'DNA' drive: Driver’s sedans

When we decide to buy a car, the most popular touchpoints are mileage and comfort. But to those who hold performance and handling in highest regard, the aforementioned criteria will slide down the priority list.

So, what options does the enthusiast have, then, that will satisfy that performance itch and still be practical for the everyday run? Well, there are plenty. Such as the Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and, of course, the Fiat Linea. Again, like last time, this isn’t a proper comparo as such, but we’ll take each car and tell you what you’ll like and dislike about it from a driver’s point of view.

Ford Fiesta
As with the City, the Fiesta’s performance credentials go back a couple of generations. The legendary 1.6S version of the older car was possibly the only one that could dethrone the Honda City as the king and well, before that the Ikon was no slouch either, especially with a 1.6-litre engine under the hood. So, it’s natural that this new ‘kinetic’ Fiesta is very performance biased. In fact, right from when you look at it, you’re sure that this one will put a smile on your face. 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines take care of your need for power. The diesel is a good performer, but the petrol is a real bomb. It feels quicker than the 1.6-litre engine in the older car, even. When it comes to handling, the Fiesta is in a league of its own, with body movements that hide the fact that this is a proper sedan. The transmission is not as slick as the one in the city, but you won’t be missing ratios with this ‘box for sure. The automatic option in this case is a class-first dual clutch gearbox which, if nothing else, improves the sporty feel of the car!
Inside, the sporty theme continues, with a very driver centric dash and easy-to-reach controls. Pricing is the only reason this car didn’t take off in the country. That only means that there are good deals and discounts to be had, so enthusiast, be on the lookout!

Skoda Rapid
Based on one of the first of the new generation sedans to come to the market, the Skoda Rapid also comes with a host of great features and creature comforts.

It also happens to be a good handler and can hold its line surprisingly well despite feeling a little heavy. You won’t feel as agile in a Rapid as you will in a Fiesta, maybe, but you’ll definitely be confident about its abilities in a corner, and that makes all the difference in your mind when you want to drive it with some sporting intentions. The two engines on offer will keep your thirst for power at bay, they don’t make huge amounts of power, but they’re not weak either. Just stay away from the automatic if you have any sporting intentions. So, then, the very solidly built Rapid definitely passes as a performance sedan. It may not be your first choice if you’re looking for a sporty car, but it will definitely not disappoint you if you drive it as such!

Fiat Linea
Like the Punto last week, the Linea is also a deceptive performer. It comes with the option of a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine which is primed for some add-on tuning. In stock form, it’s not a slouch either, it sprints from a standstill to the ton before you’ve even realised it. The 5-speed gearbox could stand to see some work though, because shifts feel a little notchy and the ratios are placed a little further apart than we’d like, but any slack in the drivetrain is picked up by the engine.

On the flip side though, both the exterior and interior are a little dated. The recent 2012 editions don’t provide much respite in that either, but from behind the wheel, you’ll be willing to forgive all of that just to feel the turbo kick in again.

It also comes with the multi-jet diesel engine under the hood, so if you’re a little fuel conscious, this will be the ticket for you.

This is a completely irrelevant point, but the boot of the Linea has a peculiar hinge mechanism different from all the goose-neck arrangements you see everywhere else, so that’s a nice touch.

Honda City
The City was one of the first proper performance sedans in our country and the first VTEC City was something to die for at the time. Now, the current generation carries the torch of its predecessors quite well.
With a 1.5-litre petrol engine making nearly 120 bhp under the hood, the City is certainly no slacker in terms of power. The iVTEC system ensures that you have a good amount of power across the rev range too. Generally, the City is avoided because of the lack of a diesel option, but for enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than a high-revving petrol engine and a slick shifting manual gearbox and that’s exactly what the City provides. There’s also the option of a well programmed automatic transmission if you have a particularly gruelling commute.
When it comes to handling, the City holds its own very well. It’s not as light as the earlier cars anymore, but despite the slight increase in weight, still manages to be a very competent handler. Inside, it doesn’t come with as many bells and whistles as the other cars, but it does come with a USB enabled stereo, steering mounted controls for the system and a well designed dashboard. Overall, this is a great all-round choice if you’re in the market.

Hyundai Verna
With a very strong engine family, the Verna is a very good contender for a performance sedan from the Hyundai stable.

For the indecisive ones, the four-engine choices on offer — two petrol and two diesel — will definitely confuse you and on top of that, there are also two transmission options as well, but those with performance on their mind will definitely spring for the 1.6-litre versions of both mated to the manual transmission. With gobs of power and great delivery, these engines will definitely put a smile on your face, if only they had a chassis to match the brilliant engines.

The Verna can’t be classified as a good handler by any metric. Sure, it’s very plush and comfortable, you won’t feel a thing on a bumpy road, but when it comes to cornering, the car scares you out of your wits. If you’re a thrill seeker, this is a great car for you, then!

Not that it doesn’t go through a corner well, but throw a bump in there and you’ll feel the rear end wobble and skip under the forces. So, this really is a case of a great engine in a so-so package.