10 Old School Sedans VS New Age Sedans: The Saga

Although we are observing the compact-SUV trend for a couple of years, there was a time when the coolest kid on the block used to always have a sedan. They were considered classy, stylish and sporty. But times have changed and so has this segment. But what if we pit the Old School against the New School? Let’s see! Here are 9 Old school sedans vs New Age Sedans. Who wins?

1. Toyota Camry 1st gen vs latest-gen

   

   The Camry was and is still one of Toyota’s best selling cars since it was first unveiled back in 1980. The 1^st gen Camry came with 4 engine options, two petrol and two diesel motors. (1.8 litre 4-cylinder with 90 HP, 2.0 litre 4-cylinder with 107 HP and 1.8 ltr 4 cylinder with 73HP and a 2.0 Ltr. 4 cylinders with 84 HP). They were all mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

   The latest-gen comes with very comfortable rear seats and the hybrid variant is loaded with features. The car has a very relaxing drive, especially in the pure-electric mode. There is only a 2.5 litre. 4 cylinder hybrid variant in India which is paired with a PMSM motor putting out 120 HP, which rounds up to a good figure of 218 bhp. It is paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. 

   2018 Toyota Camry

2. Hyundai Accent vs Hyundai Verna

   

   The economy sedan was a hit when it reached Indian shores in 1999. It had all the latest features of its time and was fun to drive while transporting your family. The Accent came in 18 variants including all fuel types (Petrol, Diesel, CNG and LPG) which made sure that there was a model for every family. It came with a 4-cylinder engine putting out 94 bhp and was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

   Remembering the Hyundai Accent | A Take on the Esteem 

   The latest-gen Verna launched in 2020 and is one of the segment leaders. It is futuristic in terms of looks and has a featured loaded cabin. It comes with 3 engine options: a 1.5 petrol producing 113 bhp, a 1.0 turbo petrol producing 118 bhp (our choice) and a 1.5 diesel engine putting out 113 bhp. Both petrol and automatic transmission are available at their disposal.

   

3. Maruti Suzuki SX4 vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

   

   After phasing out their premium sedan ‘Baleno’, they launched their new flagship model ‘SX4’ in 2007. It was styled very aggressively and was advertised as the ‘alpha car’. The SX4 gave serious competition to the Honda City and had better ride height and bucket seats. Under the hood had was a 1.6-litre 4 cylinder engine putting out 103 bhp and also got a diesel engine later. It was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

   Interesting read: 10 Forgotten Maruti Suzuki Cars In India: From SX4 To Stingray

   After a successful 7 year run, Maruti Suzuki launched the Ciaz launched in 2014. It had a very spacious cabin, decent ride quality and was pretty easy fairly easy to drive. It got a 1.5-litre petrol engine putting out 103 bhp and came with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission.

   

4. Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Corolla Altis

   

   After cementing their dominance with the Qualis; Toyota launched their best-selling sedan ‘Corolla’ in 2003. It instantly made a place among Indians’ hearts with its fresh looks, a feature-loaded luxurious cabin and a super reliable 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 125 bhp which although was thirsty, was fun to drive.

   Here is Toyota Corolla: 60 Years of class | History & Present

   The last-gen Corolla Altis was launched in 2017 was discontinued recently. It looks a lot more futuristic than the first-gen and the cabin has also evolved a lot. There were two engine option: a 1.8-litre petrol producing 138 bhp and a 1.4-litre diesel engine putting out 87 bhp. It came with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT transmission.

   

5. Tata Indigo vs Tata Tigor
   

   

   After the huge success witnessed by Tata Indica, the Indian carmaker launched its sedan version ‘Indigo’. Except for the front end, everything was new. It got a longer wheelbase, a big boot and a totally refurbished cabin which was spacious and luxurious for the time. The engine also got an update in the form of a turbocharger. This resulted in a power bump from 55 to 68 bhp. It also got a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing the same figure. The sedan became extremely popular; especially amongst fleet operators due to its efficiency, reliability and comfort.

   Recommended: The Tata Indigo: When Tata Made a Sedan For India

   Although it is not an exact replacement, the Tigor is the closest current model to the Indigo. Like the Indigo, the Tigor is the longer wheelbase version of the Tiago but unlike the Indigo, it is essentially the same car. It gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 84 bhp and honestly, is a very bland car.

   

   

6. Hyundai Sonata 1st gen vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

   

   The first-gen flagship sedan from Hyundai ‘Sonata’ was one of the sickest looking cars of its time. It got a Mercedes inspired front end and got uber-luxury on the inside. It got a thirsty 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine which produced a power figure of 166 bhp. Even today it doesn’t look aged at all and can still make us weak in our knees.

   Also Read: The Hyundai Sonata: The Poor Man’s Mercedes

   Although Sonata has not a part of the Indian car market now. Although the current-gen Hyundai Sonata does come in the International marker. And oh boy! the new Sonata does look jaw-dropping. This vehicle also offers a ton of luxury features without any compromise in engine performance. It gets a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that can propel this car from 0-100 in about 7.9 seconds.
   

   

7. Honda City 1st gen vs latest-gen
   

   

   The car which made Honda who they are in India, City was first launched in 1999. It quickly became eye candy amongst Indians. It got a sleek body, a feature-rich interior for the segment and a 1.3 petrol engine. The beloved 1.5-litre i-VTEC motor producing around 100 bhp was introduced shortly. It has become a cult car in today’s time.

   Here are 7 Things That Honda City Owners Are Tired of Hearing

   The 5th gen Honda City was introduced last year. It got new styling which honestly looks like a shark. The interiors got a big update with quirky little features which will surely put a smile on your face. It got a set of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines producing 119 and 87 bhp respectively.

   

8. Maruti Suzuki Dzire 1st gen vs latest-gen
   

   

   After the success witnessed by Swift, Maruti Suzuki launched their compact sedan Swift Dzire in 2008. It was based on a Swift and got more space and a bigger boot. Dzire was a hit as it was affordable, spacious and had an exciting 1.3-litre turbo diesel engine.

   Also read: Maruti Suzuki Dzire | The Sub-4-Meter Sedan Leader

   The third generation Dzire that was launched in 2018 was shorter than its granddad. It is still basically on a Swift but is one of the best selling cars in India. It gets a 1.2-litre hybrid petrol motor but lacks the flare over the first-gen.

   

9. Honda Accord 1st gen vs latest-gen
   

   

   India witnessed the Accord in 2001 and it was one of the most luxurious cars in India. The Accord was a full-sized sedan with no compromises and featured a power pumping 2.0-litre iVTEC engine. It was offered both in automatic and manual transmission.

   Remembering The Honda Accord through the ages | There was also a V6! 

   Although now discontinued, India got the last Accord in 2016. It was a little shorter than the previous-gen (our favourite) but was a very sophisticated looking full-size sedan with a cabin full of features. It featured a petrol hybrid engine which churned around 215 bhp which is pretty respectable for its segment. 

   

10. Bonus: Mahindra Logan vs E-Verito

    

    Just when you thought you’ll see only serious business on this list, we decided to joke around. The ugliest sedan, in my opinion, the Logan was Mahindra’s attempt to enter the sedan segment with the help of Renault; something that was popping at that time. But it was a total shammer mainly due to its weird-looking design and very poor on the market.

    Interesting Read: Remembering the Renault Logan | Byproduct of Mahindra-Renault Venture 

    I don’t even understand why they tried this. But anyway, Mahindra gave it another shot and launched the e-Verito which is an electric version of the Verito in 2016. I believe that when EVs become mainstream in India, the e-Verito will be used as a cab but for now, it sits in the showroom.

     

    

    While the OGs fought bravely, the newbies have also put up a good case. These were 7 old school sedans VS new-age sedans: the saga. Which side do you choose? Let us know in the comments below!

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