Best Compact Sedan Of The Year: Which One Would You Choose?

When it comes to sedans in the Indian auto industry, it is actually the compact segment that gains eyeballs and sales compared to its bigger yet pricer siblings. Notable talking points include practicality, comfort and driveability within affordable budgets. But which compact sedan can truly take the top spot? Well you can help make that decision via voting in the Auto Premier League. Compact sedans are part of the round 2, voting for which will begin on June 10 at 12PM. Here’s our candidates for the best compact sedans on sale in India: 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 

Kicking off the list is none other than the popular Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Although it created some controversy initially with a rear end that resembled the Honda City, It sports some segment firsts like being the only sedan on the list to be offered with a mild-hybrid powertrain. 

Pros:

• Spacious, comfortable and feels premium.

• A value for money considering its well-equipped feature list.

• Optimal fuel efficiency via its mild-hybrid petrol powertrain.

Cons:

• Still misses out on some must have features like more airbags and a sunroof. 

• Not the most inspiring to drive.

• No diesel engine option 

• Old-school 4-speed automatic 

For more detailed information about the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, click here.

Skoda Rapid 

The Skoda Rapid is the carmaker’s entry point to its sedan lineup and also the most affordable sedan on this list. The BS6 era may have caused the Rapid to take a hit due to the loss of a diesel option, it has gained a more powerful turbo-charged petrol engine. It is also loaded with features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, climate control and auto dimming IRVM. 

Pros:

•  It is well equipped with a variety of features.

• Rides and handles decently.

• Is one of three compact sedans on this list that packs a turbo-charged engine.

Cons:

• No longer has a diesel engine option.

• No manual gearbox option.

• 7-speed DSG gearbox has been replaced by a 6-speed torque converter.

• Not as torquey as the 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine. 

For more detailed information about the Skoda Rapid, click here. 

Toyota Yaris

A recent entry for Toyota in the compact sedan segment came in 2018 in the form of the Yaris. Since its launch, it has been limited to a petrol-only option, but it boasts a variety of premium equipment that’s present even in the base variant. Some include an AT transmission option right from the base variant.

Pros:

• Loaded with segment-first bits like ambient lighting, infotainment system with air gesture control as well as acoustic and vibration control glass.

• Premium cabin upholstery

• Plush ride comfort.

• Oodles of space via a 476-litre boot with folding rear seats.

Cons:

• Lacks a diesel engine option.

• Infotainment system misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Quirky styling 

For more detailed information about the Toyota Yaris, click here.

Honda City

The Honda City has been a veteran in the Indian auto industry since its debut  in 1998. There’s still some time before the next-gen City shows up, but that doesn’t mean the current City is underequipped. Feature highlights include a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof and paddle shifters.

Pros:

• Spacious and well equipped especially in the base variant

• The largest boot space in the segment at 510 litres.

• Fun to drive petrol engine, paired to a smooth CVT gearbox as an option.

Cons:

• Below-par 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

• Loses a diesel engine option.

For more detailed information about the Honda City, click here.

Volkswagen Vento 

In the BS6 era, the Volkswagen Vento has recently been updated with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is shared with the Skoda Rapid. Both also get a manual gearbox option alongside the automatic gearbox, no DSG!. Unfortunately, the BS6 era has also resulted in losing multiple engine options including the diesel engine. 

Pros:

• Is one of the torquiest sedans on this list alongside the Rapid.

• Decent build quality despite its age.

• European car-like ride and handling experience.

 Cons:

• No longer has a diesel engine option.

• 7-speed DSG gearbox replaced by a 6-speed torque converter.

• Due for a comprehensive update despite a facelift that was launched in 2019. 

For more detailed information about the Volkswagen Vento, click here. 

Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna has been the most recent sedan on this list to receive a mid-life refresh. And a comprehensive one at that. It also boasts the most options amongst the list when it comes to powertrains with the option of two petrol engines and a diesel engine. That makes it the only compact sedan on this list to offer a BS6 diesel option. Some of the updates in the facelifted Verna also include segment firsts like wireless charging and ventilated front seats. 

Pros:

• Is the most powerful compact sedan in this list thanks to its 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

• Automatic transmission options available in all three engines.

• Features modern bits like wireless charging, sunroof, connected car tech, and ventilated seats.

• Only sedan on the list to have a BS6 diesel option.

Cons:

• A steep price jump from its predecessor due to its new BS6 engines.

• Only the top variant gets the 1.0-litre turbo petrol.

• 1.0-litre turbo petrol option is limited to an automatic gearbox only. 

For more detailed information about the Hyundai Verna, click here.