Benchmarking
BENCHMARKING
- Benchmarking in the automobile industry involves a structured comparison between similar products,services or processes on some dimensions of performance.
- Benchmarking is a process of measuring the performance of a company’s products, services, or processes against those of another business considered to be the best in the industry.
- The point of benchmarking is to identify internal opportunities for improvement.
- By studying companies with superior performance, breaking down what makes such superior performance possible, and comparing those processes to how your business operates, you can implement changes that will yield significant improvements.
- That might mean tweaking a product’s features to more closely match a competitor’s offering, or changing the scope of services you offer, or installing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system to enable more personalized communications with customers.
- There are two basic kinds of improvement opportunities: continuous and dramatic. Continuous improvement is incremental, involving only small adjustments to reap sizeable advances. Dramatic improvement can only come about through reengineering the whole internal work process.
- In addition to helping companies become more efficient and profitable, benchmarking has other benefits, too, such as:
- Improving employee understanding of cost structures and internal processes
- Encouraging team-building and cooperation in the interests of becoming more competitive
- Enhancing familiarity with key performance metrics and opportunities for improvement company-wide
Steps in benchmarking
- Choose a product, service, or internal department to benchmark
- Determine which best-in-class companies you should benchmark against – which organizations you’ll compare your business to
- Gather information on their internal performance, or metrics
- Compare the data from both organizations to identify gaps in your company’s performance
- Adopt the processes and policies in place within the best-in-class performers
For Mr.D.S Pughazhyendhi,My suggestions are
- TATA PUNCH
- TATA NEXON
- KIA SONET
- MARUTI SUZUKI VITARA BREZZA
- HYNDUI VENUE
1.TATA PUNCH
Price:
Tata Punch price ranges between ₹ 6.00 Lakh - ₹ 9.54 Lakh depending on the variant selected.
Variants:
The Tata Punch is offered in four variants that include Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative.
Market introduction:
The Tata Punch was launched in India on 20 October, 2021.
Engine and specification:
The Tata Punch is powered exclusively by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated, Revotron petrol engine that produces 84bhp and 113Nm of torque. This motor sends power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or an AMT unit.
Exterior design:
Exterior highlights of the Tata Punch include a split headlamp design, LED DRLs, and projector headlamps. Also on offer are dual-tone bumpers, fog lights, a thick, single slat grille, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, C-pillar mounted rear door handles, 90-degree opening doors, and LED tail lights.
Interior and features:
The interiors of the Tata Punch get features such as a seven-inch, Harman-sourced touchscreen infotainment system, digital-analogue, instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, cruise control, automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls, rectangular AC vents with contrast coloured accents, drive modes (City and Eco), iRA technology and a height-adjustable driver seat.
Colours:
The Tata Punch is available in seven colours including Orcus White, Daytona Grey, Tropical Mist, Atomic Orange, Meteor Bronze, Tornado Blue, and Calypso Red.
Seating capacity:
The Tata Punch has a seating capacity of five occupants.
Specifications
ARAI Mileage - 18.82 kmpl
City Mileage - 14.42 kmpl
Fuel Type – Petrol
Engine Displacement (cc) – 1199
No. of cylinder – 3
Max Power (bhp@rpm) - 84.48bhp@6000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm) - 113Nm@3300+/-100rpm
Seating Capacity – 5
TransmissionType – Automatic
Boot Space (Litres) – 366
Fuel Tank Capacity – 37.0
Body Type – SUV
Body Type - Rs.4,712
PROS
- Striking looks
- High quality cabin
- Great interior space and comfort
- Ride comfort over bad roads
- Mild off road capability
- 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
CONS
- Engine feels short on power for highway drives
- Dated touchscreen infotainment system
- No charging port or cup holders for rear seat passengers
2.TATA NEXON
Price
Tata Nexon price ranges between ₹ 7.69 Lakh - ₹ 14.18 Lakh depending on the variant selected.
Variants :
The Tata Nexon is available in multiple variant options that include XE, XM, XM(S), XZ, XZ Plus, XZ Plus dual tone, XZ Plus (O), XZ Plus (O) dual tone, XZ Plus Dark Edition, and XZ Plus (O) Dark Edition.
The AMT variant options include XMA, XMA (S), XZA Plus, XZA Plus dual tone, XZA Plus Dark Edition, XZA Plus (S), XZA Plus dual-tone (S), XZA Plus (O), XZA Plus (O) dual tone, and XZA Plus (O) Dark Edition.
Market introduction:
Early in 2020, Tata introduced the Nexon facelift in India with a fresh set of cosmetic and feature updates.
Engine and specifications
The Tata Nexon is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates 118bhp at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 108bhp at 4,000rpm and 260Nm of torque at 1,500rpm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox and an optional AMT unit.
Exterior design
The Nexon is now sleeker and features a chiselled look instead of the earlier muscular and rounded-off look. The compact SUV gets a new dual-barrel projector headlamp setup with integrated tri-arrow LED DRLs. The lower air dam is now larger and it features a large ‘tri-arrow’ themed grille. The vehicle rides on 16-inch wheels with a modern set of alloy wheels.
Interior and features
The Tata Nexon gets a neat and uncluttered dashboard layout. The compact SUV gets a new steering wheel featuring a smaller horn pad with premium looking multimedia and cruise control buttons. Behind the steering wheel is a fully digital instrument cluster along with an updated seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Colours:
The Nexon is available in six colour options which include Foliage Green, Flame Red, Pure Silver, Daytona Grey, Calgary White, and Atlas Black.
Seating capacity:
Tata Nexon is available in a five-seat layout.
Specifications
ARAI Mileage - 22.07 kmpl
City Mileage - 18.5 kmpl
Fuel Type – Diesel
Engine Displacement (cc) – 1497
No. of cylinder – 4
Max Power (bhp@rpm) - 108.49bhp@4000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm) - 260nm@1500-2750rpm
Seating Capacity – 5
TransmissionType – Automatic
Boot Space (Litres) – 350
Fuel Tank Capacity – 44.0
Body Type - SUV
Ground Clearance Unladen – 209
Service Cost (Avg. of 5 years) - Rs.6,271
PROS
- Spacious cabin with comfortable rear seats
- Comfortable ride quality
- Looks attractive and modern
- 5-star NCAP safety rating
CONS
- Engine refinement is lacking
- Infotainment system feels date
3.KIA SONET
Price
Kia Sonet price ranges between ₹ 7.69 Lakh - ₹ 14.39 Lakh depending on the variant selected.
Market introduction:
Kia launched the updated Sonet in India on 8 April, 2022.
Variants:
The Kia Sonet is available in a wide range of variants that include HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX AE, HTX+, GTX+ and X-Line.
Engine and transmission:
The SUV is powered by three powertrains: a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox producing 81bhp/115Nm, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit mated to either a six-speed iMT or seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox making 117bhp/172Nm. The carmaker also offers a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel motor paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission capable of producing 112bhp/250Nm.
Exterior:
The refreshed Sonet features the same exterior design as the previous model. It gets the signature tiger-nose radiator grille, LED headlamps, projector fog lights, LED rear lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails. However, Kia has given the SUV a newly designed Sonet logo.
Interior:
The brand offers two colour tones (beige with black or all-black) and two upholstery options (leatherette or semi-leatherette) with the Sonet. Meanwhile, it comes with a new Kia Connect logo, a rear-seat back folding knob, and redesigned inside rearview mirror with a Kia Connect button.
Safety and features:
Besides this, the updated Sonet gets side airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard across the range. Some entry-level and mid-level trims have also benefited from new features, such as a new 4.2-inch instrument cluster, BA, HAC, ESC, and VSM. Apart from this, it gets a BOSE premium seven-speaker system, ventilated driver and passenger seats, smart pure air purifier, rear-door sunshade curtain, and follow- me- home headlamps exclusively for the X-Line.
Seating capacity:
The Sonet can accommodate five occupants.
Colours:
Kia offers new Imperial Blue and Sparkling Silver single-tone colour options alongside five existing paint jobs. Meanwhile, the two range-topping trims also come in dual-tone exterior paint choices.
Specifications
Fuel Type – Diesel
ARAI Mileage – 18.4 kmpl
Engine Displacement (cc) – 1493
No. of cylinder – 4
Max Power (bhp@rpm) - 113.43bhp@4000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm) - 250nm@1500-2750rpm
Seating Capacity - 5
TransmissionType - Automatic
Boot Space (Litres) - 392
Fuel Tank Capacity – 45.0
Body Type – SUV
Service Cost (Avg. of 5 years) - Rs.3,930
PROS
- Presence. Tall height and bonnet gives the Sonet a strong stance.
- Feature packed: ventilated seats, wireless charging, ambient lighting, Bose sound system and lots more.
- ‘Proper’ automatic options: 7-speed DCT for the turbo-petrol, 6-speed AT for the diesel.
- Comfortable ride quality: equally adept at tackling bad roads and high-speed cruising.
CONS
- Limited rear-seat width limits usability as a 5-seater.
- Silly cost-cutting measures: backlight only for driver’s power window, missing chilled glovebox, adjustable front armrest.
- Automatic transmissions limited to mid-spec HTK+ and top-spec GTX+ variants only.
4.MARUTI SUZUKI VITARA BREZZA
Price:
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza [2020-2022] price starts at ₹ 7.82 Lakh and goes upto ₹ 11.47 Lakh. The price of Petrol variant for Vitara Brezza [2020-2022] ranges between ₹ 7.82 Lakh - ₹ 11.47 Lakh.
Versions:
Vitara Brezza [2020-2022] is available in 9 variants. Out of these 9 variants, 5 are Manual and 4 are Automatic (TC).
Colours:
Vitara Brezza [2020-2022] is offered in 9 colours: Torque Blue , Granite Grey, Pearl Arctic White, Premium Silver, Autumn Orange, Sizzling Red, Sizzling Red with Migdnight Black Roof, Torque Blue with Midnight Black Roof and Granite Grey with Autumn Orange Roof. However, some of these colours are available in specific versions.
Specifications
ARAI Mileage - 17.03 kmpl
City Mileage - 17.3 kmpl
Fuel Type – Petrol
Engine Displacement (cc) – 1462
No. of cylinder – 4
Max Power (bhp@rpm) - 103.26bhp@6000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm) - 138nm@4400rpm
Seating Capacity - 5
TransmissionType - Manual
Boot Space (Litres) – 328
Fuel Tank Capacity – 48.0
Body Type – SUV
PROS
- Smooth petrol engine is relaxing and fun!
- Comfortable ride quality. Tackles bumps, potholes much better.
- Spacious cabin for a family of five. Ample boot space too.
CONS
- Old-school 4-speed automatic feels slow on inclines and highways.
- Missing features: sunroof, rear-AC vents, side and curtain airbags.
4.HYNDUI VENUE
Price
Hyundai Venue price ranges between ₹ 7.62 Lakh - ₹ 12.86 Lakh depending on the variant selected.
Variants
The Hyundai Venue is available in E, S, S(O), S+, SX, and SX (O) variants.
Market introduction
The Hyundai Venue was first introduced in June 2019 whereas the facelift version was launched on 16 June, 2022.
Engine and Specification
The first one is the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that puts out 82bhp and 114Nm of torque and is mated only to a five-speed manual gearbox. Next up is the potent 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill that is paired with a seven-speed DCT and a six-speed clutchless manual transmission. This motor delivers 118bhp and 172Nm of peak torque. The DCT version also benefits from paddle shifters and three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport.
The last one is the 1.5-litre oil-burner alternative that pushes out 99bhp and 240Nm of torque. While most of the competition offers an automatic transmission with their diesel powertrain, the choice on the Venue is limited to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Exterior
Visually, the new Venue is fitted with a new front grille with a small square pattern in chrome finish and black surrounds. The turn indicators are on either side of the bonnet while the headlamps are mounted on the reworked bumpers which now get new wider air inlets instead of fog lamps. Other changes include a chrome window line, a new dual-tone design for alloy wheels, and split tail lamps with a connecting light bar and revised graphics.
Interior
Inside, the cabin looks modern with the utilisation of black and beige colours on the dashboard, door pads, and seat upholstery. The new Hyundai Venue is also equipped with an air purifier, a digital instrument cluster, a four-spoke steering wheel, reclining rear seats, and an electrically-adjustable driver seat.
The touchscreen infotainment system of the Venue has been updated with support for Alexa and Google assistant in 10 regional languages. Other highlights include over 60 connected car features, automatic climate control, electric sunroof, push start/stop button, and cooled glovebox.
Colours
The Hyundai Venue is offered in six colours that include Fiery Red, Phantom Black, Denim Blue, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, and Polar White. The Fiery Red shade is also available with a dual-tone contrasting black roof.
Seating capacity
The Hyundai Venue can accommodate five passengers.
Specifications
City Mileage - 16.0 kmpl
Fuel Type – Petrol
Engine Displacement (cc) - 1197
No. of cylinder – 3
Max Power (bhp@rpm) - 118.41bhp@6000rpm
Max Torque (nm@rpm) - 172Nm@1500-4000rpm
Seating Capacity – 5
TransmissionType – Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity – 45.0
Body Type - SUV
Service Cost (Avg. of 5 years) - Rs.2,937
PROS
- Updated styling makes the Venue look more butch and upmarket.
- Dual-tone interior is classy, good quality of materials in the cabin too.
- Powered driver’s seat, Alexa/Google Home connectivity, Digital driver’s display added to an already expansive feature list.
- 2 Petrol, 1.5 Diesel, 1.0 Turbo - plenty of engine options to choose from.
CONS
- No diesel-automatic or CNG powertrain on offer.
- Narrow cabin means the Venue is still best suited for four.
- Silly feature omissions like auto day/night IRVM and powered seat height adjustment
CONCLUSION
My suggestion for Mr.D.S Pughazhyendhil is that TATA PUNCH will be suitable for him.Because for 10 lakh he can get the top model of tata punch.where in other cars he can only get the base model for his budget.Also tata punch has 5 star safety which is good for his family and tata punch comes with a good mileage too.