BENCHMARKING

1 INTRODUCTION
BENCHMARKING: Benchmarking in the automobile industry involves a structured
comparison between similar products, services, or processes on some dimensions of
performance.

For example, it can be used to compare the availability and delivery of features in a
product and, in this form, often provides the basis of consumer tests and reviews.

2 AIM
The present challenge aim is to suggest Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii, a car that best suits
him and his family. The technique used is the Benchmarking method.

3 CAR SUGGESTIONS
As mentioned, Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii is a married man with a 5-year-old kid, and
he lives with his parents. He lives in Bangalore. His native place is Madurai, which is
500 km from Bangalore, he visits once a month. He also wants to go to his office in
Bangalore in the car. He is most likely interested in big cars like SUV, Mini SUV,
Cross-over, Sedan. His budget is around 8 to 10 lakhs.

The following are the models suggested as per the requirements of Mr. D.S.
Pughazhyendhii:

3.1 MARUTI SUZUKI VITARA BREZZA

Star rating: Four stars.

Performance details: The Maruti Vitara Brezza comes with only a diesel engine, a 1.3-
liter four-cylinder unit that makes 89bhp @ 4000rpm and 200Nm @ 1750rpm. The
car comes mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. All the power is sent to the
front wheels. The Maruti Brezza offers reliable performance both in the city as well as
on the highway. While the manual variant is the ideal choice for those who like to
drive, the Maruti Brezza AMT promises a relaxed driving experience.
Mileage: With a claimed mileage of 24.3km/l, the Maruti Brezza offers good value for
the money. The mileage of the Maruti Brezza also gives it an edge in the compact-
SUV segment and makes it a worthy upgrade from a hatchback.

Price: 8 – 10 lakhs.

Advantages:

1. 5-speed AMT gearbox, which makes it easier to drive in city conditions.

2. The cabin is well laid out, and space in terms of seating is suitable for a
family.
3. The standard airbag for the driver and the optional passenger airbags and ABS
with EBD.

Disadvantages:

1. The Brezza comes only in the diesel engine, and there is no petrol engine.

3.2 HYUNDAI VENUE

Star rating: Four stars.

Performance details: Three engine options power the Hyundai Venue. This includes a
base 1.2-liter petrol engine borrowed from the Elite i20 premium hatchback. It
produces 83bhp and 115Nm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual
gearbox. The second petrol engine comes in the form of a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder
turbocharged unit. It produces an impressive 120bhp and 170Nm of torque and is
mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the optional seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic as well. The third engine comes in the form of a lone diesel
option. This includes a 1.4-liter unit borrowed from the Creta SUV. It produces the
same 89bhp and 220Nm of torque and also comes mated to the same six-speed
manual gearbox.

Mileage: the venue claims to return fuel efficiency figures of 18.27km/l for the 1.0-
liter turbo petrol manual and 18.15km/l for the turbo petrol automatic variant. The
1.2-liter petrol claims a mileage figure of 17.52km/l, and the 1.4-liter diesel has the
best figures of 23.70km/l fuel efficiency.
Price: 7 – 11 lakhs.

Advantages:

1. Availability of a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

2. The seating on the Hyundai Venue offers excellent comfort for all passengers,
with adequate cushioning. Even the rear passenger seats offer good under-
thigh support, which along with the central armrest, provides good comfort.

Disadvantages:

1. It measures in at 3995mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1590mm in height.

The car is smaller than most of its competition, which offers better width and
height. The wheelbase as well isn't the best-in-class, measuring just 2500mm.

3.3 TATA NEXON

Star rating: Five stars.

Performance details: The Tata Nexon SUV is offered in both petrol and diesel engine
options. Both engines have been updated to meet the new stringent BS6 emission
norms. This includes a 1.2-liter Revotron engine and a 1.5-liter Revotorq engine. The
1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo-petrol 'Revotron' engine produces 120bhp at 5000rpm
and 170Nm of peak torque at 1750rpm. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel, on the other
hand, churns out 110bhp at 4000rpm and 260Nm of peak torque at 1500rpm. Both
engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and the optional automatic
transmission as well.

Mileage: Tata Nexon comes with a fuel tank capacity of 44-liters. The petrol-powered
SUV claims an ARAI-certified fuel economy figure between 17km/l and 21km/l for
the manual and automatic variants. The diesel-powered Tata Nexon, on the other
hand, claims an ARAI-certified mileage between 21km/l and 24km/l, depending on
the transmission.

Price: 7 – 12 lakhs.

Advantages:
 1. The AMT version is a breeze to drive and is particularly suited for those who
are living in the city, where traffic is always a problem.

Disadvantages:

2. The crossover, although being a five-seater on paper, struggles to offer

adequate space at the rear.
3. The headroom is also a problem for tall passengers.

3.4 MAHINDRA XUV300

Star rating: Five stars.

Performance details: The Mahindra XUV300 is offered with a choice of two engine
options: one petrol and one diesel. The petrol engine comes in the form of a 1.2-liter
turbo-petrol unit producing 110bhp and 200Nm of torque. The diesel power unit on
the XUV300 has been carried forward from the Marazzo and comes in the form of a
1.5-liter unit. It produces 115bhp and 300Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a
standard six-speed manual gearbox. The petrol engine on the XUV300 is a brand new
engine from the brand. The diesel engine, on the other hand, is the most powerful
engine available in compact-SUVs in the country. It offers brilliant performance, with
a good mid-range torque pulling the XUV300 quickly. There is a bit of turbo-lag
below 2,000rpm. However, cross that, and you will get a surge of power which lasts
almost till the redline. The gearbox is a pleasure to use, with the gears falling into
place quickly. The clutch is light, making easy work of the gearshifts, especially
during rush hour city traffic. The suspension system is the same as seen on the Tivoli.
However, it has been modified to comply with the Indian road conditions. This is
clearly noticeable as the suspension is soft, offering a very pliant ride even with
irregularities on the road. Braking is handled by discs on all-four wheels, offering
excellent bite, which provides enough confidence to push the SUV harder. Mahindra
also offers the XUV300 with different driving and steering modes, which further
enhances the driving character of the SUV, making it more engaging. The steering is
light at slow speeds, which slowly weighs up well with increasing speeds. It also
offers good response and feedback.
Mileage: The Mahindra XUV300 comes with a fuel tank capacity of 42-liters. The
company claims that the XUV300 returns a mileage figure of around 16 - 18km/l for
the petrol and roughly 22km/l for the diesel variant.

Price: 8 – 13 lakhs.

Advantages:

Best in segment features. Best price compared to the competition. Lots of Safety
features, global platform, 7 Airbag offering.

Disadvantages:

1. Smaller boot space, relatively less under-thigh support on the rear seat.

4 CONCLUSION
The best choice for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii is between Tata Nexon and Hyundai
venue, as both come in the best features and lower cost. They can be used to travel
long distances and in cities.

5 REFERENCES
https://www.drivespark.com/cars/8-10lakhs/