What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Honda City – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Long-distance road trip lovers prioritize comfort, stability, and fuel efficiency when choosing a car. Essential features include spacious and adjustable seating, a smooth ride, and advanced suspension for handling varied road conditions. Ample storage space for luggage and gear is crucial, as well as a user-friendly infotainment system with navigation and connectivity options.
The car should also have reliable safety features, such as multiple airbags, ABS, and traction control. Additionally, a long-distance road trip enthusiast appreciates a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine that can effortlessly cover vast distances without frequent refueling stops.
Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City are Popular
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City have gained popularity among long-distance road trip lovers due to their unique combination of comfort, performance, and practicality.
The Ertiga offers a spacious and versatile interior with ample seating for up to seven passengers, making it ideal for family road trips. Its responsive 1.5-liter petrol engine delivers a smooth and fuel-efficient ride, ensuring a comfortable journey over long distances.
On the other hand, the Honda City is renowned for its exceptional comfort and stability on highways. Its well-designed suspension absorbs road imperfections, providing a plush ride quality. The City’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine offers a refined and effortless driving experience, with impressive fuel efficiency. The spacious cabin, featuring premium materials and ergonomic design, ensures that passengers remain comfortable even during extended trips.
Both cars come equipped with essential features such as touchscreen infotainment systems, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features like ABS and airbags. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City strike a perfect balance between comfort, performance, and practicality, making them top choices for long-distance road trip enthusiasts.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 27 March 2024 |
| ZXI | ₹1,088,000 |
| VXI AT | ₹1,128,000 |
| ZXI Plus | ₹1,158,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 27 March 2024 |
| SV | ₹1,171,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
The Ertiga ZXI is an excellent choice for long-distance road trips, thanks to its spacious and comfortable interior. The manual seating adjustments allow for a personalized driving position, while the rear AC vents ensure that all passengers stay comfortable. The 7-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated controls keeps you entertained and connected throughout your journey. The 1.5-liter petrol engine delivers a smooth and fuel-efficient performance, making it well-suited for long drives.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT
The VXI AT variant offers the convenience of an advanced automatic transmission, which makes long-distance driving a breeze. The responsive torque converter ensures smooth and effortless gear changes, reducing driver fatigue. While it misses out on some features like touchscreen navigation and push-button start, the VXI AT still provides a comfortable and stable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and spacious interior. If you are budget conscious, you can read our guide to the best Ertiga variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus
The range-topping ZXI Plus variant offers additional features that enhance the overall driving experience. The premium Arkamys audio system delivers an immersive sound experience, while the rear parking camera and cruise control add convenience and safety during long journeys. The ZXI Plus also comes with additional airbags, providing enhanced protection for all occupants. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Ertiga variants for you.
Honda City SV
The Honda City SV is a top contender for long-distance road trips, thanks to its exceptional comfort and stability. The spacious cabin offers ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, ensuring that passengers remain comfortable even during extended journeys. The automatic climate control and rear AC vents maintain the perfect temperature throughout the car.
The City’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine delivers a refined and effortless driving experience, with impressive fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl. The advanced suspension absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the City with Kia Seltos 2023.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers
After carefully analyzing the features and attributes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda City variants, we recommend the Honda City SV as the best choice for long-distance road trip lovers.
The Honda City SV excels in providing a comfortable and stable ride, which is essential for long journeys. Its well-designed suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring that passengers enjoy a plush and smooth ride. The spacious cabin, with its ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, allows occupants to stretch out and relax during extended trips. The ergonomic seats, featuring premium materials and good cushioning, provide excellent support and minimize fatigue.
In terms of performance, the City’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine delivers a refined and effortless driving experience. The linear power delivery and smooth transmission ensure a pleasant and stress-free drive, even on long stretches of highway. With an impressive fuel efficiency of 17.8 kmpl, the Honda City SV is well-suited for long-distance travel, minimizing the need for frequent refueling stops.
The City SV also comes equipped with essential features that enhance the overall driving experience. The automatic climate control and rear AC vents maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, while the 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system keeps you entertained and connected. Advanced safety features such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags provide peace of mind during your road trip.
While the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga variants offer spacious interiors and practical features, the Honda City SV’s combination of exceptional comfort, stable ride quality, refined performance, and advanced features make it the best choice for long-distance road trip lovers. Its well-rounded package ensures that you can enjoy your adventures on the open road in comfort and style.
The Top 3 Choices
- Honda City SV
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
| Feature | Honda City SV | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows (Front) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows (Back) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes | No |
| Airbags (number) | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low Fuel Indicator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda City SV secures the top spot due to its exceptional comfort, stable ride quality, and refined performance. The spacious and well-appointed cabin, coupled with advanced suspension, ensures a plush and fatigue-free experience on long journeys. The City’s impressive fuel efficiency and practical features make it an ideal choice for long-distance road trips.
- The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus takes the second position, thanks to its spacious interior and additional features. The premium Arkamys audio system, rear parking camera, and cruise control enhance the overall driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable and convenient. The ZXI Plus also offers added safety with four airbags, providing peace of mind during your road trip.
- The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI ranks third, offering a balance of comfort, performance, and features. Its spacious interior, rear AC vents, and touchscreen infotainment system ensure a comfortable and entertaining journey. While it misses out on some advanced features like cruise control and additional airbags, the ZXI still provides a smooth and fuel-efficient ride, thanks to its responsive 1.5-liter petrol engine.
The Honda City SV, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI are all attractive choices for long-distance road trip lovers. Each variant offers a distinct set of features and attributes that cater to the needs and preferences of highway adventurers, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience on the open road.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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