Benchmarking in Automobiles

Benchmarking in the Automobile industry

Benchmarking basically means comparison with competitors of similar products or services. This comparison is done on basis of consumer requirements to provide a better product or service. Benchmarking ranks the product or service based on some factors and provides recommendations on which is the best in the market among competitors.

It is not only used for performance comparison but also to identify the factors on which the low-performing organizations can work to improve their product or service. Benchmarking allows them to understand how the best-ranked product or service achieves its best performance.

In Automobile industry, benchmarking is done while developing a new vehicle or improving the existing vehicle. This benchmarking is done based on various factors such as product design. Innovation, service delivery, retailing and supply chain management. To improve factory level productivity, benchmarking of assembly plants is done on the basis of factors like labor per hour for car, number of defects, inventory level, space utilization etc. With having this studied, low performing industries can look at the differences in each factor and work on a specific parts to improve its productivity. Benchmarking study allows the organizations to deliver better products than their competitors.

Cars considered for benchmarking:

• KIA Sonet
• Hyundai Venue
• TATA Nexon
• Mahindra XUV 300

KIA Sonet:

PRICE	₹ 7.91 Lakh onwards
MILEAGE	18.2 to 24.1 kmpl
ENGINE	998 to 1493 cc
TRANSMISSION	Manual, Clutchless Manual, Automatic (Dual Clutch) & Automatic (Torque Converter)
FUEL TYPE	Petrol & Diesel
SEATING CAPACITY	5 Seater

Kia Motors has launched a new compact SUV for the Indian market that will rival against the likes of the Hyundai Venue. The model has smart connectivity via the UVO Connect technology and an eSIM for internet connectivity. Engine options will be two petrol engines including the 1.2-litre Kappa unit and the 1.0-litre TGDi unit. The latter will be paired with a seven-speed DCT unit as an option. The model will also be available with a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

Pros:

• Stylish Look
• Variety of features available
• Various transmission options available

Cons:

• Stiffer ride quality
• Not much spacious

Hyundai Venue:

PRICE	₹ 7.94 Lakh onwards
MILEAGE	17.52 to 23.4 kmpl
ENGINE	998 to 1493 cc
TRANSMISSION	Manual, Automatic (Dual Clutch) & Clutchless Manual
FUEL TYPE	Petrol & Diesel
SEATING CAPACITY	5 Seater

Hyundai Venue, the compact sub-4 metre SUV has arrived in India at a lucrative price tag. The vehicle is available in 13 variants across four trims, seven colours and with three engine options. The compact SUV comes with flared wheel arches and 17-inch wheels which give it a muscular stance. The vehicle is loaded with features such as electric sunroof, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, automatic climate control with rear AC vents and more. As for safety and convenience, the Venue will get six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with camera, electronic stability control, hill launch assist and more. Under the hood, the Hyundai Venue is available with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine option. The petrol version will be available in the 1.0-litre Kappa turbo GDi and 1.2-litre Kappa trims, while the diesel version will get a 1.4-litre U2 CRDi engine.

Pros:

• Good connectivity features.
• Only Automatic DCT available in segment.

Cons:

• Cabin space less than competitors
• Top spec variant is expensive.

Tata Nexon:

PRICE	₹ 8.21 Lakh onwards
MILEAGE	16 to 22.4 kmpl
ENGINE	1199 to 1497 cc
TRANSMISSION	Manual, AMT
FUEL TYPE	Petrol & Diesel
SEATING CAPACITY	5-Seater

The Tata Nexon is a compact SUV from the Indian automaker. In terms of exterior design, you get headlamps with a sharp design combined with a much sleeker grille as compared to the pre-facelift model. Even the bumper design is revised which has now a larger intake and a contrasting skid plate. The floating infotainment screen gets mobile connectivity features as well. Apart from the new upholstery, the Nexon’s updated cabin also packs in new equipment to get it up to the mark with the competition. This includes a sunroof, fast mobile charger, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control to name a few. In terms of powertrain, the Tata Nexon facelift is powered by BS6 compliant versions of the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission for both engines.

Pros:

• Five Star G-NCAP safety rating
• BS6 compliant powertrain
• New stylish look

Cons:

• Infotainment screen not as good as rivals
• Petrol engine lacks low-end grunt

Mahindra XUV300:

PRICE	₹ 9.36 Lakh onwards
MILEAGE	17 to 20 kmpl
ENGINE	1197 to 1497 cc
TRANSMISSION	Manual, AMT
FUEL TYPE	Petrol & Diesel
SEATING CAPACITY	5 Seater

The design of the XUV300 takes its cues from the bigger XUV500 in terms of headlamp design and the characteristic tear duct lines. The squared-off bonnet and shoulder line is complemented with Mahindra’s chrome-finished grille and LED daytime running light. The upright center console gets an integrated touchscreen infotainment system. The top-spec variant will get seven airbags, sunroof, dual-zone climate control and disc brakes for all four wheels. Under the hood, the XUV300 will be offered with both petrol and diesel drivetrain options. It comes with 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine from the Marazzo which produces 121bhp/300Nm to be joined by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Pros:

• Powerful diesel engine
• AMT is among the best in its class
• Comfortable ride quality

Cons:

• Top-end variant is pricey
• Interior fit and finish not the best

Conclusion:

In comparison, Hyundai Venue can be considered suitable as per requirements. It falls under the budget and also, mileage is economical. The other features like infotainment screen, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors with the camera will be added benefits for travelling with family. Since travelling with family for around 500km will require a comfortable ride, Venue will provide a smoother ride as compared to its rival Kia sonet which has almost similar features. As Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars, Venue will be as per his expectations. Hyundai Venue is the best suitable car for Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii to commute to the office and his native place.