Clash Of Segments: 2018 Maruti Ciaz vs S-Cross which car to buy?

The diesel-powered 2018 Maruti Ciaz starts at Rs 9.19 lakh and goes up to Rs 10.97 lakh. The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, which is a diesel-only model, falls in the Rs 8.62 lakh to Rs 11.33 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) price range. Since both the cars are priced close to each other, we find out which of the two offers better value, and at which price point. But before that, let’s quickly run through the basic differences between the two.

Diesel engine

Since the S-Cross is only available with the diesel engine, we’ll compare it with the diesel-powered Ciaz only. Both cars are powered by the same 1.3-litre diesel engine, which produces the same power and torque figures in both the cars. However, since the Ciaz is the lighter of the two, it is more fuel efficient (by 2.99kmpl).

Variants

We’ve skipped the Zeta variant of the Ciaz as its price is way too higher than the Zeta of the S-Cross.

Prices (ex-showroom Delhi):

Features

2018 Maruti Ciaz Sigma Vs Maruti S-Cross Sigma

Common features: Halogen projector headlamps, split rear combination lamps, body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, wheel cap, central locking, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, tilt steering, front accessory socket, power windows, AC and seat belt reminder. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts

What Ciaz gets over the S-Cross: Turn indicators on ORVMs, front armrest with storage, rear accessory socket, rear AC vents, CD player, 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted controls, rear defogger, rear parking sensor and anti-theft security system.

What S-Cross gets over the Ciaz: Front map lamp, all-four disc brakes, engine auto start/stop switch and 60:40 split rear seats.

Verdict: The Ciaz is about Rs 57,000 more expensive than the S-Cross and also more feature-loaded. However, the additional features that the Ciaz gets over the S-Cross do not really justify the premium. The S-Cross can save you some money even if you get features like a touchscreen audio system, rear parking sensors and front armrest fitted post purchase. The two key misses, in that case, will be the rear defogger and steering-mounted controls. However, it won’t be too hard to live without these if you factor in the fact that you can save over Rs 25,000 in the process.

2018 Maruti Ciaz Sigma vs Maruti S-Cross Delta

Common features over previous variants: Audio with CD player, 4 speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted controls, handsfree calling, anti-theft security system and reverse parking sensors.

What Ciaz gets over the S-Cross: Turn indicators on ORVMs, rear AC vents, 2 tweeters and rear accessory socket.

What S-Cross gets over the Ciaz: Roof rails, illumination in glove box, boot and front footwell, telescopic steering and driver side footrest.

Verdict: The features that the S-Cross Delta gets over Ciaz Sigma, like the telescopic steering and footrest, will make the driver’s life easier. At the same time, the Ciaz’ rear accessory socket and rear AC vents give it an edge for someone who rides at the back.

Given the additional features on offer, the S-Cross Delta may not be able to justify the premium it attracts over Ciaz Sigma, especially because even the Ciaz gets some additional features over the S-Cross. Even then, as a package, the S-Cross appears to be more sensible because you won’t be able to get a feature like telescopic adjustable steering fitted post purchase.

2018 Maruti Ciaz Delta vs Maruti S-Cross Zeta

Common features: Front fog lamps, rear defogger, alloy wheels, turn indicator on ORVMs, reverse parking camera, auto AC, height-adjustable driver seat, rear centre armrest with cup holders and cruise control.

What Ciaz gets over the S-Cross: Nothing.

What S-Cross gets over the Ciaz: Electrically foldable ORVMs, rear wiper & washer, reclining rear seats, push button start/stop, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation system, voice command and remote control through app.

Verdict: The S-Cross is our choice in this comparison as it gets a host of features above the Ciaz and just costs a marginal premium. You get convenience features such as push button start/stop, reclining rear seats, electrically foldable side mirrors and a touchscreen unit - all costing under Rs 20,000. In our books, this deal is a no brainer. The S-Cross’ Zeta is a better option than the Delta of the Ciaz.

2018 Maruti Ciaz Alpha vs Maruti S-Cross Alpha

Common features: LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED rear combination lamps, leather upholstery, auto dimming IRVM, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, voice command and auto headlamps.

What Ciaz gets over the S-Cross: Nothing

What S-Cross gets over the Ciaz: Rain-sensing auto wipers

Verdict: The S-Cross Alpha is costlier than the Ciaz and that too buy a good margin. With both the cars equally matched in terms of features in the Alpha variant, the Ciaz is more affordable and thus, offers better value. The sedan is our pick in the top-spec variants.

Why Buy 2018 Maruti Ciaz?

• For effortless city driving. It feels light on foot and also returns high fuel efficiency.

• For the massive boot space of 510-litres which help it engulf a weekend’s luggage with ease.

• For the Rs 36,000 more affordable top-spec version which gets all the features of the top-spec of the S-Cross except for rain-sensing wipers.

Why Buy Maruti S-Cross?

• For that large SUV feel and sturdy looks

• All four-disc brakes right from the base variant

• For the added convenience of 60:40 split rear seats and bigger ground clearance (180mm).

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Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.