Top 5 Sedans In India Under Rs 20 Lakhs

 

●     VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia latest launches

●     Honda City is still a consistent seller

●     Maruti Ciaz is the most affordable choice in the segment

 

In recent years, SUVs have started to rule the sub-Rs 20 lakh vehicle segment in India. Sedans, which used to dominate this price category, has seen sales drop drastically in the same period. However, with 3 new models launching last year and a couple of new ones arriving in 2023, suggest demand is still there for sedans in the country. Today, we take a look at the top 5 sedans in India under Rs 20 lakh you can buy currently.

 Volkswagen Virtus: Rs 11.32 Lakh - Rs 18.43 Lakh

 Launched last year, the Volkswagen Virtus is part of the automaker’s India 2.0 project. The new sedan has quickly become a popular offering in the segment due to its understated yet good-looking design, feature-loaded variants, and attractive pricing.

 Talking of features, the Virtus comes packed with them. It gets a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 8-inch digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, wireless charging, ambient lighting, an 8-speaker audio setup, electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, and more.

 The Virtus is available in two distinct trim lines - Dynamic and Performance. The former is powered by a 1-litre 3-pot turbo-petrol that makes 114 bhp with 178 Nm of max torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The latter is a 1.5-litre 4-pot turbo-petrol pumping out 148 bhp with 250 nm of peak torque. A 7-speed DSG automatic is the only gearbox option.

 Skoda Slavia: Rs 11.29 Lakh - Rs 18.40 Lakh

 The close sibling of the Virtus, the Skoda Slavia is underpinned by the same MQB A0 IN platform as the VW but gets a different exterior design. You’ll notice the traditional Skoda design cues like the wide butterfly front grille, crystal-like LED headlights, and the sculpted bonnet. It looks more aggressive than the Virtus, and for some, it is a good thing.

 The Slavia also comes loaded with features like a 10-inch infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, push-button start/stop, and cruise control among others.

 Like the Virtus, the Slavia too is offered with a 1-litre or 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powertrain. Peak figures of 114 bhp/178 Nm for the former and 148 bhp/250 Nm are exactly the same. Even the transmission options are identical with the options of a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DSG.

 Honda City: Rs 11.87 Lakh - Rs 19.89 Lakh

 While a mid-life facelift is right around the corner, the current 5th-gen City still makes for a great choice in the segment. It makes for an even better option if you can get some great deals and discounts once the new model launches. The City nameplate has been in the Indian market for 25 years now, being a consistent seller over the years even if newer rivals arrive.

 The City comes with a host of features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, sunroof, rear AC vents, keyless entry, push-button start/stop, reverse parking camera, and more.

 Honda offers the City in both ICE and strong-hybrid powertrain options. There is a 1.5-litre N/A four-pot petrol motor that makes 120 bhp with 145 Nm of peak torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. The strong-hybrid option is a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol-electric motor pumping out 109 bhp with 145 Nm of peak torque. It is paired with an eCVT automatic transmission.

 There is also a 1.5-litre turbodiesel option making 99 bhp with 200 Nm of max torque, but this motor is set to be discontinued since it doesn’t conform to the upcoming BS6 Phase 2 emission norms.

 Hyundai Verna: Rs 9.64 Lakh - Rs 15.72 Lakh

 Just like the Honda City, an all-new Verna is coming soon, with Hyundai already revealing the first official images recently. The next-gen model will be bigger, have more creature comforts, and feature a fresh design. However, the current-gen Verna is still a great option if you are looking for something attractive, is feature-loaded, and offers powertrain flexibility. Not to mention it will get a huge discount once the new model is launched.

 The Verna is among the most feature-packed vehicles in the segment. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a fully digital instrument cluster, BlueLink connected car tech, wireless charging, auto climate control, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, cruise control, ambient lighting, reverse parking camera, and more.

 Hyundai offers the Verna in both petrol and diesel powertrain choices. Petrol options include a 1.5-litre N/A unit making 114 bhp with 144 Nm of peak torque or a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor making 138 bhp with 242 Nm of max torque. The diesel option is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit pumping out 114 bhp with 250 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and a 7-speed DCT.

 

Maruti Ciaz: Rs 9.19 Lakh - Rs 12.34 Lakh

 The most affordable sedan in this list, the Maruti Ciaz is also the oldest offering in the segment. It recently received an update with 3 new colour options and added safety features. If you want a comfortable, spacious, and efficient sedan at an affordable price, then the Ciaz is a great option.

 Being affordable also means that the Ciaz is not as feature-packed as its rivals. However, you still get a 7-inch Smartplay Pro infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, push-button start/stop, reverse parking camera and sensors, and more. The recent update sees the Ciaz now getting hill-hold assist and electronic stability control as standard alongside dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX anchorages.

 

The Ciaz is offered in a single powertrain option, a 1.5-litre N/A petrol making 103 bhp with 138 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic. The motor has just been upgraded to meet the upcoming RDE ( Real Driving Emission) norms and is E20 fuel compliant.