Hyundai Creta EV

The once heavily in-demand Petrol Sedan Car has been under heavy stress in recent years as car buyers are increasingly inclined to sports utility vehicles (SUVs). However, it is important to remember that when it comes to driving dynamics, ride comfort and driving pleasure, sedans are unbeaten. Consider the below-mentioned six sedans, ranging from ICE to EVs, that still have a lot to offer even by 2024 standards. Maruti Ciaz Engine 1.5-litre NA Power 103.25bhp Torque 138Nm Transmissions MT, AT Mileage 20.04 - 20.65kmpl L x B x H (in mm) 4,490 x 1,730 x 1,485      Wheelbase 2,650mm Price band (ex-showroom)    Rs. 9.40 - 12.29 lakh Talking about the next car on this list, the Maruti Ciaz sold exclusively by Nexa outlets has been around for a decade and has earned a reputation for its reliability and fuel-efficient engine setup. Apart from that, it also boasts a host of interior features like a 7-inch touchscreen, electrically operated outer rear-view mirrors, LED projector headlights and semi-digital MID. It also gets a mild hybrid system on board for enhanced fuel economy. Skoda Slavia Engine 1.0-litre turbo | 1.5-litre turbo (both petrol)    Power 114bhp | 148bhp Torque 178 - 250Nm Transmissions MT, torque converter and DCT Mileage 19.36 - 20.32kmpl L x B x H (in mm) 4,541 x 1,752 x 1,507 Wheelbase 2,651mm Price band (ex-showroom)   Rs. 10.69 - 18.69 lakh Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB AO architecture, the Skoda Slavia blends amazing looks, great handling and driving dynamics and punchy engines. Another reason why Slavia has made it to our list instead of its VW rival is because of its price point. Compared to VW Virtus, Slavia’s range starting and ending trims are cheaper than the former by Rs. 87,000 and Rs. 72,000, respectively. Hyundai Verna Engine 1.5-litre NA | 1.5-litre turbo petrol     Power 113bhp | 158bhp Torque 143.8Nm | 253Nm Transmissions MT, CVT and DCT Mileage 18.6 - 20.6kmpl  L x B x H (in mm) 4535 x 1765 x 1475  Wheelbase 2670mm Price band (ex-showroom)    Rs. 11 - 17.41 lakh The Hyundai Verna comes as a premium offering from the Korean brand. Apart from 17 Level 2 ADAS features, it further gets 30 safety equipment as standard. The vehicle utilises a combination of cameras and radar-based sensors to assist the driver. Also, the four-wheeler’s five-star ratings for adult and child occupant protection are a testament to Hyundai's promise of safety being paramount.  Honda City Engine 1.5-litre NA  Power 119bhp Torque 145Nm Transmissions 6-speed MT, CVT Mileage 17.8 - 18.4kmpl L x B x H (in mm) 4,574 - 4,583 x 1,748 x 1,489    Wheelbase 2,600mm Price band (ex-showroom)    Rs. 11.82 - 16.38 lakh Usually popular as a chauffeur driver, the Honda City sedan has been responsible for the Japanese brand’s success in India over the decades. But it does not stop there. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine under the hood is a rev-happy (I am talking 7,000 rpm and above) engine that satisfies the enthusiast in you while also being dependable. When was the last time you saw a city in a garage? Staying true to the brand’s minimalistic ideology, the sedan is still worth a buy to date. Honda City e:HEV Engine 1.5-litre hybrid petrol Power 97bhp, 124bhp (combined) Torque 127 Nm, 253 Nm (combined)    Transmissions eCVT Mileage 27.1kmpl L x B x H (in mm) 4,583 x 1,748 x 1,489  Wheelbase 2,600mm Price band (ex-showroom)   Rs. 19 lakh - Rs. 20.63 lakh The Honda City e:HEV deserves a huge shoutout for the set of technologies it packs. Its combined mileage of over 27 kilometres a litre besides Honda SENSING advanced driver’s assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety is notable. At a starting price of Rs. 19 lakh, the City e:HEV packs way more than its competitors and is the best affordable hybrid sedan in the current market. Toyota Camry Hybrid Engine 2.5-litre hybrid petrol    Power 215bhp (combined) Torque 221Nm (combined) Transmissions CVT Mileage 19.1kmpl L x B x H (in mm) 4,885 x 1,840 x 1,455  Wheelbase 2,825mm Price (ex-showroom)   Rs. 46.17 lakh In the era of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota has stayed consistent with its most popular hybrid offering - the Camry - in India. With a Toyota Camry, expect unmatched reliability and engine refinement together. What is also special about the sedan is that the setup is capable of returning a company-claimed mileage of 19.1 kilometres a litre, and that is remarkable considering its competition and ex-showroom cost of Rs. 46.17 lakh. Read Also: Maruti Vs Hyundai: Which Car Brand is Better?

When it comes to a choice between a Sedan Car and a Hatchback Car, there is a dilemma. Each type of vehicle has its share of pros and cons that make it suitable for certain kinds of needs and lifestyles.  In this blog, we will explore key differences between sedans and hatchbacks to help you decide which one is better for you. What is a Sedan? A sedan is a category of passenger car initially coined to describe a three-box design with three main compartments: engine, passengers, and cargo, insulated from one another. Most sedans come with four doors and an extended trunk that extends out from the passenger compartment. This configuration tends to make for an interior with ample space or reduced noise from the outside air. Advantages of Sedans: Trunk Space: Sedans generally provide a more spacious trunk area, ideal for carrying groceries, luggage, or even sports gear. This trunk space remains independent of the cabin area and thus helps to prevent the invasion of noise and chaos into the cabin. Ride Comfort: A smooth and comfortable ride is usually experienced in sedans. They are designed, and their suspension is adjusted to give a pleasurable ride, more so during long drives. Fuel Efficiency: Most sedans are designed to be fuel-efficient and turn out to be a great value for everyday commutes, including getting to work or taking long road trips. Most sedans will have improved aerodynamics that can turn out quite useful in saving fuel. Disadvantages of Sedans: Low Cargo Flexibility: While sedans do sport a spacious trunk, it is just that, fixed space, unable to easily be expanded if you have larger cargo. Rear Seating Space: While sedans generally have ample interior space, the rear seats themselves may not be as versatile, compared to hatchbacks, in terms of their ability to fold down for additional cargo space. What is a Hatchback? In hatchbacks, it is a two-box design; roughly speaking, there are no separate passenger and cargo areas as in sedans. The hatch at the rear swings upwards, allowing access to the space, thereby creating easy accessibility into cargo space. Hatchbacks are generally much smaller than sedans and are very compact; hence, use in an urban setting becomes easier. Advantages of Hatchbacks: Versatile Cargo Space: Hatchbacks offer one of the greatest advantages over other cars, versatility. Most of the time, hatchbacks enable the folding down of their rear seats to increase cargo space, making them very useful during trips or even moving bigger items. Compact Size: Hatchbacks generally have smaller bodies than sedans, making it much easier to move around and park. In densely populated urban cities or small parking spots, this becomes a huge advantage. Cargo Accessibility: You will get much easier access to the hatchback for loading and unloading stuff into its cargo area through the big rear door than you would with a sedan's trunk. Hatchback Disadvantages: Noise Levels: Since the cargo space is incorporated within the cabin, you are most likely to have a noisier cabin with more road noise and engine sounds in a hatchback than in a sedan. Thus, this might make the car less comfortable on long drives. Less Trunk Security: Because there is no barrier between the luggage compartment and cabin, in case your car gets broken into, these valuables can easily be reached. Making Your Decision While choosing between a sedan and a hatchback, the following may be considered:  Driving Needs: Suppose one covers long distances or has a large family; in that case, sedans can be more comfortable and offer needed space. However, if one drives more within the city or needs space to move larger articles, then a hatchback may be the car. Budget: Hatchbacks are usually cheaper in terms of purchase price and insurance. If you're on a super tight budget, that may make all of the difference. Lifestyle: Consider driving habits. In case you want cargo space and versatility, a hatchback may be better. Otherwise, if you need more of a conventional ride quality with interior space and room to spread out, then a sedan could be in order. Aesthetic Preferences: Hatchbacks display a sporty look, while sedans exude a classically elegant look. Your taste may be a major factor in this choice. Conclusion After all, the choice would be between a sedan and a hatchback, keeping in mind your needs and preferences. Sedans are ultra-comfortable and balanced; moreover, they keep the luggage area separate, just perfect for families or long trips. Hatchbacks are multipurpose vehicles that save fuel and drive easily inside the city. Comparing pros and cons will give you a better idea of what works best for you. Read Also: Top 10 Most Underrated Cars In India 2024

The next week will be very interesting for the Indian auto industry, as 3 exciting new cars will be launched. What's interesting is that all three models belong to different segments with different powertrain options. While MG will have its 3rd EV, Hyundai will give a mid-life facelift to its 3-row Alcazar SUV. The popular Swift will receive a CNG derivative on September 12, 2024.  2024 Hyundai Alcazar facelift - ICE  Scheduled to be launched on September 9, the new Hyundai Alcazar facelift will come with revised exterior and interior along with added features. Interested buyers can book the new SUV online or at authorised Hyundai dealership by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. The SUV shares styling cues from the new Creta, featuring a dark chrome radiator grille, LED headlamps and H-shaped LED DRLs. It rides on new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the rear has new Signature-connected LED tail-lamps.  The SUV also gets a new Robust Emerald Matte paint scheme, while the cabin is finished in dual-tone Noble Brown and Haze Navy theme. The SUV comes with a Digital Key with NFC technology, a voice-enabled smart panoramic sunroof, a magnetic pad, 10 ambient sounds of nature and in-built navigation. The SUV also gets a 2nd-row wireless charger. For safety and security, the SUV gets 6 airbags, TPMS, 4-disc brakes, rain sensing wipers, hill start assist, and Level 2 ADAS. It will come in four trim levels - Executive, Prestige, Platinum, and Signature. It will be offered with two engine options - a 158bhp, 1.5L turbo GDi petrol and a 114bhp, 1.5L U2 CRDi diesel. Gearbox choices include a 6-speed manual (standard), a 7-speed DCT with petrol and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic with diesel.  MG Windsor EV The next model to launch next week is the long-awaited MG Windsor EV, which will go on sale on September 11, 2024. It is basically the re-badged version of the Wuling Cloud EV on sale in global markets. However, the CUV has been modified to tackle Indian road conditions. Moreover, the India-spec model will have more features than the global model.  The Windsor EV looks exactly similar to the global-spec Cloud EV. It rides on aerodynamically designed 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, the electric CUV gets segment-leading 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, cruise control, a full-width panoramic sunroof and India's first Aero-lounge seats with 35 degree recline.  The MG Windsor electric CUV is likely to come with two battery packs - a 37.9kWh and 50.6kWh - coupled to a front-axle-mounted electric motor. The former could offer a range of up to 400km, while the EV with bigger battery can deliver up to 500km in a single charge.  New Maruti Swift CNG Maruti Suzuki will introduce the CNG version of the Swift hatchback in the country on September 12, 2024. It will come in multiple variants. The popular hatch will receive a new Z-Series 1.2L 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine coupled to a factory-fitted CNG tank. It is likely to offer around 70bhp and 100Nm of torque. The engine will be coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is likely to offer an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of over 30km/kg. Also See - Two Renault SUVs Landing Soon - New Duster, 7-Seater Model

A few days ago, Hyundai Motor India launched a S+ variant for Venue with an electric sunroof at Rs 9.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Now, the brand has introduced a new E+ variant for the Venue SUV which is Rs 1.12 lakh cheaper than the S+ trim. The E+ variant comes with an electric sunroof and will sit above the E base variant. Priced at Rs 8.23 lakh (ex-showroom), the Venue E+ becomes the most affordable model with a sunroof in the Venue lineup. Hyundai Venue E+ Variant: What's New? In terms of features, the Venue E+ comes with a variety of features including a smart electric sunroof and front & rear adjustable headrest. Other noteworthy features comprise a digital cluster with a colour TFT Multi-Information Display, 60:40 rear seat split and 2-step rear reclining seats, among others. As for the safety features, the Hyundai Venue E+ comes with six airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist Control, Day & Night IRVM, and more. Powertrain Hyundai Venue is available with three engine options. These include 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel engines. These engines are mated to a Manual and Dual Clutch transmission. However, the Venue E+ is only powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. This 4-cylinder unit is capable of producing 81 bhp of power and 114 Nm of torque. Also Read: 2024 Hyundai Alcazar Hot Details