By Gauri Rajput
The year 2013 witnessed huge number of launches in the automobile industry. Market in India has grown so enormously that every year is subjected and predicted with some new launches. People, due to so many choices in their particular brackets of income, end up getting confused on what is worth buying. Here the SUV (sports Utility Vehicle) and the Mid Level Sedan comes across each other and directly affects each other’s sales. If you are one of them victimised, it ought to be an universal problem.
In India, many companies have switched to and fro from their sedans and entry level SUV production. Since the segment evolved, entry level sedans being affordable in cost have been considered a value for money choice. In the Indian automobile market too, cars like Maruti Swift Dzire, Toyota Etios, Tata Manza and Fiat Linea gained high popularity and their flourished market paved the way for other car manufacturers too to introduce their entry level sedans like Nissan Sunny, Chevrolet Sail, Honda Amaze, Skoda Rapid etc. But now, the competition for the entry level cars isn’t limited to themselves as they will have to share the market with the other growing segment of compact SUVs. Here we go…THE SEDAN CLASS OR THE COMPACT SUV which one is worth buying? Or may be you ought to be flexible and you buy both. Here’s how.
SEDAN: A MUST BUY OR NOT?
Sedans are easy to drive on city roads. Since they have low ground clearance, they are easy to get in and out of. Moreover, sedans have a lower center of gravity and are at less risk of rolling over. sedans can comfortably seat 4 to 5 passengers and are very fuel efficient when compared to SUVs.
The disadvantages of sedan are also up for equal consideration. They don’t flash sporty images as the SUV does. They are also not spacious enough if more then 5 people are considered at one time. Due their low ground clearance they are not good for off road driving and hauling and towing.
ENTRY LEVEL SUV- REAL HULK OR FAKE ONE?
SUVs are flashy and stylish in addition to being flexible and reliable. They have many safety features that make them safe vehicles to drive. In addition, most SUVs can comfortably seat 5 to 9 passengers and because of their larger size and weight they are capable of hauling and towing large loads. SUVs have a higher ground clearance that makes them a good option for off-road driving. Moreover, since they have higher seating they have increased visibility. They usually have standard or optional all wheel driving options and this makes them easy and safe to handle in adverse weather conditions. Overall, they are powerful vehicles and appeal to people who are adventurous and like going on outdoor trips.
The disadvantages of SUVs are that the high ground clearance makes them difficult to get in and out of. Also, due to high ground clearance, these vehicles have a higher center of gravity that increases their chance of rolling over in a swerve, thus making them a safety hazard. Their large size makes it difficult to park them in tight spots, and they also take up more garage space. They are not as smooth to ride when compared to sedans since they are higher above the ground.
PRICE AND MAINTENANCE COST….WHOOSH !!!
Price – Price is a big considering factor for any car purchaser. Prices of both compact SUVs as well as the entry level sedans are almost similar. Utility cars like Ford EcoSport and Maruti Ertiga are now available at the mere starting price of around Rs. 5.5 lakh to Rs. 6.5 lakh (Ex-showroom approximate). However, the other available compact SUV option, Renault Duster is offered at starting price of Rs. 7.99 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi), that might be an expensive choice for those looking to buy a car under 7 lakh rupees.
Maintenance cost – Maintenance wise entry level sedans can be considered as an affordable choice to go with. However, the compact SUV companies also offer some decent maintenance schemes that may relax you to an extent.
HOWEVER THE DRIVABLITY OF SUV’S ARE A WAY BETTER THAN SEDAN CLASS DUE TO DELIVERED TORQUE AND GROUND CLEARANCE ISSUES, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND ONE MAY WANT A LIGHT YET STYLISH COMPACT SEDAN AND MAY FLASH THEM DURING DRIVING. AS FAR AS HIGHWAY DRIVING IS CONSIDERED SUVS ARE THE BEASTS ONE MAY LOVE TO DRIVE. BUT THEN AGAIN ONE MAY NOT TAKE HIGHWAY WHEN GOING TO THEIR WORKPLACES.
NOW HERE WE LEAVE YOU TO DECIDE WHICH ONE WILL BE THE BEST MATCH FOR YOU OR MAYBE TRUE THAT YOU END UP BUYING BOTH. IT IS JUST THE MATTER OF SPENDING BUCKS ON WHAT IS CALLED ‘WORTH’.
