core, and the effect is spectacular during dark periods.

The competition power of the two cars is close, Ciaz has an edge in terms of length, it is bigger by 50mm and measures 4.5 meters.

Inner space and comfort value:

A group of people, who have experienced the new City, were marveled by the enormous intensity of interior room. There is ample legroom in the rear compartment. Ciaz being a slightly bigger car has greater cabin room, which is more pronounced at the back.

The comfort value of City is great, the seats are super comfy and the positioning and dimension of seats is strategic for optimum comfort. The mystery behind the extended sitting comfort is the density of seats, which is first rate. City is ahead of Ciaz in this aspect. City and Ciaz have foldable center armrests, charging points and back air con vents. The two cars do not have mid and rear headrests.

Engine:

Honda’s 1.5 liter 98.6bhp iDTEC diesel engine is bigger than Ciaz’s 1.3 liter 89bhp engine adopted from Fiat. Sources say the engine rhythm of Ciaz is pretty decent despite the not so powerful energy efficiency. The engine power of Honda is more refined.

Ride quality:

The ride quality of Ciaz is phenomenal; the suspension apparatus is rigid, sufficient to handle bumps and unruly roads. The only issue with the car is it feels rather heavy on highways. City offers great ride experience, it too can handle bumpy and stone filled roads with ease. There are no issues with City, in terms of increased weightiness.

Price:

Maruti Suzuki has priced Ciaz competitively at Rs 6.99 to 8.0 lakhs, the new City costs Rs 7.42 to 11.1 lakhs.

Conclusion:

Ciaz certainly seems to be the value for money product, the new City offers increased comfort and handling, which makes it more worthy for its price. The new City is the better model of the two, because it offers superior drive rhythm and engine power along with world class luxury.