Value
Brand value is still a thing, but not in this segment, or is it? All three have revered badges for different reasons. Maruti Suzuki are known for their service network, Honda for their reliability, and Hyundai for their contemporary design and equipment level. On the efficiency front, they’re all more or less identical and stretch a litre of diesel to 20 km or more. However, what I always suggest to those who ask me what car they should buy is: buy a car based on what you need, not what other people tell you, or the higher number of whatever models you see on the road. While either of these may be your first car, or your first upgrade, you have to realise that the little things are the big things. If you’re the thirsty kind or a coffee-lover who loves take-away, a wrongly placed cup-holder or a bottle-holder one size too small will cause you more grief than you’d believe. Similarly, if your family has a history of tall genes, don’t buy a car with less passenger room. You can have anything, but you can’t have everything. Prioritise.
The Baleno DDiS 190 Alpha costs Rs 8.26 lakh, the Elite i20 Asta (O) CRDi costs Rs 8.47 lakh, while the Jazz i-DTEC V costs Rs 8.30 lakh (the VX is Rs 8.80 lakh), all ex-showroom, Pune.
Verdict: If you want a car with a futuristic design that is reliable and frugal, the Jazz it is. Need tech and equipment and better comfort? The Elite i20 is great in the city and on the highway. Need a more contemporary Maruti Suzuki and a great city car that sips responsibly? Get the Baleno.
If you ask me, I’d have the VW Polo GT TDi. For the same money (Rs 8.60 lakh, ex-Pune) it’s the best driving car of the lot. Other than the slightly less rear passenger room and lack of rear air vents, there is nothing wrong with it. Where it thoroughly redeems itself is in its build quality, reliability, refinement, and performance dynamics. The handling and stability at all speeds remain unmatched and the planted, reassuring, well-sorted feel from the car is something which gives something else: peace of mind.
