BAIC D20 vs. Suzuki Cultus: A comparative analysis!

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Pakistan Auto Show 2020 witnessed some interesting new prospects that were displayed as pre-launch models in the automobile industry. Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, previously known as the auto-rickshaw manufacturer; in collaboration with BAIC displayed several upcoming cars in the country. Sazgar – BAIC made the headlines for the right reasons at Pakistan’s biggest auto show. The company showcased three different models including BAIC BJ40L, Senova X25 and Senova D20. Among them, the interesting and much anticipated BAIC D20 hatchback will be the centre of discussion in this blog. BAIC D20 is a 5-door hatchback that will soon enter the local auto sector and before that happens; we will compare it with its potential competitors. It will be competing with Suzuki Cultus and FAW V2 in terms of the body-style and expected price. Here, we will analyze BAIC D20 and Suzuki Cultus AGS in a brief comparison.

Power train:

BAIC D20 hatchback is equipped with two engine options i.e. 1.3-litre A131 petrol engine paired to a 5-speed manual transmission and a 1.5-litre A151 petrol engine mated to both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. The hatchback comes with the Euro V emissions standard and front-wheel-drive system. On the other hand, Suzuki Cultus is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual and auto-gear shift (AGS) transmission. The 5-door hatchback has a front-wheel-drive system (2WD) and its engine supports the multi-point fuel injection system.

Braking and Suspension:

BAIC D20, which is produced under the Senova brand, is powered with ventilated disc brakes at the front wheels and conventional drum brakes at the rear side. In terms of suspension, the front wheels have McPherson independent suspension whereas, on the rear side, H-type torsion beam suspension is provided by the automaker. Contrary to this, Pak Suzuki offers Cultus with the same ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear drum brakes. Cultus has front MacPherson strut with coil spring suspension and a rear torsion beam with coil spring suspension at the rear side.

Dimensions:

The 5-door hatchback’s body extends to 4040 mm in length and 1720 mm in width. It stands 1503 mm high from the ground level and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. D20 has a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres. Suzuki Cultus is considerably short in length as compared to D20. It has a length and width of 3600 mm and 1600 mm respectively. The height of Cultus is 1540 mm which is more than D20. Moreover, it has a wheelbase of 2425 mm and comes with a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres.

Exterior:

BAIC D20 has a modern-looking exterior with chrome designing in the front radiator grille. It has stylish integral headlights offered with daytime running lights (DRL’s). The headlamps also have a time-delay switch that turns them off and height adjustment features. The windshield wiper has a multi-level operation with a rain sensor. The outside rear-view door mirrors are electrically foldable, adjustable and heated with integrated side-turn signals. The 1.3L variant comes with a standard tyre size of 175/65 R14 with steel wheels while the 1.5L versions are offered with 185/60 R14 tyre size and aluminum alloy rims.

 

Suzuki Cultus has gained popularity because of its good exterior looks. It has a black front radiator grille with a chrome accent and provided with multi-reflector halogen headlamps and fog lamps. The outside door handles and rear-view side mirrors are body-colored. It also incorporates electrically adjustable outside door mirrors. The standard tyre size offered in Cultus is 165/65 R14 with alloy wheels.

Interior:

The interior of D20 also looks attractive at first glance due to the chrome trims. Some of its salient features are:

  • Fabric Seats
  • 3-spoke Leather Steering Wheel
  • Adjustable Steering Wheel
  • Sun Visors (Driver + Passenger)
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • Power Windows
  • Auto Trunk Light
  • Coat Hook
  • Reading Light with Time-delay Switch off
  • Cigar Lighter
  • White Light Dashboard
  • Centre Armrest

Suzuki Cultus has a black-colored interior integrated with chrome lining that also offers various features for the enhancement of comfort and convenience for its customers including:

  • 3-spoke Urethane Steering Wheel
  • Tilt-adjustable Steering Wheel
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Fuel Consumption Indicator
  • Digital Clock
  • Gear Indicator
  • 2-speed Front Wipers
  • Air-conditioner + Heater
  • 12V Accessory Socket
  • Assist Grips
  • Fabric Seats
  • Rear Window Defroster

Entertainment features:

For entertainment purposes, the hatchback D20 is provided with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with single-disc CD, USB, AUX, Radio and GPS connectivity. The manual versions have 4 speakers while the automatic variants are provided with 6 speakers. The steering wheel also has multi-controls integrated into it. In comparison to this, Suzuki Cultus has an audio system with 4 speakers, Radio, CD, AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Control, Safety & Security features:

The auto manufacturer has offered various safeties in its hatchback model of D20. It also has controls that help in the control and security of the vehicle. Some of these are mentioned below:

  • ABS + EBD
  • Airbags (Driver + Passenger)
  • 3-point seat belts (Front and Rear)
  • Engine Immobilizer
  • ISO FIX Child Safety
  • Brake Override System
  • Cruise Control
  • Retractable Steering Column
  • High-Mounted LED Brake Lamp
  • Automatic Latch System – Speed Sensor
  • Anti-theft Alarm System

The top of the line variant of Suzuki Cultus is equipped with various basic safety and security features including the following:

  • ABS + EBD
  • Airbags (Driver + Passenger)
  • 2-point Seat belts
  • High-mount Stop Lamp
  • Engine Immobilizer
  • Childproof Rear Door Locks
  • Central Door Locking System

Price:

The expected price of BAIC D20 is PKR 1,900,000 in the local market. If it’s correct, this would be an extremely smart move by the company to grab the market. On the other hand, the Suzuki Cultus AGS variant is available at all the 3S authorized dealerships of Pak Suzuki at PKR 1,985,000.

Note here that in terms of engine capacity i.e. 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre; BAIC D20 comes in competition with Honda City which is also available in the same engine capacities. Also, the same vehicle is available as a sedan model in the international market about which the company may later consider to introduce in the auto sector of Pakistan. How do you see the upcoming BAIC D20 hatchback in the local sector? Will it be able to position itself in the presence of existing auto giants? Let us know with your valuable opinion in the comments section below. Stay connected with PakWheels for more automobile-related comparisons.

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