CASE STUDY – BENCHMARKING THE AUTOMOBILE

PURPOSE – The purpose of the paper was to help Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii to choose a best car which fulfills his necessity by benchmarking the latest available cars in market so that he will buy a good car for his family.

CASE – Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii is a married man who lives in Bangalore which is a highly crowded city. His Family comprises five members including his wife, five-year-old boy, his father, and his mother. He visits his native place Madurai which is 500kms away from Bangalore once in a month. Also, he will be using his car to commute to his office. His budget falls between 8 to 10 lakhs on road. Please suggest to him with options so that he will buy a good car for his family.

Note: Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars

BENCHMARKING

Benchmarking is defined as the process of measuring products, services, and processes against those of organizations known to be leaders in one or more aspects of their operations.

The shortlist of the cars that are presently available in the market as per requirements,

1. MARUTI DZIRE ZXI PLUS
2. MARUTI CIAZ SIGMA
3. HONDA AMAZE S
4. HYUNDAI AURA S AMT
5. TATA NEXON XE
6. KIA SONNET 1.5 HTE
7. MARUTI S CROSS SIGMA
8. MARUTI ERTIGA VXI

1.MARUTI DZIRE ZXI PLUS

2.MARUTI CIAZ SIGMA

3.HONDA AMAZE S

4.HYUNDAI AURA S AMT

5.TATA NEXON XE

6.KIA SONNET 1.5 THE

7.MARUTI S CROSS SIGMA

8.MARUTI ERTIGA VXI

SEDAN

Sedan is more comfortable and creates less noise. Everybody sits better in a sedan.Cheaper to run. A sedan is needed lower fuel and has smaller wheels than an SUV. A set of good 16-inch tires for my sedan costs half as much as a similar set of 18 inches that is suitable for an SUV better active safety.

Of course, there is more passive safety in an SUV, because it is heavier and taller. Best match for off-roading.In short, there are more advantages in the SUV, but they hardly justify the increase in cost, size and weight. They are also a bit more difficult to maneuver and park, but this might be subjective.

Comfort: sedan gives you a more cozy drive than an SUV. If it is on highways or terrible streets, you won’t discover inconvenience in a good sedan. In the barrage area additionally, sedans are considerably more effective and give you a substantially more pleasurable ride.

City Driving: Compared to SUVs, city ride in a sedan will be simpler. You needn’t bother with heaps of room to turn and because of its luxurious interiors you would feel substantially more comfortable in city traffic.

Mileage: Sedans mileage is good than an SUV. In particular, a car offers you a petroleum variant while the vast majority of the SUVs don’t.

Performance: The all-around structured of a car will give you better performance. A large portion of the sedans do 0–100 out of 10 seconds.

Most recent innovation: How much you are paying for sedan that much it will give input. A large portion of the sedans come with the most recent technology equipment.

Financial limit: Sedans are less expensive than SUVs. This is the greatest favorable position of a sedan.

SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV)

Being practical goes without saying really, considering the body of an SUV which is typically medium to large in size.

The expansive boot and roomy interior makes the SUV model especially ideal for families. A family of five can enjoy more than enough leg room, as well as ample space for extra luggage. An SUV's ability to carry more weight than the usual hatchback or estate is also a bonus, particularly if you're adventurous / active and need to transport certain lifestyle equipment.

The generous height given by most SUV models is beneficial for taller/larger adults too, providing an increased level of comfort for all drivers and passengers.

SAFETY

From the very first stages of manufacture, SUVs are at an advantage safety-wise because of their sturdy frames. Typically, these cars are assembled on a much stronger truck chassis, resulting in a higher level of protection if the car was involved in an accident. The larger, heavier vehicle will take the force of collision much less than the impact of a smaller car and its passengers.

SUVs typically have a higher driving position, providing an improved visibility of the road ahead of you. Being able to see ahead of the smaller car in front of you, gives you the advantage of knowing if or when to slow down. The SUV's safety conscious reputation provides the perfect family car without a doubt.

Fuel Efficiency

In recent years, the SUV/Crossover segment is booming, commonly due to manufacturers realisation that not everybody wants an SUV for typical off-roading and towing purposes. These days the concept has been flipped on its side, because Crossover vehicles are now available offering all the practical advantages of an SUV without excessive and costly fuel consumption.

Particularly on the emerging crossover SUVs manufactured in the past few years, great fuel consumption has been achieved by understanding how the vehicles are commonly used. The usual prevailing all-terrain capability, that's not frequently used has been almost dismissed by the Crossover, enabling an affordable, environmentally-friendly, fuel efficient SUV, providing the perfect family car.

Robustness

SUVs are built according to their size. The foundations of an SUV are built on much sturdier and stronger frames, enabling a more durable and powerful capability.

If you do enjoy regular trips into the country or abroad, your SUV is the perfect companion. The strong, sturdy build ensures you'll be covered whatever the weather and the 4x4 (sometimes optional) feature can power through all terrains. Whether it be uphill into the mountains or through mounds of fords, your SUV has got your back.

Their robust nature means that your car is able to endure bigger impacts too, again increasing the level of safety to you and your family the instance of a collision.

Advantages of owning an SUV

Comfort and cabin space – From head space to boot space and everything in between, SUVs are simply much larger than a sedan and offers an element of comfort and luxury in the cabin. More room also makes an SUV extremely child- and pet-friendly, and the extra compartments and storage space keeps bring-alongs like toys and snacks neatly tucked away.

Versatility – An SUV can be used for a wider variety of purposes than a sedan. They can take on different road surfaces easily, are the ultimate vehicle for regular family outdoor adventure activities, and most have powerful engines that will allow you to tow a trailer, boat, and even a caravan.

Grip and handling –  Wet and slippery conditions are not an issue for this four-wheel-drive vehicle. Neither is rough or uneven ground. Basically, it can take you to wherever you want to go.

Ruggedness – The sturdier frame of an SUV provides the vehicle with a  robust foundation that enables durability and power. If adventure and the great outdoors is your thing and you’re sure to indulge regularly, then this vehicle is going to serve you well.

Full view ahead – Due to its higher seating position you’ll be able to see the road clearly –  hazards like potholes or fallen items on the road can be avoided in time. You’ll also  be able to see over smaller vehicles and ahead of you in heavier traffic, and you’ll have the advantage of finding a spot in a crowded parking lot.

Ground clearance – More than the ability to mount pavements, SUVs can drive through deeper waters than sedans without damaging the engine. Note: If ever caught in a situation like this such as a flooded street or bridge, always heed on the side of caution first.

Storage capacity – SUVs are perfect for large families and people who love sports or the outdoors, enabling them to bring along large-sized equipment such as tents, mountain bikes, kayaks, and surfboards.

Considering the advantages of owning a SUV which matches perfectly for the requirements of Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii one of the best compact suv must be selected among the shortlisted cars.

Why TATA NEXON XE ?

While the Nexon secured four stars (13.56/17) the first time it was crash tested, Tata upgraded all variants of the compact SUV with a seat-belt reminder for the driver and front passenger (which has since become mandatory) and sent it in for Round 2. This time around, the Nexon also managed to pass the UN95 side-impact protection requirements and became India’s first 5-star car, securing 16.06 out of 17 for adult occupancy. The Nexon’s child-occupancy rating is three stars (25/49). All variants of the Tata Nexon come with two airbags, ABS and Isofix child-seat mounts as standard.

Do note that the model tested was the pre-facelift car and it has since been upgraded to meet pedestrian protection norms that will come into effect later, this year. Currently, the extensive Tata Nexon range is priced from Rs 6.95 lakh, with prices going up to Rs 12.50 lakh for the top-spec diesel-automatic model.

NEX LEVEL SAFETY

FORTIFIED CABIN

Nexon’s high-strength steel structure absorbs impact energy and protects the passenger during an unfortunate collision.

DUAL FRONT AIRBAGS AS STANDARD

Driver and co-driver airbags as standard safety for crash protection.

ABS WITH EBD AS STANDARD

Experience absolute control over every drive with anti-lock breaking system and electronic break force distribution in all 4 wheels.

 

ISOFIX

Nexon puts the safety of your child on utmost priority. So, you can enjoy peace of mind as you drive.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SEATBELTS

Height adjustable seatbelts with Pre-tensioner, Load-limiter & Crash-locking tongue for absolute driver safety during impact.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM

Always drive safe with Electronic Stability Program as standard in the NEXON

- Electronic Traction Control

- Roll- over Mitigation

- Emergency Brake assist

- Hill Hold Control

- Electronic Brake Pre-fill

- Brake Disc Wiping

REVERSE PARKING ASSIST

Parking perfection. Advanced ultrasonic sensors with rear camera feed including the dynamic guideways for hassle-free reverse parking.

NEX LEVEL DESIGN

COUPE-INSPIRED AERODYNAMIC SHAPE

A box breaking SUV design that combines the practicality of an SUV with the style of a sports coupe.

 

BOLD NEW DRLS

Accentuates the headlights for next level presence on the road.

PIANO – BLACK ORVMS

Turn heads as you make a turn on the road.

SIGNATURE LED TAIL LAMPS

Leave a signature trail behind.

LAYERED THREE-TONE FINISH

Intelligently designed dashboard that is soothing to the eye and touch. It uses premium materials and textures with attention to detail and beautiful craftmanship visible on the mid pad design.

ELECTRIC SUNROOF

The all new exquisite sunroof to bask your mood.

TRI-ARROW SEAT UPHOLSTERY

GRAND CENTRAL CONSOLE

A sliding tambour door for smart storage brings together both utility and luxury.

 

DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Makes your drive an immersive experience with all the information for a safe and convenient drive in one place.

NEX LEVEL TECHNOLOGY

iRA TECHNOLOGY

Presenting iRA – a cool new connected tech platform that is in sync with India. It offers a range of innovative features that are especially developed keeping in mind the needs of the India car buyer.

CONNECTED CAR SAFETY

Redefining car safety with tech-led innovations that deliver next level protection

- Live Diagnostic Report

- Find my Car

- Remote vehicle control

- Intrusion Alert

 

TRIBES

Give every drive an exciting makeover. Drive more, drive better and stay on top of the tribe.

NATURAL VOICE TECH

Stay in command and make your drive convenient as the system understands Indian accents.

 

WHAT3WORDS

Navigate to your location with three simple words.

NEX LEVEL PERFORMANCE

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

All-new BS-VI compliant petrol and diesel engines with powerful and sporty performance

- 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron Petrol with Class-leading 120PS (88.2 kW) power

- 1.5L Turbocharged Revotorq Diesel with Class-leading 110PS (80.9 kW) power

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM

- Electronic Traction Control

- Roll- over Mitigation

- Emergency Brake assist

- Hill Hold Control

- Electronic Brake Pre-fill

- Brake Disc Wiping

6-SPEED HYPERDRIVE, SELF-SHIFT GEARS

Give your foot a rest and navigate the traffic with ease.

 

MULTI DRIVE MODES

Drive according to your mood by switching to Eco, City and Sport modes.

GROUND CLEARANCE

Makes obstacles irrelevant with class-leading* ground clearance of 209mm.

NEX LEVEL CUSTOMER DELIGHT

RAIN SENSING WIPERS

Smart wipers to ensure a clear view.

CRUISE CONTROL

For effortless cruising on Highway

TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

EXPRESS COOL

Beat the heat expertly.

AUTO HEADLAMPS

Light up the road with convenience.

ANDROID AUTOTM / APPLE CAR PLAYTM

Seamless integration with your phone.

 

COOLED GLOVEBOX

Keep things fresh and chilled.

TATA NEXON statisfies the requirements of Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii

• Considering the Indian roads and its speed breakers and his fondness of big cars the SUV was selected.
• The TATA Nexon was selected because the SUV provides multi modes (eco, sport, city) which gives the driver a stress less drive in city traffics and can change his modes for his requirements.
• The ARAI certified mileage of 21.5 kmpl will be more economical while having a longer trip.
• The safety features of the Nexon will be an added advantage when compared to the competitors.
• The 5 star rated SUV will also supports the budget from 8 to 10 lakhs.

CONCLUSION

I suggest Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii to buy TATA NEXON XE. The 5 star rated suv by the Global NCAP will be a good choice as per his budget and the car comes with an multiple modes which gives an extra-ordinary mileage upto 21.5 kmpl as per ARAI. For his office use the Nexon will also gives a classy look and the suv will help him to have a stress less driving after work. The NEXON stands apart in safety compared to its competitors like Honda Amaze, Kia Sonet, Maruti Ertiga etc. Since Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars the SUV features a bigger outlook and the outstanding mileage will make him more happy when he visits his native place Madurai.