Best Executive Sedan Of The Year: Which One’s Your Top Pick?

In the Indian auto industry, sub-4 metre and compact sedans command a lot more attention than executive sedans. Most of it is down to how affordable they are. But if you’ve got a lot of money lying around and want the best in terms of luxury and features in a sedan, then the executive sedan segment has the advantage.  But which one’s the top dog? You get to choose that by taking part in our Auto Premier League. So cast your votes (voting lines are open) and stand a chance to win prizes worth Rs 2 lakh. Here’s our nominees for the best executive sedans that are on sale in India.

Honda Civic 

The Honda Civic nameplate has been in India for over a decade. Sadly, the implementation of stricter BS6 emission norms has resulted in the loss of the Civic diesel (for now). This also means that the sedan is now only available with a single gearbox option: a CVT mated to Honda’s 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Nonetheless, it gets premium equipment like ambient lighting, an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and a LaneWatch camera. And it looks nothing like other sedans on the road! 

Pros:

• One of the best looking Honda vehicles in India.

• Comfortable ride and handling for Indian roads.

• Premium build quality.

Cons:

• Lack of a diesel engine, for now.

• No petrol-manual option.

• Relatively low seating position.

• Misses out on must haves like electrically adjustable co-driver’s seat, rear charging socket and front parking sensors. 

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

Skoda Superb 

While the Superb has received a facelift for the BS6 era, it too has lost its diesel engine and the manual gearbox like the sedan above The only difference here is that it gets a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG instead of a CVT in the Civic. The facelift brings with it some additional features like an updated infotainment system, a 360-degree parking camera and matrix LED headlamps and fog lamps. 

 Pros:

• Facelift gives it an edgy new look.

• Loaded with premium creature comforts.

• 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine is pretty powerful.

• Plush ride quality.

Cons:

• No longer gets a diesel engine.

• No manual gearbox option.

Fore more detailed information about the Skoda Superb, click here.

Hyundai Elantra

Back in October 2019, Hyundai gave its flagship sedan, the Elantra, a mid-life refresh in India. Not only is it the only sedan on this list to offer a BS6 diesel option, but also a manual gearbox option. Notable bits include a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats.

Pros:

• Is the only sedan on this list to get diesel and manual options.

• Well balanced and comfortable ride quality, especially on city roads.

• Well refined engine-transmission combos.

• Gets equipment like wireless charger and ventilated seats.

Cons:

• Polarizing design.

• Cabin looks old school compared to the exterior.  

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

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry differentiates itself from the rest of the sedans featured here by offering a petrol-hybrid powertrain. It also packs the biggest engine of the lot. The Toyota sedan comes with features like 9 airbags, three-zone climate control, a sunroof and a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

Pros:

• Petrol-hybrid powertrain enhances efficiency.

• Premium cabin upholstery.

• Balanced handling and ride quality.

 Cons:

• The e-CVT transmission robs the fun out of its 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain.

• Getting out of the cabin is a bit difficult due to its low seating position.

• A pricey offering in this segment.

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

Skoda Octavia 

Another recent offering from Skoda, the Octavia RS245 gets a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol that puts out 245PS of power and 370Nm of torque, making it the most powerful sedan on our list. It also boasts exclusivity with a limited production run of 200 units. It’s quite well equipped too, with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, split headlamps with LED DRLs, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, and dual-zone climate control.

Pros:

• Most powerful sedan of the lot with some nifty technical wizardry via the vRS drive mode. 

• Limited stock makes it exclusive.

• Comforts of a sedan combined with sportscar-like performance.

Cons:

• No scope for options as it is offered in a single fully loaded variant.

• Limited stock is a bummer considering how quickly it sold out.

• Performance comes at the cost of poor fuel efficiency. 

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