Best diesel sedan in India - Entry Level 2012 (Part 2/2)



Best Entry Level Diesel Sedan #2: Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire takes up the second position mainly due to the refined powerful engine, Good mileage, Economical and Maruti Brand! The new Swift DZire sedan is now very compact having length less than 4 metres. Moreover, the compact sedan boast of 150 new features added to it.

Swift DZire is powered by the same advanced diesel engine that power Swift hatchback. The 1.3 litre DDIS CRDI engine taken from Fiat is very much refined with superior CRDI fuel injection system. The injection system along with turbocharger and intercooler combination offers efficient combustion. This engine offers higher torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm . It is capable of producing peak power of 74 bhp at 4000 rpm giving a decent mileage of 23.4 Kmpl on highways.

Maruti Swift DZire

Few points to speak about New Swift DZire: 
  • Good performance.
  • Reliable Engine.
  • Better acceleration and pick up.
  • Simple Exterior: The Swift DZire sedan has simple yet stylish exteriors. It includes hawk eye headlamps, stylish new front grille, sporty fog lamps, built in indicators on ORVMs, Rear combination lamps and new stylish integrated rear spoiler.
  • Interiors:Dzire has got dual tone dashboard with beige plastics below and black above separated by wooden trim. It has door pads and seat fabrics in Beige color that add to the luxurious look of this entry level sedan.
  • Good Features: The top end model has a host of features including Integrated advanced audio system, automatic climate control air conditioning, fresh new instrument  cluster with multi functional display, tilt adjustable steering wheel, electronically controlled ORVM's, unique wood - chrome finish on door handles and pad among others.
  • Increased rear space and comfortable seats
  • Ample legroom, headroom and shoulder room.
  • Boot space of 316 litres is quite adequate for normal use.
  • New Dzire has superb braking facility with advanced braking techniques such as EBD, ABS with brake assist etc.
  • Smooth gearbox unit that provides perfect gear shifts.
  • Safety features include Front dual SRS airbags, ELR seatbelts, Anti Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution and an Engine Drag Control system among others.



Maruti Swift DZire Pros :
Refined engine, Mileage, After Sales service, Affordable, Low Maintenance Cost, Resale and 

of course, the Maruti Brand!


Maruti Swift DZire Cons :

Boot space, average looks, Long waiting period to own one.

Maruti Swift DZire Interior

In short, Maruti Swift DZire is a reliable, tried and tested car that is most economical and easy to maintain.



Best Entry Level Diesel Sedan #3: Tata Indigo Manza



Tata Indigo Manza takes up the third position here. This is mainly due to its space, comfort, engine performance and price. It’s hard to believe a Tata Car coming as one among the top three. The only let down might be the looks where the front fascia looks like indica vista and the rear boot is a bit boxy type. If you are ok with the looks, this is truly a value for money car with good engine performance, spacious interiors and higher ground clearance.  

One can expect a new version of Tata Manza this October with few change including cosmetic changes on the exterior especially in the front fascia. Tata Manza is powered by the 1248cc, 4 Cylinder, Common Rail, Diesel engine that is capable of delivering high engine performance with great fuel efficiency and acceleration. The diesel engine can produce 90PS at 4000rpm of maximum power at 4000 rpm and maximum torque capacity of 200 Nm at 1750-3000 rpm.
Few characteristics that makes this car unique:

Tata Manza

  • High Engine Performance: The 1248 cc engine packed with CRDI fuel supply system delivers high Engine Performance.
  • Smooth driving experiencewithout any sound or vibration even at high speed.
  • Better acceleration and pick up.
  • Best Value for money car.
  • Higher Ground Clearance
  • Roomy interiors: Very Spacious and elegant interiors that makes you feel at home. The two tone beige interiors along with full fabric seat give it a classy feel.
  • Good exteriors: The exteriors of Tata Indigo Manza resembles that of Tata Indica Vista enhanced with more features and attributes such as stylish 15 inches wheels with tubeless tyres with wheel cap, larger front and rear extension, electric controlled ORVM’s etc. The exterior styling includes prominent three barrel headlamps, Chrome Strip in hoods, Chrome inserts on the rub rails and door handles, highmounted tail lights among others. As i said before, the exterior styling may not be that great as compared to other car in its class.  We expect the new facelift version to have better styling especially the front side.
  • Features – The car has feature rich interiors with front and rear cabin lights,  Storage tray under front occupant's seat, Spacious  boot, Vanity mirror and  light on front passenger's sun visor, Front and rear door storage pockets, Tilt adjustable Power steering, Cooled glove box, Adjustable seats, 2 DIN MP3/USB supported music system having controls in steering wheel among others.
  • Safety Features: Tata Manza has a very sound and dynamic braking system. The ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) in the car prevents the wheel lock in case of sudden braking and also ensures to retain control on wet surfaces. Other safety features include dual front Airbags, engine immobilizer and collapsible steering.
  • Mileage: The mileage of Manza in city would be 14 Kmpl and 18.6 Kmpl on highways.
  • Price: The ex showroom price at New Delhi ranges from ranges from 6.49 Lakhs to 8.03 Lakhs
Tata Manza Interior


Tata Indigo Manza Pros:
Spacious, Refined Engine and Price

Tata Indigo Manza Cons:
Overall looks

In short, Tata Indigo Manza is a value for money mid size sedan with refined engine having generous interior space along with great comfort features. The car provides ultimate comfort and pleasure and is best suited for long drives.

Let me know your comments.

What about the best diesel hatchback car in India?