With the launch of the Ciaz, Maruti has stepped into the very competitive mid-size sedan segment again. It's previous players in the class - SX4 and Baleno - never managed to garner much market share. Keeping that in mind, we find out how this new player stacks up against its rivals in the class, as far as cosmetics are concerned.

Most of the cars in this segment start at a very affordable price point, but it is only the top trims that usually come solidly equipped, and hence, with a price point north of around Rs 9 lakh. So, when you intend to shell out that extra moolah for the top trim, it helps to know what bells and whistles come with the model. It is for this reason, we have compared the top trims of these midsize sedans to see the noteworthy features each car gets. The cars considered here are - the new Maruti Ciaz, the best-seller Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Sunny.

All the cars mentioned here, except the Ford Fiesta Titanium, get a petrol and a diesel variant each. However, the top-end Nissan Sunny XV is only available with a diesel engine. Considering the petrol variants, the top spec Ciaz Z is the cheapest in the class at Rs 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento Highline cost a little more at Rs 8.79 lakh and Rs 8.87 lakh respectively. The Fiat Linea Emotion will have you shell Rs 9.02 lakh. The most expensive in the class is the Honda City, which will cost you Rs 9.97 lakh.

Among the diesels, the Ciaz is again the cheapest among the top-end models at Rs 9.45 lakh. The Nissan Sunny XV follows closely at Rs 9.48 lakh. Shell out some more and you can buy the Fiat Linea Emotion that is priced at Rs 9.74 lakh. The Volkswagen Vento Highline and The Hyundai Verna SX are priced a little higher at Rs 9.90 lakh and Rs 9.97 lakh respectively. The Honda City VX again is the most expensive at Rs 11.11 lakh.