Comparison: Maruti Ciaz aka Alivio vs New Honda City

Ever since the launch of new Honda City in diesel avatar, competition in the mid-sized sedan segment got furious. In no-time Honda City outsold Hyundai Verna, which was the segment-topper earlier. And now the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India is all set to bring in the new Ciaz aka Alivio, which will replace the SX4 in India. (Also read: Maruti Ciaz - Everything You Want to Know)

Here's the comparison between the two.

Design

When compared with the outgoing SX4, the Ciaz/Alivio has an entirely new design. Its front-end features trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, large bumper with wide air dams, fog lamps and angular shaped projector headlamps. Moreover, flowing aerodynamic creases add sportiness to the side profile of the sedan. It looks aggressive and sporty from rear side too with dual tail pipes, bumper integrated air scoops and taillights. On the other hand, the new City based on Honda's global design philosophy "EXCITING H!!!", looks sleek and very premium. The large headlamps, chrome grille, fog lamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs with turn blinkers, sporty sunroof, chrome finished door handles and alloy wheels enhance its overall appearance. Ground clearance is increased (165mm) for better ride quality.

Comfort and features

Keeping its focus on interior comfort, Maruti has offered more space, equipments and better upholstery to the new Ciaz, in comparison to the SX4. The rear seats get better cushioning and softer springs for a comfortable ride. The Ciaz is longer than the new City, and offers a plenty of legroom. The dual-tone dashboard, metallic accents and fine upholstery add more its interior appeal. The new Ciaz is likely to be equipped with the automatic climate control with rear AC vents, advanced audio system with Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, dual airbags, ABS with EBD braking system and more comfort and connectivity features. The new Honda City is one of the most-equipped mid-sized sedans that we have in India, with features like eight speaker audio system with CD player support and Bluetooth and Aux-in connectivity, 5-inches LCD display, C with climate control and AC vents for front and rear passengers, rear parking camera etc. Advanced features such as driver airbags and ABS are offered as standard safety features.

Engine options and pricing

Available with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and the i-DTEC diesel engine options, the new Honda City proves to be a more powerful and frugal sedan. The new Ciaz is likely to be offered with a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.3-litre Multi-jet diesel engine. What makes both the sedans strong rivals is the competitive pricing. The new Honda City is priced between Rs.7.19 lakh (for base model) to Rs.11.65 lakh (for top-end variant). On the other side, the new Maruti Ciaz aka Alivio is expected to come in the price range of Rs.7.5 lakh to Rs.11 lakh.