Which Are The Best Sedans and SUVs In the C-segment?

by IndianAuto Team | 09/04/2020
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C-segment cars are the safe options for those who look for a middle ground between the small B-segment cars and midsize D-segment. Here is the list of the best C-segment cars in India.

Sitting between the small-car B-segment and the midsize-car D segment, C-segment Cars in India are usually known as compact models. The length of vehicles in this segment usually ranges from 4,200 mm to 4,500 mm. Hatchbacks which are too small for this range of length are mostly non-existent in the C-segment. Instead, the most prominent body types of this segment are sedan and SUV. There are even some MPVs in the C-segment, even though they’re rare and less popular.

Compared to the B-segment vehicles, the C segment cars appear to look more imposing with a better stance and bigger dimension. They can also offer more rooms on the inside as well as more boot space, thereby enhancing the comfort for car occupants. On the other hand, in comparison against the D-segment, the C-segment cars retain a compact size that would comfortably manoeuvring around Indian road and requires and most importantly, C-segment cars are more affordable.

If you are targeting to buy cars from this segment, IndianAuto will give you some suggestion of the best C-segment cars in India, including best C-segment sedans and best C-segment SUVs.

C-segment Sedans in India

Compact sedans segment is facing a rough time due to the losing interest from the car buyers who are shifting toward the SUV segment. However, cars of the segment are preparing to gain back their share with extensive upgrades. Before seeing the C-segment cars in India make their returns, becoming better than ever, we will list out the most competent cars in the C-segment sedan space.

Honda City

Honda City is the key product of the Japanese carmaker in the India market. This sedan remains huge following in the C-segment sedan space thanks to its proved reliability, excellent build quality and upmarket equipment. The drawback of the Honda City is its premium price tag.

best C-segment cars in India - 2019 honda city silver front end

Honda City is one of the best selling models in Honda’s line-up

The sedan is now available with two choices of engines, a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The former is good for 119PS/145Nm, the latter produces 100PS/200Nm. Each engine gets difference choices of transmission. While the diesel engine comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the petrol is mated either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic unit.

Maruti Ciaz

Maruti Ciaz is the segment-leading model among the C-segment sedan cars in India. This sedan seems to tick all the important boxes, from driveability, space, or ride quality. And most importantly, the Ciaz hits the sweet spot of Indian car buyers, their longing for value for money quality.

best C-segment cars in India - maruti ciaz side profile blue

Maruti Ciaz remains to be the most attractive offer in the C-segment sedan space

The Ciaz sedan is currently available with a 1.5-litre BSVI petrol engine which generates a maximum torque of 105PS and peak torque of 138 Nm. It comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Along with the updated BSVI engine, Maruti is still selling the BSIV engine option including 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine as well as a 1.3-litre diesel engine. However, these options will be crossed out once the stock runs out.

Hyundai Verna

Hyundai Verna is a competent contender from the Hyundai family. While the Hyundai Elantra has established a firm position as a top D-segment sedan car, the Verna does not share equivalent popularity in the respective space of the C-segment which is led by Maruti Ciaz and Honda City. But still, it is still a good option to consider.

best C-segment cars in India - hyundai verna 2020 three quarter front

Hyundai Verna is a good car with high quality and attractive look

Hyundai Verna provides a wide range of engine options including 1.4-litre petrol (100PS/132Nm), 1.4-litre diesel (90PS/220Nm), 1.6-litre petrol (123PS/151Nm)and 1.6-litre diesel (128PS/129Nm). While the 1.6-litre duo comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the smaller engines are exclusively mated to a 6-speed manual unit.

C-segment SUVs in India

In contrary to the sedan segment’s stagnant business, the SUV is witnessing impressive growth. Along with the growing interest, the competition in this segment is also climbing. Last years, the C-segment SUV space has welcomed two new fresh faces, Kia Seltos and MG Hector. Interestingly, the Kia Seltos has quicky overthrown the long-time segment-leading Hyundai Creta to become the best selling car in the compact SUV segment.

Hyundai Creta

Before the arrival of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta remained to the unquestionable leader of the compact SUV segment. In order to take back its prime light, Hyundai Creta recently updated with the second-generation version.

best C-segment SUVs in India - 2020 hyundai creta front end

Hyundai Creta is undoubtedly one of the most popular choices in the C-segment

 2020 Hyundai Creta gets the same engine options offered on Kia Setlos, including a 1.5-litre petrol (115PS/144Nm), a 1.5-litre diesel (115PS/250Nm), and a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (140PS/242Nm). A 6-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard for both 1.5-litre diesel and petrol engine. While the diesel unit gets an additional CVT, its diesel counterpart is offered with a 6-speed torque converter as an option. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol is available with 7-speed DCT only. Especially, the 2020 version also gets new features like ventilated front seats, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof and wireless charging as well as a 7-inch digital display for instrument cluster.

Kia Seltos

The last name in the list of the best C-segment SUVs in India is Kia Seltos which is the hottest nameplate of 2019. Launched in August 2019 as the first product of Kia Motors in India, the Seltos has garnered an impressive success, climbing right to the top of the hottest space in the automobile market. As mentioned above, the Kia Seltos also shares the same engine offers as the Hyundai Creta. However, it is offered with more transmission combinations. All engines come with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The only diesel option gets a 6-speed 6-speed torque convertor and the petrol counterpart is available with either CVT or DCT unit. In additional to the standard manual gearbox, the turbo unit also receives another option of 7-speed DCT.

best C-segment SUVs in India - kia seltos red colour threequarter

Kia Seltos is a rising star not only in the C-segment but also in the entire Indian automobile market

Kia Seltos gets some highlight features like air purifier, ambient lighting, a power-adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, 8-inch head-up display, and sunroof. Additionally, Kia also offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Kia’s latest UVO connected car technology, a 7-inch multi-information display, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a sunroof, and leatherette upholstery.

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