What Are The Best D-Segment Cars In India?

D-segment cars are known as mid-size cars. On average, the D segment car measures from 4,500 mm to 5,000 mm in length. With such a large dimension, cars of this segment usually come with generous interior space as well as imposing exterior looks. One of the common attributes among D segment car is the outstanding premiumness and luxury they can offer. This space is not as popular as other below segment but still, gathers some competitive contenders. In the following part, IndiaAuto will list out the most prominent nameplates of all D segment cars in India in both sedan and SUV space.

1. D-segment Sedan

1.1. Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra is a strong contender from the South Korean car manufacturer in the D-segment sedan. This sedan delivers an outstanding ride quality and excellent comfort which can please most car users.

Hyundai Elantra is a notable option in the D-segment sedan space

In terms of the engine option, Hyundai Elantra is currently offered with only one petrol engine that is the 2.0-litre petrol engine. This motor is capable of making a top power 152 PS and a maximum torque of 192 Nm. It comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. A new diesel engine is expected to be added to Hyundai Elantra’s range in the following year along with its new-gen update.

This car is equipped to the brim with various upmarket features like ventilated seats for the front, dual-zone automatic AC, sunroof and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment. Notably, the Elantra also gets Hyundai’s advanced BlueLink connectivity system which is available on the best-selling SUV Hyundai Verna as well.

1.2. Skoda Octavia

Price: 15.99 - 36.0 Lakh

Skoda Octavia is a major product on Skoda’s global line-up. In our market, the Skoda Octavia also attracts a wide following thanks to its renowned premium quality, fully-loaded feature list and wonderful performance. Owning to these worth-praising attributes, Skoda Octavia is among the best offerings of the D-segment.

Skoda Octavia provides excellent quality and premium features

Currently, this sedan is available with three engine options, namely, 1.4-litre TSI petrol (150PS/250Nm), a 1.8-litre TSI petrol (180PS/250Nm), and a 2.0-litre diesel unit (143PS/320Nm). While the smaller petrol engine is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, the larger unit comes with only a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The only diesel engine on offer is available with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed DSG automatic. Some highlight features of the Skoda Octavia are hand-free parking, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wiper, 12-adjustable driver seat, two-zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster.

1.3. Toyota Corolla Altis

Toyota Corolla Altis is the main rival against the Hyundai Elantra and Skoda Octavia in the D-segment sedan space. The sedan was given the current avatar as its facelift in March 2017. This year, it is expected that Toyota will launch the new-gen version of the Corolla Altis which is likely to adopt the TNGA platform.

Toyota Corolla Altis is a great D-segment sedan

Under the hood, Toyota Corolla Altis comes with either a 1.8-litre petrol engine and 1.4-litre diesel motor. These two engine options are likely to be carried toward the next generation.  

2. D-segment SUV

2.1. Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai is offering a couple of models in the SUV space and gaining massive success and recognition with top-selling cars like Hyundai Creta and Verna in the compact and sub-compact SUV space, respectively. Besides these prominent names, Hyundai also offers a D-segment SUV which is the Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai Tucson’s main rivals are Jeep Compass, MG Hector and Tata Harrier.

Hyundai Tucson is a great choice for a mid-size SUV

Hyundai Tucson is powered by either a 2.0-litre diesel (185PS) or 2.0-litre petrol engine (155PS).  While the petrol is available with a 6-speed AT, the diesel engine is mated to 8-speed automatic gearbox. Earlier this year, the facelift version of the ongoing Hyundai Tucson made its appearance at the Auto Expo 2020.

2.2. Jeep compass

Jeep Compass is the most successful nameplate on Jeep’s portfolio for India market. Having a fair share in the D-segment SUV space, the Compass is a top option for those who are looking for a large, premium SUV.

Jeep Compass is now the most popular model in Jeep’s India-spec range

This SUV is available with two choices of transmissions including 14-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The former can make 163 PS and 250 Nm while the former is capable of delivering 173 PS/350 Nm. Both engines are offered with 6-speed manual gearbox. Each engine is paired a different automatic option, 7-speed DCT and 9-speed automatic gearbox for petrol and diesel engines, respectively.

2.3. Volkswagen Tiguan

Earlier this year, Volkswagen brought the Tiguan Allspace which is the seven-seater version of the five-seater Tiguan to the 2020 Auto Expo. Currently, the Tiguan is available in two variants, Highline and Comfortline. These variants are priced at Rs 28.05 and Rs 31.44 lakh respectively.

Well-equipped Volkswagen Tiguan will bring you a premium driving experience

This SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that churns out a top power of 143 PS and a maximum torque of 340 Nm. This old burner is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. An all-wheel-drive system is offered in both Highline and Comfortline. Additionally, the Tiguan is equipped with segment-leading features such as panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto support.

3. D-segment MUV

The D-segment also includes some prominent names in the MPV space, from the hottest MPV Toyota Innova Crysta to the recently launched Kia Carnival.

3.1. Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Innova Crysta has been the number one MPV ever since its debut in our market. The Innova Crysta has what it takes to become people’s favourite MPV. It attains a great level of practicality without compromising comfort and luxury. Most importantly, Toyota Innova Crysta has proved itself to be a reliable asset that stands the test of time and guarantees good resale value.

Leading the MPV space, Toyota Innova Crysta is the top option in the D-segment

The best-selling MPV comes with two choices of engines, 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.4-litre diesel engine. These engines are good for 166PS/245Nm and 150PS/343Nm, respectively. These engines are offered with either a 5-peed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Even though Toyota Innova Crysta scores high in terms of practicality, it is still well-loaded with comfort creatures. This MPV offers eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and rear parking sensor with camera, to name a few. Toyota Innova Crysta is definitely the best D-segment MPV in the market by far.

3.2. Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival is the second product launched by Kia Motors in India market. The South Korean car brand has garnered massive success with the Kia Seltos which has taken the SUV segment by storm. Kia Carnival is expected to live up to its predecessor’s level of achievement.

Kia Carnival is offered in three variants, Premium, Prestige and Limousine. It is worth noticing that each variant will come with different seating configurations, seven-seater, eight-seater and even nine-seater.

Kia Carnival is the second Kia cars to enter India market

This MPV derives power from a 2.2-litre diesel engine that generates 200PS and 400Nm of maximum power and torque. This engine comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With the price ranging from Rs 24.95 lakh to Rs 39.95 lakh, the Kia Carnival is positioned as a premium offering in the MPV space. This car is loaded with premium features like dual-panel sunroof, three-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display for the second row.