Sedan in India

About Sedan Cars

Sedans are one of the most popular passenger vehicle categories in India after hatchbacks. Sedan cars are distinguished by their sleek, elegant and aerodynamic body design along with a separate trunk for luggage. Compared to hatchbacks, sedans offer more premium styling, interior space, engine performance and luxury features.

Some typical characteristics of sedan cars are:

• Stylish and sweeping body design lines
• Spacious legroom for rear passengers
• Large and well-designed boot space
• Potent petrol and diesel engine options
• Available in manual and automatic transmissions
• Packed with comfort, safety and tech features
• Radiate an upmarket and premium appeal

For buyers wanting to upgrade from their hatchbacks, sedans present an aspirational value proposition. No wonder they continue to be popular in India even with the SUV wave.

History of Sedan Cars

The term sedan originated from a derivation of the Latin term 'sedere', meaning to sit. Early sedans were horse-drawn, four-wheeled vehicles with seating for the driver and passengers. Eventually, the term was adopted for modern automobiles with a similar separate seating compartment and trunk.

The origins of sedan body styling can be traced back to the 1920s-30s as closed-body passenger vehicles gradually evolved from open-top motoring. Brands like Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler started making mass-market sedans. The 1930s also saw more streamlined and rounded sedan shapes for better aerodynamics.

Post-World War 2 saw further refinements and growth in demand for sedans. The introduction of mass production techniques made them even more affordable. Brands brought innovations in styling, engines and ride quality to attract buyers over the years - continuing to this day!

Sedan Cars in India

The sedan market grew rapidly from the 1990s as more international manufacturers launched products tailored for India. Maruti Suzuki introduced India's first affordable sedan - the Esteem in 1994. This was followed by models like Honda City and Toyota Corolla in the late 90s, sparking aspirations. Locally made sedans also increased in popularity over the years.

Bolstered by rising incomes and easier finances, sedans surged in demand in the 2000s, from metros to smaller cities. With intense competition, brands have focused on design, performance, and features to stand out. Today, there are sedans available in India ranging from entry hatchbacks rivalling sub-4m sedans to super luxury limousines!

The Popularity of Sedan Cars in India

Sedans held over 23% share among passenger vehicles in India in 2022. Although the share has dropped compared to previous years - sedans continue to enjoy popularity and buyers in India due to:

Sophisticated Aesthetics

Sedan exteriors tend to boast clean, expansive lines with a cohesive flow. Chrome highlights around the grille/window line, jewel pattern lighting, and flowing C-pillars come together for eye-catching aesthetics. Plush interiors accentuate the premium positioning with leather seats, faux wood trim and ambient lighting, creating inviting comfort.

Comfort-Oriented Ergonomics

The elongated wheelbase and width of sedans translate into generous rear legroom and shoulder space for passengers. Large windows all around enhance the sense of roominess. Plush cushioning, lower noise floor and dedicated rear AC vents keep occupants relaxed over long journeys. Front seats focus on lumbar support and wide adjustments.

Mileage and Low Ownership Cost

Thanks to stringent emission norms, advanced petrol engines deployed in sedans are high on fuel efficiency without compromising performance or refinement. ARAI-certified mileage figures of up to 26 km/l ensure low operational bills while reliability and affordable service costs throughout the ownership period.

Increased Safety Credentials

The proportionately longer and wider structure means sedans boast the superior capability to dissipate crash energy through designated crumple zones compared to hatchbacks. The presence of 6 airbags, along with electronic stability/traction programs, round up the safety suite. The tyres are wider, aiding grip and stability at highway speeds.

Different Types of Sedans

Sedans in India are available in various shapes and sizes:

• Subcompact Sedans: Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Honda Amaze target hatchback buyers looking to upgrade.
• Compact Sedans: Models like Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus offer European quality.
• Mid-size Sedans: Toyota Yaris, Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Verna provide an ideal balance between compact dimensions and luxury.
• Entry-Level Luxury Sedans: Audi A4 and Volvo S60 are gateway models into the premium segment.
• Flagship Sedans: BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera, etc., benchmark luxury motoring.

Popular Sedan Cars in India

Long-standing favourites and aspiring newer models make up the list of best-selling sedan cars in India:

• Honda City: Set benchmarks in styling, packaging and driving ease for decades.
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Successful model from market leader balancing priorities.
• Hyundai Verna: Demonstrates Hyundai's technical prowess integrated with style.
• Skoda Slavia: Czech sedan winning fans with its value luxury proposition.
• Volkswagen Virtus: Close cousin of Slavia competing with its mature engineering.

Upcoming Sedan Cars in India

The sedan surge will be further bolstered in 2024 by the arrival of striking new models:

Skoda Octavia RS iV

The performance-oriented plug-in hybrid version of the Octavia sedan. It will be the most powerful Octavia ever sold in India with 245hp output. Expected to launch in late 2024.

Audi A3 2024

The next generation of Audi's popular compact luxury sedan, the Audi A3, will come loaded with tech and features along with engine options, including electrified powertrains. India launch is expected in 2024.

Skoda Superb 2024

Skoda's flagship Superb sedan will enter its 4th generation model. It will bring radical styling changes and advanced connectivity based on VW group's latest MQB platform. Launch by 2024 in India.

Toyota Belta

Belta is a compact sedan Toyota sells in markets like Japan and is expected to bring to India to take on Honda City and others. It will target young professionals with sporty looks and dynamics.

Toyota Camry 2024

The hugely popular Camry sedan will debut its next-generation avatar sometime in 2024. Expected to evolve styling and sophistication while retaining reliability and comfort that made it a bestseller globally.

Sedan Car Options

For buyers evaluating multiple models, some filters to narrow choices:

Sedan Cars by Brand

• Honda Sedans: City and Amaze are established players, while the Civic luxury sedan has a niche appeal
• Hyundai Sedans: Number of options like Aura, Verna and Elantra
• Volkswagen Sedans: European quality sedans like Vento upgraded by Virtus currently
• Skoda Sedans: Octavia benchmarked mid-size sedan, Slavia adding subcompact presence

Sedan Cars by Budget

• Sedans Under Rs. 10 Lakhs: Maruti Dzire, Tata Tigor, and Skoda Slavia start below Rs 10 lakhs.
• Sedans Under Rs. 15 Lakhs: Options like Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Toyota Yaris offer more features

Sedan Cars by Fuel Type

Petrol Sedans

Petrol engines in sedans use gasoline fuel. Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and ignited by spark plugs to produce power. Petrol engines provide smooth acceleration and operations. They are lighter, rev more freely and require less maintenance compared to diesel. Most mainstream sedan models now come with petrol engine options only.

Diesel Sedans

Diesel sedan models use compression ignition instead of spark plug-created combustion. Diesel fuel ignites due to heat generated from compression inside cylinders. Diesel engines offer higher pulling power - translating into brisk acceleration. The high torque output allows effortless cruising ability even when fully loaded. Diesel engines, however, weigh more and have higher NVH.

Sedan Cars by Transmission

Currently, most sedan models provide buyers with the choice of both manual and automatic transmissions:

Automatic Transmission Sedans

Automatic transmission sedans have a self-shifting gearbox that allows convenient driving without needing to operate the clutch or change gears manually. The hydraulic torque converter and planetary gear set change ratios automatically based on throttle input and driving conditions.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission sedans come with the traditional mechanical gear-shifting mechanism. Gears need to be changed manually via gear stick and clutch operation. It provides an engaging, involving driving experience by allowing the driver more control over gear changes and engine revs.