We all love hatchbacks, right? They are so easy to drive around especially in today’s bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions. So, how about a hatchback with a boot? Whoa! Sounds cool, right? Meet the sub-4 metre cars, also known as a compact sedan or a hatchback with a boot! Now who doesn’t love a little extra, eh?Quite similar to their hatchback siblings but with that extra storage space and cheaper than their full-sized sedan counterparts, these sub-4 metre sedans are seeing a huge demand from car buyers across the country. Just like the ‘size-zero’ trend took over the fashion industry, the sub-4 metre trend is taking over the Indian automotive industry. And with easy car financing options, there’s been no looking back.
So, how did this trend come about? Well, it stemmed from the Indian Government’s regulation wherein any car that measures less than 4 metres (<1200 cc petrol engine; <1500cc diesel engine) will have a reduced excise duty. Now, how could our awesome car manufacturers turn a blind eye to this? And why did the government take this step? Because of the rapidly growing car population in the country and as an effort to curb congestion on roads.
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Anyway, what an idea, sirji! This regulation actually created a win-win proposition for the sellers and the buyers alike. On that note, are you planning to go below 4-metres this festive season? Well, if you are, then here are a few of the best compact sedans you can put your money on. The below list is in no particular order. We love them all equally!
(Worried about how you are going to finance it? Don’t worry! We’re always there to help you with it. Oh! We also have the paperless loan approval option available for Car Loans with select financial institutions.)
Maruti Suzuki DZire
It is just impossible to leave out the Maruti Suzuki DZire when you’re discussing the best sub-4 metre sedans in the country. It’s also one of the highest-selling sub-4 metre sedans.
What’s good about it? A lot of things actually. This no-nonsense Maruti sedan screams practicality, quality, a wacky design and affordability. You’ll get best-in-class mileage of 26.5 kmpl (Diesel AGS variant), Maruti’s AGS (Auto Gear Shift) system and a desirable performance on this little beast. Add to that Maruti’s pan-India service support, high resale value and after-sales support. Well, doesn’t the Maruti Suzuki DZire sound like a worthy purchase to you?
Price: Rs. 5.27 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 9,617 on your loan for this car.
Additional Reading: You can renew car insurance online in easy steps and enjoy policy benefits.
Ford Figo Aspire
Is it stylish? Is it classy? Is it powerful? Is it fuel efficient? Yes, the Ford Figo Aspire is all of that and beyond. With its bold exterior, luxurious interior and a wide array of features, this four-wheeler delivers not just style, but comfort and class too. The Ford Figo Aspire is also Ford’s first sub-4 metre compact sedan in the market.
What’s good about it? Touted as one of the best cars in its segment, the Figo Aspire successfully strikes a balance between looks, overall performance and driving dynamics. Whether you’re taking it for a drive on rough terrain or city roads, this Ford sedan handles it all with ease (no bottoming out or bounciness). Also, the Figo Aspire doesn’t compromise on safety – all the versions come with dual airbags and ABS. The top-of-the-line model is blessed with a variety of features such as side and passenger airbags, leather seats, Ford MyKey, etc., some of which are not yet available in many cars in its segment.
The icing on the cake is the mileage. The petrol variant (MT) offers a mileage of 18.16 kmpl while the diesel variant offers up to 25.83 kmpl. Cool,eh?
Price: Rs. 5.38 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 9,199 on your loan for this car.
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Honda Amaze
When it comes to good looks, Honda never disappoints. The Honda Amaze is snazzy and catches your attention instantly. The Amaze qualifies as one of Honda’s affordable offerings for the price-conscious Indian middle class.
What’s good about it? It is mechanically sound and cosmetically adorable. It offers a peppy drive, especially on city roads. The car’s fun to handle and the ride quality is great too. Fuel efficiency is also good. The petrol variant (CVT) offers up to 18.1 kmpl mileage while the diesel variant offers 25.8 kmpl mileage. This Honda sub-4 metre sedan hits a sweet spot when it comes to practicality and makes the budget cut too. Awesome, na?
Price: Rs. 5.53 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 10,244 on your loan for this car.
Volkswagen Ameo
Look, a Polo with a baby bump at the back! Say hello to the Volkswagen Ameo. Whether you’re driving in the city or cruising on highways, the Ameo delivers.
What’s good about it? For starters, the design is pretty commendable. This compact car features stylish, chiselled exteriors and luxurious, comfortable interiors. This practical sedan boasts many first-in-its-segment features such as rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, etc. It also is equipped with the basic safety features to keep you safe always. If you’re looking for practicality and a host of features, then the Volkswagen Ameo will not disappoint you. As of now, the Ameo is a petrol-only car here and it offers a mileage of 17.83 kmpl.
Price: Rs. 5.34 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 8,990 on your loan for this car.
Tata Zest
Be it the design, interiors or the ride quality, the Tata Zest definitely pushes the envelope when it comes to sub-4 metre sedans. The Tata Zest is a stellar mix of aesthetics, technology and mechanics.
What’s good about it? The refreshing exterior design, the impressive cabin, the excellent ride and handling, the affordable price tag and a lot more. Actually, everything (yes, we liked the whole package!). The Revotron petrol engine comes with the multi-drive modes (Eco, City and Sport), another segment first, and is a great addition to the vehicle. The 1.3L Quadrajet Diesel engine (higher-tuned version) is a classy performer too. Whether you opt for the petrol or the diesel variant, driving the Tata Zest, especially in the city, is a breeze.
As far as mileage is concerned, the petrol (Revotron 1.2T) variant achieves up to 17.57 kmpl while the diesel (Quadrajet, 75 PS) one offers up to 22.95 kmpl.
Price: Rs. 5.11 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 10,872 on your loan for this car.
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Hyundai Xcent
You could say that the Hyundai Xcent is an i10 with a boot. It looks quite like an i10 from the front. When it comes to design, the Xcent may not be as good-looking as the other compact sedans in the market. But it surely is the most well-balanced one among the lot.
What’s good about it? Build quality and the bucketful of features it offers. Hyundai has also priced the Xcent smartly. The ride quality of this Hyundai vehicle is excellent. Both the petrol and diesel engines powering this car are pretty decent too. What about the mileage? Well, Hyundai claims up to 16.98 kmpl for its petrol variant and up to 22.07 kmpl for the diesel variant. If you’re looking for a family car that wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket, then the Hyundai Xcent is a worthy bet.
Price: Rs. 5.42 lakh for the base model (ex-showroom Chennai). Get EMIs as low as Rs. 10,454 on your loan for this car.
So, which one of the above are you planning to buy this festive season? Whichever you decide to buy, don’t forget to ask your dealer for their festive discounts. As for the financing bit, our awesome Car Loans are just a click away! Hurry now!