The sedan’s appeal to the average Indian lay in its large boot and luxurious interior. You want to go shopping? Take the family out for a quick weekend getaway? How about playing cricket with the gang? Sedans made that and a lot more happen with its luggage capacity and spacious cabin that allowed everyone to squeeze in with all the luggage they wanted.
How would we recognise a sedan then? A sedan is basically a vehicle that features a ‘three box construction’; the front compartment is for the engine, the middle for the passengers and the third is for the luggage compartment. An image of a sedan is what usually comes to mind when the average person hears the word car. We can trace the advent of sedans in India back to the Hindustan Contessa which was introduced in 1984. However, sedans really took off with the introduction of the Maruti 1000 in 1990 and started bringing in the numbers.
Refined driving dynamics, an elegant yet rakish design language while maintaining a high fuel efficiency ensured that sedans remained a factor to consider in the Indian car market. There will always be a small segment of people who prefer the sedan above all else and we dive into the reasons why India still loves sedans.
Comfort
The one parameter where the sedan is head and shoulders above the crowd is in the comfort of its cabin. The quality of the materials used, the fit and finish, the colours employed and the sheer comparative roominess of the cabin make the sedan a great place to be in. There are thoughtful touches galore like storage cubby holes in the interior and many breakthrough technological features first find their way to this segment. ADAS functionality, ventilated seats, zoned climate control are among a host of features that were first debuted in the luxury sedan segment before finding their way to other cars. The airbag that is responsible for saving a lot of lives was debuted by sedans way back in 1978. If you are the type who likes to be comfortable while keeping their passengers the same way, the sedan is the car of choice for you. It is also the first preference of consumers who enjoy being chauffeur driven in luxury. The steadily increasing purchasing power of the Indian customer and his preference for a plush ride has also overseen an uptick in this segment. The comfort levels offered by the sedans and their big boots are also the primary reason why they are the preferred workhorses of transport fleet services.
Better Driving Dynamics
The design of the average sedan means that it is usually low slung and carries a low centre of gravity. This lends it a more planted feel on the roads and especially while cornering. You will not hear of sedans turning turtle like an SUV and it also has a smaller turning radius than them making the car easier to manoeuvre. The sedan driver is thus much more in control of his vehicle because of the low drag coefficient and can enjoy the drive just that bit extra. The suspension set up is in tune with its design leading to superior and more refined handling characteristics.
Performance
Historically, sedans were offered with more powerful engines than hatchbacks, providing stronger acceleration and a more enthusiastic driving experience. Cars like the Honda City i-VTEC established sedans as the more engaging cars to drive compared to hatchbacks or SUVs. Over time, this reputation has remained with this segment, and combined with the aerodynamically designed bodies and low centre of gravity, sedans feel powerful and fun to drive.
Summary
The sedan is the go to vehicle for people who value their comfort and like to be driven by chauffeurs. The sheer comfort offered by sedans cannot be bettered by any other segment. The joy of being behind the wheel of one and enjoying the controlled yet refined driving experience sedans offer is unmatched. Sedans will continue to remain relevant to the buyer that prefers classy elegance and understated comfort. While other segments may be growth and volume drivers, sedans cannot be discounted from the discourse because of the versatility they offer. Fleet operators also swear by them for the comfort, storage space and fuel efficiency on offer.The advantages they hold over other segments should not be discounted just because SUVs are the flavour of the month. Four doors, a large boot space and potent engines are just the starting point for these entertaining high speed machines with potential for being ideal daily performance oriented rides.
