Top Picks in B-segment: What are the best B-segment cars in India?

In the Indian market, the car classification is decided mostly by the size of the car. Accordingly, the A segment is the space of mini vehicles which usually measures under 3,500 mm in length, for example, Maruti Alto and Tata Nano. One segment above is the B-segment space which includes sub-four-meter cars.

The size of the B-segment was meant to match the urban setting. With enough interior space to offer and a fit body, the B-segment car is a perfect choice for city driving where traffic is cramped and parking space is limited. On top of that, the B-segment cars are welcomed owing to its affordability and decent quality. No wonder why it becomes one of the most popular car class in India. IndiaAuto will give you the list of the best B-segment cars in India.

1. B-segment Hatchbacks

In the B-segment, the most popular and prominent body type is the hatchback. This body type also accounts for the majority of car sales in the whole market. The sub-four-meter hatchback space contains most of the hottest hatchback in the market like Maruti Swift, Grand i10 Nios or Maruti Baleno.

1.1. Maruti Swift

Maruti Swift is the market-leading model with the highest sales. Reliable and value-for-money quality have contributed to Maruti Swift’s massive and enduring popularity. Additionally, the B-segment hatchback’s strongest selling points include an attractive look, competitive pricing and low running cost. Maruti Swift has always been among the top fuel-efficient car of its class with the fuel mileage of 21.21 kmpl and 28.4kmpl for the petrol and the diesel version respectively.

This segment-leading hatchback comes in four variants, L, V, Z and Z Plus. Maruti offers two engine options which are the 1.2-litre petrol (83PS/113Nm) and a 1.3-litre diesel engine (75PS/190Nm). Both engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

1.2. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Launched last year, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the latest version of the popular i10 hatchback. With the new-gen version and a new suffix, Hyundai has extensively refreshed the Grand i10’s avatar and expressing a new language design. Just like its predecessor, the Grand i10 Nios is praised for its impressive quality and well-equipped feature list.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the new version of the popular Grand i10

Hyundai’s top-selling vehicle carries forward the same engine line-up including 1.2-litre petrol and a diesel engine. In addition to the outgoing engine option, the new version of the Grand i10 also receives a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine (100PS/172Nm) from the Hyundai Aura. Along with the existing manual option, the new Grand i10 Nios will be available with a new AMT gearbox.

2. B-segment SUVs

Besides the most sought-after hatchback nameplates, the B-segment also consists of some note-worthy sedans and SUVs. Especially, in recent years, the automobile market has seen a phenomenal emerge of sub-four-meter SUV space. Most major carmakers have set their foot on this vehicle segment due to its promising and generous profit. Some of the hottest names of the sub-four-meter segment are Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Tata Harrier.

2.1. Maruti Brezza

Maruti Brezza is proudly the segment-leading vehicle of the sub-compact SUVs for years. Just like other popular vehicles on Maruti’s range, the Brezza is loved for its value-for-money quality and budget-friendly pricing. On top of that, Maruti Brezza displays a high level of comfort and mechanic refinement that sets the standard for the segment.

Maruti Brezza is the leading B-segment SUV in India

Maruti’s best selling sub-four-meter SUV is offered with only choice of engine, a 1.5-litre petrol unit that put out a top power of 105 and maximum torque of 138 Nm. The diesel option on the Brezza was discontinued after the facelift. The only petrol engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed AT transmission. It is expected that the facelift version will come with the mild-hybrid technology on the manual version soon.

2.2. Hyundai Venue

Up till now, Hyundai Venue is the strongest rival that can challenge the long reign of segment leading Maruti Brezza. Hyundai’s sub-four-meter SUV was just launched in May 2019. Soon after its launch, the small SUV has emerged as the second best selling vehicles, ranking only after the Brezza. 

Hyundai Venue is a hit for the South Korean car manufacturer

Hyundai Venue can grasp a big chunk of this competitive segment owing to its long list of premium, segment-leading features. Some highlight features of this well-equipped vehicle includes wireless charging, air purifier, sunroof, cruise control, rear AC vents and push start/stop. Notably, Hyundai Venue comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen installed with highly-advanced Hyundai’s BlueLink connectivity system. Along with that, Hyundai also offers various option of powertrain. At launch, Hyundai Venue is available with three engines, 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The power outputs of these engines are rated at 83PS/114Nm, 100PS/240Nm and 120PS/171Nm, respectively. The first two engines are offered with manual gearbox only. The 7-spped dual-clutch automatic option is only available on the turbo-engine variants.

3. B-segment Sedans

The least popular body type of the B-segment is sedan, which comes as no surprise since the sedan space is going through a tough time, challenged by the growing SUV segment and overshadowed by hatchback’s popularity. However, there are still some names that stand out from this dooming background of the segment. Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze are two main runners of the B-segment sedan.

3.1. Maruti Dzire

Noted as the segment leading B-segment sedan, Maruti Dzire is able to retain a huge following in the market. The car gains a significant impact on its class thanks to its appealing look and a performance competency.

Maruti Dzire is the best-selling sedan in India

Recently, Maruti has introduced the facelift version of its hot-selling sedan. The Dzire is now available with updated engine setting along with a fresh new look. Exteriorly, the facelift Dzire comes with a revised front avatar with new grille design and foglight housing. However, the most significant change is the new 1.2-litre DualJe engine that delivers 90PS of power and 113Nm of torque. It comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Notably with the addition of the idle start-stop function, the Maruti Dzire is able to offer significantly improved fuel efficiency.

3.2. Honda Amaze

Along with the Maruti Dzire, the Honda Amaze is also a prominent sedan in the B-segment. Its latest major update back in 2018 has helped to significantly strengthen its status in the segment. Honda Amaze delivers a decent quality with great riding quality, interior comfort and well-equipped features.

Honda Amaze is among the top choices for a B-segment sedan

The sedan comes with two choices of engines, a 1.2-litre petrol (90PS/110Nm) and 1.5-litre diesel engine (100PS/200Nm). These two motors are offered with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox as well as a optional CVT.