The Indian market has diversified in these few years as they don't define themselves or limit various cars to hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Instead, they now have an entry-level hatch, hatchback, premium hatchback, compact sedans, compact SUVs, mid-size sedans, mid-size SUV, D-segment sedans and full-size SUVs. Phew, the list is endless! In today's topic, we will be picking about the rigorous battle between premium hatchbacks vs compact sedans!
We will be sharing the benefits, drawbacks, dimensions and additional information as to which one you should choose for. Whether the fun to drive a premium hatchback or the compact sedan with extra boot space to suffice for your travelling needs!
Pros of having a Compact Sedan
More boot space
If you are a frequent traveller with your friends/family then boot space is something you will be using a lot for those trips. In this case, a compact sedan offers the best in the class boot when compared with premium hatchbacks. Example - Maruti Dzire offers 378 litres of space while Maruti Baleno offers only 339 litres.
Also Read: Are Mild-Hybrid Petrol Engines Better Than Diesel? Benefits And More
Better road presence and Social Status
Believe it or not, there are still some of us who love sedans more than the hatchbacks and SUVs. So compact sedans come to their rescue if they are tight on a budget. A sedan gives a thumbs up to the social status and looks good on the road too.
Higher mileage
Let's consider the Maruti Dzire and Maruti Baleno in this segment. Both are the top-selling vehicles in their segment and uses a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol motor. Maruti Dzire petrol with AMT gearbox delivers 24.12 km/l while Baleno CVT gives out 19.56 km/l only.
More Features
Maruti Dzire offers additional safety features like ESP and Hill Hold control while Baleno doesn't get these. Furthermore, Dzire also gets rear AC vents, Cruise control, Rear armrest as additional features. This point is not always the same but currently, this is the status for Maruti Dzire and Baleno. We did not compare Hyundai Aura with Elite i20 as the latter will be launched in a new avatar with more features. Similarly, Honda Jazz isn't compared with Honda Amaze as the former isn't launched in its BS6 form yet.
Also Read: Five Reasons Why A Compact Sedan Is Better Than A Compact SUV
Cons of having a Compact Sedan
Less ground clearance
Considering Indian roads, a car with good ground clearance is always better to buy option in the market. Here, the compact sedan takes a hit as it offers less ground clearance. Maruti Dzire offers 163 mm where Baleno offers 170 mm of ground clearance. Similarly, Hyundai Aura offers 165 mm while Elite i20 sticks with 170 mm.
Not many sporty options
If you notice the compact sedans then they are basically extended versions of the hatchbacks. Dzire has arrived from Swift, Amaze from discontinued Brio, Tigor from Tiago, Aura from Grand i10 Nios and Aspire from Figo. So the design is not proportionate and some may say compact sedans look ugly. If you compare them with the premium hatchbacks then we have the Tata Altroz, updated Honda Jazz, upcoming Hyundai Elite i20 and Maruti Baleno which looks far better than the CS (compact sedans).
Pros of having a Premium Hatchback
More cabin space than compact sedans
| Models | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
| Maruti Baleno | 3995 mm | 1745 mm | 1510 mm | 2520 mm |
| Maruti Dzire | 3995 mm | 1735 mm | 1515 mm | 2450 mm |
As you can see from the above table Maruti Baleno brings in more space and comfort than the Dzire. Both are measured at same length that is 3,995 mm but Baleno offers more space on the inside. It gets a wheelbase of 2520 mm as compared to the 2450 mm in the Dzire. Also, with the increase in width by 10 mm, the shoulder room too is better in the Baleno.
More affordable
Maruti Baleno starts from Rs 5.70 lakh while the Dzire gets a sticker price of Rs 5.89 lakh. When you compare Hyundai Elite i20 Magna (Rs 6.50 lakh) with S variant of Aura (Rs 6.57 lakh) then there is a marginal price difference of Rs 7,000. This variant wise figures explain that premium hatchbacks are more affordable than the compact sedans.
Good upcoming options in the market
We have several good options coming in the market like the upcoming Hyundai Elite i20 in its 2020 avatar, updated BS6 Honda Jazz and a turbo petrol Tata Altroz. Also, in comparison to the compact sedans, the premium hatchbacks look much better in design.
Cons of having a Premium Hatchback
Less boot space
Like the compact sedans which have bigger and better boot space, here in premium hatchbacks it is much affected. So the long-distance travelling with family and friends might take a toll here.
