Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Vs New Honda City, VW Vento, Fiat Linea & Ford Fiesta

[DJ bro]

I am more of a Diesel-head, rather than a Petrol-head.
I liked the previous gen City, but this new one completely made me hate it.
Too much cost cuttings and flimsy build are the compromises made to deliver a long equipment list here.
For the price of 13 lacs on-road, the quality is cheap. Also the engine noise is unbearable for the price.
Vento is one among my favorites. It is cheaper than the City, also has fantastic quality, even though there isn't much "unnecessary" features as in the City. It is the pure luxury sedan with almost no compromises. The Rapid follows the same traits, at even cheaper price. A.S.S seems to be doubtful though; but when you own a premium quality brand, you ultimately have to pay the premium right?
The Verna looks great, but is too low for my taste and the rear seats are not good for 5'11" tall guys like me. Quality is decent, but it's the driving handling and dynamics that severely let it down. Although the engine is smooth like butter, the handling and suspension too is like butter and slushy! So, I decided never to depend on a Hyundai car; but the Grand i10 and Xcent changed my perception (they are much better).
Now, the new Ciaz; I am yet to see it in the showrooms here, but I can honestly say, it will be a Maruti Suzuki for sure, with better build than Honda's current cars (Amaze, Mobilio) and good VFM. Since Maruti cars like Swift, DZire and Ertiga are known for their ride and handling balance, I guess the Ciaz will be in the same league too. Though I currently drive a DDis Ertiga, I can't comment about the Ciaz, even though it has the same engine, because the tuning has been changed and acceleration timings are much faster (claimed by reviews). But the equipment list seems to be interesting.
I will reserve my vote for later, after a thorough TD of the Ciaz. Also I will post a clear review.

 

[All Black]

Could we also add Skoda Rapid here???

 

[Akash1886]

Could we also add Skoda Rapid here???

You may surely compare Rapid to Ciaz even if its not on poll choice. I would rather suggest you to compare Ciaz with Rapid DSG/ Tdi.

Regards

Akash

 

[TSIVipul]

In that case, I think you should test drive a i-Vtec or drive any relatives, friends car! The I-vtec is a gem of an engine... Probably one of the best petrol engines on offer in the country. After the 4000rpm, its a different animal altogether. Since, it is a Naturally aspirated engine, it doesn't have any lag like the T-jet and hence performs as an all rounder. If you read the reviews of 3rd gen City, many reviewers have praised the I-vtec and I think a large chunk of City's sales are because of this much famed engine as well.

You missed the sound that i-vtec produces when it is nearing its redline. That is absolute music to the ears
T-Jet is a different animal with a fantastically strong midrange(I wish City had such a meaty mid range) but when it comes to top end, the free revving i-vtec is simply unmatched. Simply a hoot to drive it is. And yes, it offers an exceptionally good FE too, getting 16-18 kpl on an open highway is a mickey mouse job for any good driver.

You may surely compare Rapid to Ciaz even if its not on poll choice. I would rather suggest you to compare Ciaz with Rapid DSG/ Tdi.

Regards

Akash

Won't comparing the DSG or any dual clutch(Like of Ford) with the regular automatics or CVT's be unfair?

 

[shrid]

For the price of 13 lacs on-road, the quality is cheap. Also the engine noise is unbearable for the price.
Vento is one among my favorites. It is cheaper than the City, also has fantastic quality, even though there isn't much "unnecessary" features as in the City. It is the pure luxury sedan with almost no compromises. The Rapid follows the same traits, at even cheaper price. A.S.S seems to be doubtful though; but when you own a premium quality brand, you ultimately have to pay the premium right?
The Verna looks great, but is too low for my taste and the rear seats are not good for 5'11" tall guys like me. Quality is decent, but it's the driving handling and dynamics that severely let it down. Although the engine is smooth like butter, the handling and suspension too is like butter and slushy! So, I decided never to depend on a Hyundai car; but the Grand i10 and Xcent changed my perception (they are much better).
Now, the new Ciaz; I am yet to see it in the showrooms here, but I can honestly say, it will be a Maruti Suzuki for sure.

Vento Diesel + DSG is a rumor. VW will introduce the new Vento engine (1.5 TDI) that was recently mated to Polo. And, rumor has it that the Vento will get a 6-speed DSG alongside the TDI (1st in segment). And most probably, it will have the same equipment list as the New Polo.

with better build than Honda's current cars (Amaze, Mobilio) and good VFM.

Yes, we can say that MSIL has good build quality, I saw a pic where an Amaze rear-ended an Alto and well, the Alto's bumper had a moderate dent whereas the Amaze had damage all the way to the driver's door. Infact the driver could not get out
But we cannot deny that Fiat is the best in terms of build, even the Linea is "built like a tank".

Hyundai steerings are lifeless, as my dad's friend's i20 Magna says, it makes highway driving a boring job.
I can't say anything about the Honda. I don't know much. And the Fiesta, most people say that it isn't the driver's car it used to be. But I would say it's still better than that Fiat or Suzuki.

Looking forward to reading your TD report.

All of this is my personal opinion, nobody take offence
Thanks!!

 

[MoRa]

Well, my vote goes for Linea for its tank-like build quality. IMO, Car I chose was based on its good performance. It stops in straight line when you hard brake it and feels secure. Well, about lag in 2nd gear, one can try remapping it and it will be a hoot to drive car and you will enjoy curves more (pun intended)

 

[baba97k]

My vote goes for Linea TJet. A much superior and to me the most underrated car here. Superb ride and handling to go with superior levels of comfort unmatched by any other car. Not to forget the tank build. Adding this pic to prove the point. That was me taking pics immediately after the crash landing the (T)Jet and came with not a scratch on me

 

[Highway Ranger]

That was me taking pics immediately after the crash landing the (T)Jet and came with not a scratch on me

Interesting!

Wondering how you managed to get the car in that position on such a road as shown in the photo.

 

[kishore108]

My vote goes for Linea TJet. A much superior and to me the most underrated car here. Superb ride and handling to go with superior levels of comfort unmatched by any other car. Not to forget the tank build. Adding this pic to prove the point. That was me taking pics immediately after the crash landing the (T)Jet and came with not a scratch on me

Why is the roof damaged ? The damage at the front looks very bad.

 

[a4arun]

I would anyday go for a linea MJD more than idtech because I feel the MJD is much more refined than the idtech. Also the linea has a really strong build to it. The driving dynamics is just amazing with the car being planted at high speeds and tight cornering. May be because it is helped by its shoes. The only fly in the ointment is ASS reliability and parts availability. Heard fiat is improving on these counts these days. Any current owners can throw some light on this.