AUTOMOTIVE BENCHMARKING

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to evaluate and compare four vehicles within the budget range of 8 to 10 lakhs on-road, taking into consideration the specific requirements of Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii, who resides in the crowded city of Bangalore.

The report aims to provide recommendations for a suitable car that can comfortably accommodate his family of five, including a five-year-old boy, his wife, father, and mother. Additionally, the chosen car should be suitable for commuting within Bangalore and occasional long-distance trips of approximately 500 kilometres to Madurai.

The objective is to consider Mr Pughazhyendhii's preference for big cars while ensuring that the chosen vehicle offers a balance of features, comfort, practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The report will conclude with a single recommended vehicle along with relevant images to assist Mr Pughazhyendhii in making an informed decision.

 

WHAT IS AUTOMOTIVE BENCHMARKING AND ITS BENEFITS?

ALSO, WHICH METHODOLOGIES ARE USED TO PERFORM AUTOMOTIVE BENCHMARKING? 

 

Automotive-Benchmarking is a strategic process used by automakers and suppliers to evaluate and compare their products, processes, and performance against those of their competitors or industry leaders. It involves studying and analyzing various aspects of automotive design, engineering, manufacturing, and business practices to identify areas for improvement and drive innovation.

Benchmarking is a well-established practice across industries, but it holds particular significance in the automotive sector due to its highly competitive nature and rapid technological advancements. By benchmarking, automotive companies can gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their products and processes, leading to enhanced competitiveness and overall performance.

The Automotive Benchmarking process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identification of Benchmarking Targets: The first step is to identify the specific areas or components of interest that the company wishes to benchmark. This could include vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, safety features, manufacturing processes, supply chain management, or any other aspect that is critical to the company's success.

2. Selection of Benchmarking Partners: Once the benchmarking targets are identified, the next step is to select benchmarking partners or companies that are known for their excellence in those areas. These partners can be direct competitors, industry leaders, or even companies from other industries that excel in a particular aspect of interest.

3. Data Collection: Data collection involves gathering relevant information and data related to the benchmarking targets from the selected partners. This can be done through various means such as site visits, interviews, surveys, market research, and data-sharing agreements. The collected data may include specifications, performance metrics, best practices, cost structures, and other relevant information.

4. Data Analysis: After collecting the data, it is analyzed to identify key similarities, differences, and performance gaps between the benchmarking partners and the company conducting the benchmarking exercise. This analysis provides valuable insights into the areas where improvements can be made or innovative ideas can be implemented.

5. Performance Comparison and Evaluation: In this step, the company compares its own performance with that of the benchmarking partners. This comparison helps in identifying areas where the company is lagging behind or areas where it can surpass its competitors. It provides a basis for setting realistic improvement targets and goals.

6. Best Practice Identification: Benchmarking also involves identifying and documenting best practices observed during the analysis. These best practices are the proven methods or techniques that have been successful in achieving superior performance. They can serve as a benchmarking company's reference point for implementing improvements and driving innovation.

7. Implementation of Improvements: The insights gained from benchmarking are worthless if not put into action. The next step involves implementing the identified improvements or innovations within the benchmarking company. This may require changes in processes, technology, organizational structure, or any other aspect that can lead to better performance and competitiveness.

8. Continuous Monitoring and Review: Benchmarking is not a one-time activity. To stay competitive, companies must continuously monitor their performance and compare it with industry benchmarks. This allows them to identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices and make necessary adjustments to maintain or improve their position in the market.

 

BENEFITS OF AUTOMOTIVE BENCHMARKING:

1. Competitive Advantage: Benchmarking helps companies gain a competitive advantage by identifying areas for improvement and learning from industry leaders. By implementing best practices and innovative ideas, companies can enhance their products, processes, and overall performance.

 

2. Innovation and Product Development: Benchmarking can stimulate innovation by exposing companies to new ideas and approaches. By studying the latest technologies and trends, companies can identify areas where they can introduce new features, improve performance, or develop innovative products.

 

3. Cost Reduction: Benchmarking allows companies to identify cost-saving opportunities by studying the best practices of industry leaders. By streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and adopting cost-effective strategies, companies can reduce manufacturing costs and increase profitability.

 

4. Quality Enhancement: Through benchmarking, companies can identify quality gaps and deficiencies in their products or processes. By studying industry leaders and competitors, companies can learn best practices for maintaining and improving product quality. This can include adopting advanced quality control techniques, enhancing manufacturing processes, or implementing rigorous testing protocols to ensure that their products meet or exceed customer expectations.

 

5. Customer Satisfaction: Benchmarking helps companies understand customer needs, preferences, and expectations by comparing their products with those of competitors. By identifying areas where competitors excel in terms of features, performance, or customer service, companies can develop strategies to enhance customer satisfaction. This can involve improving product features, offering better warranties, or providing superior after-sales support.

 

6. Supply Chain Optimization: Benchmarking can also extend to supply chain management, where companies can analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chain operations compared to industry leaders. This can involve studying inventory management techniques, logistics strategies, supplier relationships, and cost-saving measures. By benchmarking their supply chain, companies can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to optimize their operations.

 

7. Organizational Learning and Development: Benchmarking fosters a culture of continuous learning and development within an organization. By encouraging employees to study and analyze industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, companies can cultivate a mindset of innovation and improvement. Benchmarking activities can also provide opportunities for employees to learn from industry experts and gain new insights into their own roles and responsibilities.

 

8. Risk Mitigation: Benchmarking allows companies to assess potential risks and challenges in the market. By understanding the competitive landscape and industry trends, companies can proactively identify potential threats and develop strategies to mitigate them. This can include diversifying product offerings, expanding into new markets, or investing in research and development to stay ahead of emerging technologies.

 

Overall, automotive benchmarking is a strategic process that enables companies to evaluate their products, processes, and performance in comparison to industry leaders and competitors. By identifying areas for improvement, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, companies can enhance their competitiveness, drive innovation, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve long-term success in the dynamic automotive industry.

 

To conduct automotive benchmarking effectively, companies employ various methodologies and techniques. These may include the following:

1. Vehicle teardowns: This involves dismantling and analyzing a target vehicle or component to understand its design, materials, manufacturing processes, and technology. Teardowns provide a detailed understanding of the competitor's product and can uncover hidden features or cost-saving measures.

MERCEDES EQS 580 4MATIC TEARDOWN BY A2MAC1

 

2. Specification analysis: Comparison of technical specifications, performance data, and features of different vehicles or components. This analysis helps identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

 

3. Performance testing: Conduct standardized tests and evaluations to measure the performance of vehicles or components in areas such as acceleration, braking, handling, fuel efficiency, safety features, and comfort. Comparative analysis of test results provides insights into relative performance levels.

 

4. Customer surveys and feedback: Gather customer opinions, preferences, and feedback through surveys, interviews, or focus groups. This information helps identify customer needs, expectations, and satisfaction levels, allowing companies to align their products accordingly.

 

5. Cost analysis: Evaluating the cost structure and value proposition of vehicles or components. This includes analyzing production costs, materials, manufacturing processes, and pricing strategies. Cost benchmarking helps identify areas for cost reduction and cost competitiveness.

 

6. Technology scouting: Monitoring advancements in technology and innovation across the automotive industry. This involves tracking emerging technologies, patents, research papers, and collaborations. By identifying technology trends and breakthroughs, companies can stay ahead of the competition and incorporate innovative features in their products.

 

7. Best practice identification: Studying industry leaders and successful companies to identify best practices in areas such as product development, manufacturing processes, supply chain management, marketing, and customer service. Adopting best practices can help improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

8. Market analysis: Analyzing market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape. This includes studying sales data, market share, pricing strategies, marketing campaigns, and customer demographics. Market analysis provides insights into market dynamics and helps companies make informed decisions regarding product positioning and market entry.

 

The findings and insights obtained through benchmarking are used to drive product improvement, set performance targets, make informed strategic decisions, and enhance competitiveness. Companies may prioritize areas for improvement based on the benchmarking results and develop action plans to address the identified gaps. These actions may include redesigning components, adopting new manufacturing processes, incorporating advanced technologies, or enhancing product features.

It is important to note that automotive benchmarking is an ongoing process. As the industry evolves and new technologies emerge, companies need to continuously monitor and benchmark their products to stay competitive. Regular benchmarking helps companies stay abreast of industry trends, customer expectations, and technological advancements, enabling them to innovate and deliver high-quality products that meet market demands.

In conclusion, automotive benchmarking is a strategic process that involves comparing and analyzing vehicles or components against competitors or industry leaders. It provides valuable insights into product performance, features, and market positioning, enabling companies to identify areas for improvement and enhance competitiveness. By leveraging benchmarking methodologies and techniques, companies can drive innovation, set performance targets, and deliver superior products to meet customer needs and preferences in the ever-evolving automotive industry.

 

AVL, A2Mac1, Caresoft Global, McKinsey and Munroe are well-known companies that offer automotive benchmarking services and information. Most OEMs and Tier 1s also have their own internal benchmarking departments to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors.

 

MAIN REPORT:

The parameters used in the specifications tree for an automobile on a website may vary depending on the specific website and the level of detail provided. However, here are some common parameters that are often included and their explanations:

1. Vehicle Make and Model: This parameter identifies the brand and specific model of the automobile. It helps users easily identify and search for a particular vehicle.

2. Body Type: This parameter describes the general structure or style of the vehicle, such as sedan, SUV, hatchback, coupe, or convertible.

3. Engine: This parameter provides information about the engine configuration, displacement, and type (e.g., inline-four, V6, turbocharged, hybrid).

4. Transmission: This parameter specifies the type of transmission system used in the vehicle, such as manual, automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT), or dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

5. Drivetrain: This parameter indicates whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). It determines how power is distributed to the vehicle's wheels.

6. Fuel Type: This parameter specifies the type of fuel the vehicle uses, such as gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, or plug-in hybrid.

7. Power Output: This parameter provides information about the engine's power output, usually in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW).

8. Torque: Torque refers to the twisting force produced by the engine, typically measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or Newton-meters (Nm). It indicates the engine's low-end power and acceleration capability.

9. Fuel Efficiency: This parameter indicates the vehicle's fuel efficiency, often expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) or litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km). It provides an estimate of how far the vehicle can travel on a given amount of fuel.

10. Dimensions: This parameter includes various measurements such as overall length, width, height, wheelbase, and ground clearance. It helps users assess the vehicle's size and suitability for their needs.

11. Seating Capacity: This parameter indicates the number of passengers the vehicle can accommodate comfortably.

12. Safety Features: This parameter lists the safety features incorporated in the vehicle, such as airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

13. Infotainment and Connectivity: This parameter covers the entertainment and connectivity features offered by the vehicle, including touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, smartphone integration, and audio systems.

14. Interior and Exterior Features: This parameter highlights the vehicle's interior and exterior features, such as upholstery material, seating configuration, climate control, power-adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof, alloy wheels, LED headlights, and fog lights.

15. Pricing: This parameter provides information about the vehicle's price, including the base price and any additional options or packages that may affect the total cost.

It's important to note that the availability and level of detail for these parameters may vary depending on the website and the specific vehicle being listed. The parameters mentioned above are commonly used to provide a comprehensive overview of an automobile's specifications, enabling users to make informed decisions when searching for a vehicle.

 

The purpose of this report is to evaluate and compare four carefully selected vehicles from different manufacturers that offer the best value within the specified budget range. The objective is to identify the most suitable vehicle for Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii based on his requirements and preferences. Each vehicle will be thoroughly examined, taking into account its specifications, features, and overall suitability for its needs. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, we aim to recommend the most suitable car that aligns with Mr Pughazhyendhii's budget and preferences, ensuring optimal satisfaction and value for his investment.

 

1. HONDA AMAZE (VX CVT 1.2 PETROL WITH i-VTEC): 

EXTERIOR:

DASHBOARD:

TACHOMETER:

ENGINE:

ENGINE LAYOUT:

FRONT & REAR SEATS:

BOOT SPACE:

GLOBAL NCAP RATINGS FOR HONDA AMAZE:

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

 

 

2. MAHINDRA XUV300 (W4 1.2 PETROL WITH TURBO): 

EXTERIOR:

DASHBOARD:

TACHOMETER:

ENGINE (1.2L NON-TURBO):

ENGINE LAYOUT:

FRONT AND REAR SEATS:

BOOT SPACE:

GLOBAL NCAP RATING FOR MAHINDRA XUV300:

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

 

3. MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ DELTA (1.5 PETROL K15 SMART HYBRID): 

EXTERIOR:

 DASHBOARD:

TACHOMETER:

ENGINE:

ENGINE LAYOUT:

FRONT & REAR SEATS:

BOOT SPACE:

ASEAN NCAP RATING FOR MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ:

 

 

 SPECIFICATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. TATA NEXON XMA (1.2L PETROL ENGINE- TURBOCHARGED REVOTRON): 

EXTERIOR:

 

DASHBOARD:

TACHOMETER:

ENGINE LAYOUT:

FRONT & REAR SEATS:

BOOT SPACE:

GLOBAL NCAP RATING FOR TATA NEXON XMA AMT:

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISON OF VEHICLE FEATURES:

THIS SECTION AIMS TO OBJECTIVELY ASSESS AND COMPARE THE FEATURES OF EACH VEHICLE IN ORDER TO ARRIVE AT A WELL-FOUNDED VERDICT.

TATA NEXON XMA	HONDA AMAZE VX CVT	MARUTI SUZUKI CIAZ DELTA	MAHINDRA XUV300 W4
Rs. 9.55 Lakh	Rs. 9.62 Lakh	Rs. 9.58 Lakh	Rs. 8.41 Lakh

 

1. ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:

VEHICLES:-	TATA NEXON (XMA)	HONDA AMAZE (VX CVT)	MARUTI SUZUKI (CIAZ DELTA)	MAHINDRA XUV300 (W4)
ENGINE	1199 cc, 3 Cylinders Inline, 2 Valves/Cylinder, SOHC	1199 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, SOHC	1462 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC	1197 cc, 3 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC
ENGINE TYPE	1.2L Turbocharged Revotron	i-VTEC	K15 Smart Hybrid	1.2 Turbo Petrol
FUEL TYPE	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
MAX POWER (BHP@RPM)	118 BHP@5500 RPM	89 BHP@6000RPM	103 BHP@6000RPM	109 BHP@ 5000RPM
MAX TORQUE (NM@RPM)	170NM@1750RPM	110NM@4800RPM	138NM@4400RPM	200NM@2000RPM
MILEAGE (ARAI) (KMPL)	17.05	18.3	20.6	17
DRIVETRAIN	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
TRANSMISSION	AMT - 6 Gears, Manual Override, Sport Mode	Automatic (CVT) - CVT Gears, Paddle Shift	Manual - 5 Gears	Manual - 6 Gears
EMISSION STANDARD	BS6 PHASE 2	BS6 PHASE 2	BS6	BS6
TURBOCHARGER/ SUPERCHARGER	TURBOCHARGED	X	X	TURBOCHARGED
OTHER ENGINE FEATURES	X	X	REGENERATIVE BRAKING, IDLE START/STOP	X

 

2. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:

LENGTH(MM)	3993	3995	4490	3995
WIDTH(MM)	1811	1695	1730	1821
HEIGHT(MM)	1606	1501	1485	1627
WHEELBASE(MM)	2498	2470	2650	2600
GROUND CLEARANCE(MM)	209	170	170	180
KERB WEIGHT(KG)	1230	957	1055	1307

 

3. CAPACITY:

DOORS	5	4	4	5
SEATING CAPACITY	5	5	5	5
SEATING ROWS	2	2	2	2
BOOT SPACE (L)	350	420	510	257
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (L)	44	35	43	42

 
4. SUSPENSION, BRAKES, STEERING & TYRES:

FRONT SUSPENSION	Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut with Coil Spring	McPherson Strut, Coil Spring	McPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut with anti-roll bar
REAR SUSPENSION	Semi-Independent; closed profile Twist beam with Coil Spring and shock absorber	Torsion Beam, Coil Spring	Torsion Beam	Twist beam suspension with coil spring
FRONT BRAKE TYPE	Disc	Disc	Ventilated Disc	Disc
REAR BRAKE TYPE	Drum	Drum	Drum	Disc
MINIMUM TURNING RADIUS	5.1	4.7	5.4	5.3
STEERING TYPE	Power-assisted (Electric)	Power-assisted (Electric)	Power-assisted (Electric)	Power-assisted (Electric)
WHEELS	Steel Rims	Alloy Wheels	Alloy Wheels	Steel Rims
SPARE WHEEL	Steel	Steel	Steel	Steel
FRONT TYRES	195 / 60 R16	175 / 65 R15	185 / 65 R15	205 / 65 R16
REAR TYRES	195 / 60 R16	175 / 65 R15	185 / 65 R15	205 / 65 R16

 

5. SAFETY:

OVERSPEED WARNING	1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph	1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph	1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph	1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph
PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT	YES	NO	NO	NO
NCAP RATING	5 Star (Global NCAP)	4 Star (Global NCAP)	4 Star (ASEAN NCAP)	5 Star (Global NCAP)
AIRBAGS	2 Airbags (Driver, Passenger)	2 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger)	2 Airbags (Driver, Passenger)	2 Airbags (Driver, Passenger)
Child Seat Anchor Points	YES	YES	YES	YES
SEAT BELT WARNING	YES	YES	YES	YES

 

6. BRAKING & TRACTION:

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)	YES	YES	YES	YES
ELECTRONIC BRAKEFORCE DISTRIBUTION (EBD)	YES	YES	YES	YES
BRAKE ASSIST (BA)	YES	NO	YES	NO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)	YES	NO	YES	NO
HILL HOLD CONTROL	YES	YES	YES	NO
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TC/TCS)	YES	NO	NO	NO

 

7. LOCKS & SECURITY: 

ENGINE IMMOBILIZER	YES	YES	YES	YES
CENTRAL LOCKING	REMOTE	REMOTE	REMOTE	REMOTE
SPEED-SENSING DOOR LOCK	YES	YES	YES	YES
CHILD SAFETY LOCK	YES	YES	YES	YES

 

8. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE:

UMBRELLA STORAGE IN THE DOOR	YES	NO	NO	NO
AIR CONDITIONER	Yes (Manual)	Yes (Automatic Climate Control)	Yes (Automatic Climate Control)	Yes (Manual)
FRONT AC	Single Zone, Common Fan Speed Control	Single Zone, Common Fan Speed Control	Single Zone, Common Fan Speed Control	Single Zone, Common Fan Speed Control
REAR AC	NO	NO	Vents Behind Front Armrest	NO
HEATER	YES	YES	YES	YES
VANITY MIRRORS ON THE SUNROOF	Co-Driver Only	Co-Driver Only	Co-Driver Only	NO
CABIN BOOT ACCESS	YES	NO	NO	YES
ANTI-GLARE MIRRORS	Manual - Internal Only	Manual - Internal Only	Manual - Internal Only	Manual - Internal Only
PARKING ASSIST	NO	Reverse Camera with Guidance	NO	NO
PARKING SENSORS	Rear	Rear	Rear	Rear
CRUISE CONTROL	NO	NO	YES	NO
HEADLIGHTS & IGNITION ON REMINDER	YES	YES	YES	YES
START/STOP BUTTON	NO	YES	NO	NO
STEERING ADJUSTMENT	Tilt	Tilt	Tilt	Tilt
12V POWER OUTLETS	1	1	2	1

 

9. SEATS & UPHOLSTERY: 

DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)	8-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down, seat height up/down)	8-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down, seat height up/down)	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)	6-way manually adjustable (seat forward/back, backrest tilt forward/back, headrest up/down)
FOLDING REAR SEAT	FULL	NO FULLY	NOT FULLY	FULL
HEADRESTS	Front & Rear	Front & Rear	Front & Rear	Front
SEAT UPHOLSTERY	Fabric	Fabric	Fabric	Fabric

 

10. LIGHTNING:

HEADLIGHTS	Halogen Projector	LED Projector	Halogen Projector	Halogen
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS	NO	YES	NO	NO
TAILLIGHTS	LED	LED	HALOGEN	LED
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS	LED	LED	NO	NO
AMBIENT INTERIOR LIGHTING	Optional	Optional	NO	NO
CABIN LAMPS	Front	Front and Rear	Front and Rear	Centre
HEADLIGHT HEIGHT ADJUSTER	YES	YES	YES	YES

 

11. INSTRUMENTATION:

FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY (FCD)	YES	YES	YES	NO
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER	Digital	Analogue - Digital	Analogue - Digital	Analogue - Digital
TRIP METER	Electronic 2 Trips	Electronic 2 Trips	Electronic 2 Trips	Electronic 2 Trips
AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION	YES	YES	YES	YES
AVERAGE SPEED INDICATOR	YES	NO	YES	NO
LOW FUEL WARNING	YES	YES	YES	YES
ADJUSTABLE CLUSTER BRIGHTNESS	YES	YES	YES	NO
GEAR INDICATOR	YES	YES	NO	YES
SHIFT INDICATOR	NO	NO	NO	DYNAMIC
TACHOMETER	DIGITAL	ANALOGUE	ANALOGUE	ANALOGUE

 

12. ENTERTAINMENT, INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION:

SMART-CONNECTIVITY	Android Auto (No), Apple Car Play (No)	Android Auto (Wired), Apple Car Play (Wired)	Android Auto (No), Apple Car Play (No)	Android Auto (No), Apple Car Play (No)
DISPLAY	Digital Display	Touch-screen Display	Digital Display	NONE
INTEGRATED MUSIC SYSTEM	YES	YES	YES	NO
SPEAKERS	4	4	6	NONE
STEERING MOUNTED CONTROLS	NO	YES	YES	NO
USB COMPATIBILITY	YES	YES	YES	NO

 

1. Which car is cheaper Tata Nexon, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Mahindra XUV300?

Tata Nexon price is Rs. 9.55 Lakh, Honda Amaze price is Rs. 9.62 Lakh, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz price is Rs. 9.58 Lakh and Mahindra XUV300 price is Rs. 8.41 Lakh. Hence Mahindra XUV300 is the cheapest among these cars.

 

2. Which car between Nexon, Amaze, Ciaz and XUV300 is better in terms of fuel economy?

For the XMA version, the mileage of Nexon is 17.05kmpl, for the VX CVT 1.2 Petrol version, the mileage of Amaze is 18.3kmpl, for the Delta 1.5 [2020-2023] version, the mileage of Ciaz is 20.6kmpl and for the W4 1.2 Petrol [2019] version, mileage of XUV300 is 17kmpl. Thus making Ciaz the most fuel-efficient as compared to Nexon, Amaze and XUV300

 

3. How is the performance of Nexon compared to Amaze, Ciaz and XUV300?

For the XMA version, the 1199 cc Petrol engine of Nexon produces 118 bhp@5500 rpm of power and 170 Nm@1750 rpm of torque. For the VX CVT 1.2 Petrol version, the 1199 cc Petrol engine of Amaze produces 89 bhp@6000 rpm of power and 110 Nm@4800 rpm of torque. For the Delta 1.5 [2020-2023] version, the 1462 cc Petrol engine of Ciaz produces 103 bhp@6000 rpm of power and 138 Nm@4400 rpm of torque. For the W4 1.2 Petrol [2019] version, the 1197 cc Petrol engine of XUV300 produces 109 bhp@5000 rpm of power and 200 Nm@2000 rpm of torque.

 

FINAL VERDICT BASED ON OUR REPORT:

FINAL CHOICE: TATA NEXON XMA AMT 

After a thorough evaluation of several vehicles within the given budget range, it is my professional recommendation that Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii opts for the Tata Nexon XMA AMT. Considering his family of five and specific requirements, the Tata Nexon XMA AMT stands out as the most suitable choice for numerous reasons.

Firstly, in terms of engine performance, the Tata Nexon boasts the highest brake horsepower (BHP) compared to the other cars in consideration. Additionally, its turbocharged engine offers superior power density and efficiency. This technology allows smaller engines to deliver higher horsepower and torque, surpassing the performance of conventional engines.

Although the Nexon has a slightly lower mileage rating of 17 kilometres per litre (KMPL) compared to the other cars, it compensates for this with an Automatic Transmission System equipped with six gears, including a manual override option. Furthermore, the Nexon's engine adheres to the BS6 Phase Two emission standards, surpassing two of the other vehicles on the list.

In terms of dimensions, the Tata Nexon closely matches the length of the Honda Amaze and Mahindra XUV300. However, it surpasses them in terms of width and height, catering to Mr Pughazhyendhii's preference for larger or wider cars. The Nexon's commendable ground clearance of 209 millimetres is an added advantage, particularly on Indian roads known for their uneven surfaces.

Another standout feature of the Tata Nexon is its fuel tank capacity, which is the highest among the vehicles under consideration, with a capacity of 42 litres. This larger fuel tank allows for fewer refuelling stops, which is advantageous for Mr Pughazhyendhii's regular trips between Bangalore and Madurai.

Furthermore, the Nexon excels in suspension, offering Independent and Semi-Independent Suspension in the front and rear, respectively. This setup enhances ride quality and handling by reducing unsprung weight and improving each wheel's ability to adapt to road conditions independently.

Safety is a paramount concern, especially for family travel. The Tata Nexon's remarkable 5-star safety rating in the NCAP assessment gives it a significant advantage over the other vehicles. The inclusion of Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Traction Control System (TC/TCS) further enhances the vehicle's safety features, which are not present in the other cars under consideration.

Moreover, the Tata Nexon stands out with its digital instrument cluster, including a digital tachometer. The interior showcases a plush design, and the ample boot space is ideal for long journeys. The inclusion of an 8-speaker Harman music system adds to the overall comfort and entertainment experience, essential for family travel.

In conclusion, the Tata Nexon XMA AMT emerges as the ideal choice for Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii due to its exceptional safety features, practical design, turbocharged engine, and feature-rich interior. This vehicle surpasses the other options in terms of performance, dimensions, fuel efficiency, safety, and overall value. By opting for the Tata Nexon, Mr Pughazhyendhii can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience for his family, both within the city and on longer trips.