Suzuki Ciaz vs. VW Polo sedan vs. Nissan Almera: Here's our winner

By Ané Theron

It's Japan vs. Germany in this sensible budget-sedan shoot-out. All three cars are manual models with smallish engines and massive boots, and will probably last you a long time if you take proper care. Let's find out how these three sub-225k cars compare, whether you're an Uber driver or a soccer mom.

1. Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GL, R214 900

The Suzuki Ciaz has always been quite an underrated car, but after the recent upgrade and facelift, we're hoping it will see an improvement in sales figures. It looks miles better than its predecessor did, and is now a bit of a head-turner, even, especially in GLX-trim (from 244 900). It's much, much more attractive than the ugly duckling of the trio, the Nissan Almera...

Engine

In the engine (and output) department, the Ciaz's new 1.5-litre petrol-engine makes 77 kW and 138Nm of torque. Being the lightest in kerb weight and having the best power figures, you can be assured of decent performance from its free-revving engine, which is matched to a five-speed manual gearbox. 

Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5 litres per 100 km on average, but this is Suzuki's figure and it sounds a little too good to be true. However, when my colleage Chad Lückhoff attended the local Ciaz launch, he came away very impressed at just how frugal it was.

Safety features

Where safety is concerned, the Ciaz features airbags for the driver and front passenger, (two in total) ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assistance (BAS) and the addition of a high-level brake light. Rear park distance control is absent, as are rear fog lamps and a full-sized spare wheel (it gets a space saver).

All models are also fitted with an alarm and immobiliser, child-proof rear child door locks and additional side-impact protection on all doors. Unfortunately, the doors don't lock automatically as you start driving, and there are no ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats. 

Comfort and convenience

As for comfort and convenience features, the Ciaz is the only car here with a front armrest. Audio/telephony controls can be accessed via satellite buttons on the steering wheel, which is always nice to have. The Ciaz 1.5 GL has a trip computer, Bluetooth, a AUX and USB port, and 2x12V power sockets (one in the front and one in the rear). it also has electrically adjustable side mirrors, and a radio/CD player. A rear air-vent keeps rear passengers cool. Unfortunately the rear seat can't be split or folded, but the boot is a very sizeable 480 litres.

Warranty

All Ciaz models are currently being sold with a 3-year / 60 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km vehicle warranty.

2. Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.4 Trendline, R216 300

The evergreen VW Polo Sedan has always been a clear-headed choice when it comes to buying a sedan. It's not as sexy as the new Polo hatch by any means, but the sedan's classical design, rock-solid reliability and high build quality are three reasons why it's a popular choice.

Engine

The Polo is significantly heavier than the Ciaz (by 86 kilograms), and its 1.4-litre engine doesn't feel very lively, with only 63kW and 132 Nm of torque. As a result, overtaking manoeuvres will have to be carefully planned. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres per 100 km by VW, but real-life figures will be slightly higher.  It has a 55-litre fuel tank vs. the Ciaz's 43-litre tank and the Almera's 41-litre unit.

Safety features

The Polo sedan is equipped with four frontal airbags, two more than both the other contenders. Its doors lock automatically as you drive away, it has ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats, and ABS brakes with EBD, but no brake assist. Rear fog lamps are standard, but a rear-view camera for safer reversing is optional. The Polo sedan has a full-sized spare wheel, child locks, and a high-level brake light. An alarm and immobiliser are also included.

Comfort and convenience

The Polo sedan is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, but the 3-year/45 000 km service plan is optional.

3. Nissan Almera 1.5 Acenta, R221 900

The Nissan Almera is an Uber favourite, and with good reason. No Uber driver is going to opt for a car that's expensive to run or to service, and the Almera is known for having an affordable parts basket and being very sound, mechanically. It's only its looks that put people off, but once you've lived with the spaciousness and comfort that the Almera offers, you'll understand! It's also the only car here with alloy wheels.

Engine

The Almera's 1.5-litre engine is capable of producing 73kW and 134 Nm. In total, it's 22 kilos heavier than the Ciaz, and its engine output is ever-so-slightly lower than the Ciaz. The Almera's five-speed manual gearbox is preferable to the auto, if you're serious about extracting all the available power from the engine as possible.

Safety features

The Almera has ABS, EBD as well as brake assist, two airbags, Isofix anchorage points and rear fog lamps too. It's the only car in this line-up with rear park distance control. The Almera also offers follow-me-home headlamps that stay lit after you’ve already exited the car. An alarm and immobiliser are standard too.   (Have you read our Nissan Almera vs. Corolla Quest safety comparison yet?)

Comfort and convenience

The Almera comes specced with  a trip computer, Bluetooth (as well as a USB/AUX port and CD player), and these audio functions can be controlled by using the satellite controls on the steering wheel. 

The Almera's rear bench can't be split or folded, but the boot is an absolutely massive 490 litres vs. the Polo's 454 litres and the Ciaz's 480 litres. The rear bench is also ultra-roomy, and passengers of all shapes and sizes will be more than comfortable, especially since there's a rear air-vent for hot days.

Warranty

The Almera is sold with a 6-year/150 000 warranty and 3-year/90 000 km service plan. It's the only car here that gets 3 years' worth of roadside assist.

Verdict

Spec-for-spec, the Almera wins, but If I had to buy myself a car out of this trio, it would be the Ciaz. I'm a sucker for good looks, and that warranty/service plan really sweetens the deal. Its performance figures are also significantly better than the Polo's and driving the Ciaz doesn't feel like sailing a ship, which is the feeling I get when piloting the Almera through town.  I prefer the Ciaz's interior styling too. It's a car that will be very easy to live with in the long run.

Also read: Fiat tipo vs. Suzuki Ciaz vs. Toyota Corolla Quest