Daihatsu Sigra vs. Toyota Calya: A Twin's Tale of Affordable MPVs
In the bustling automotive landscape of Indonesia, the Daihatsu Sigra and Toyota Calya stand out as two of the most popular choices for families seeking a budget-friendly and practical seven-seater. These twin siblings, born from the same Low-Cost Green Car (LCGC) program, share a similar core but have subtle differences that appeal to distinct buyer preferences. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of the Sigra and Calya, examining their design, performance, features, and overall value.
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| Daihatsu Sigra |
1. Exterior Design and Dimensions
At first glance, the Sigra and Calya appear almost identical, a testament to their shared platform. They both have the same dimensions: a length of 4,110 mm, a width of 1,655 mm, and a height of 1,600 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,525 mm. However, a closer look reveals key design distinctions.
Toyota Calya: The Calya often presents a more refined and premium look. It features a larger, more prominent trapezoidal grille with a chrome finish. The fog lamp housing is stylishly integrated, giving the front a more modern and elegant feel. Higher variants of the Calya come with dual-tone alloy wheels that enhance its sophisticated appearance.
Daihatsu Sigra: The Sigra, on the other hand, adopts a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic. Its grille has a distinctive hourglass shape, and while its fog lamp housing is more conventional, some variants feature decals that give it a more vibrant and "youthful" vibe. While the higher-end Sigra models also come with alloy wheels, the entry-level variants still use steel wheels.
2. Engine and Performance
The powertrain is one of the most significant points of difference between the two models, especially in their base variants.
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| Toyota Calya |
Toyota Calya: The Calya is exclusively available with a 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. This engine, known as the 3NR-VE, produces 87 hp of power and 108 Nm of torque. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. This single engine option simplifies the choice for buyers and offers consistent performance across all Calya variants.
Daihatsu Sigra: The Sigra offers a broader range of engine choices, catering to a wider spectrum of budgets. Its base models (D and M variants) are equipped with a more fuel-efficient 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine (1KR-VE). This engine generates 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque, making it a great option for those prioritizing fuel economy. The higher-end Sigra variants, however, share the same 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine as the Calya. For those who value the absolute lowest running costs, the 1.0L Sigra is an undeniable advantage.
Both cars are known for their excellent fuel efficiency, with both the 1.2L Calya and 1.2L Sigra achieving comparable mileage. The 1.0L Sigra is slightly more frugal, albeit with less power.
3. Interior and Features
The interiors of the Sigra and Calya are designed for practicality and comfort, with minor differences in material and features.
Shared features: Both cars offer a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate seven passengers, although the third row is best suited for children or short trips. They both come with a double-blower air conditioning system (in certain variants) to ensure comfort for all occupants.
Toyota Calya: The Calya's interior is often perceived as having a more upscale feel. It features a darker color scheme with hints of gray and chrome. Higher-end variants include a larger touchscreen head unit with audio steering switches for added convenience. The Calya also offers rear air vents and a better headrest count, providing enhanced comfort for passengers.
Daihatsu Sigra: The Sigra's interior, while functional, tends to be simpler. It uses a light and dark gray color combination. While the top-tier Sigra models also feature a touchscreen head unit and other modern amenities, they may lack some of the advanced features found in the highest Calya variants, such as steering wheel controls and a more premium audio system. However, some Sigra variants come equipped with a rear-view camera and parking sensors, which are convenient additions.
4. Safety Features
Safety is a crucial consideration for any family car, and both the Sigra and Calya are equipped with fundamental safety features.
Standard Features: Both vehicles come with dual SRS airbags, seatbelts for all passengers, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) on most variants.
Variant-specific features: The Calya generally offers more comprehensive safety features across its lineup, including ISOFIX mounts for child seats and a seatbelt reminder system. The top-of-the-line Calya also has a retractable side mirror feature. While the Sigra provides similar safety essentials, some of these features might be limited to its higher-end trims.
5. Price and Verdict
The final deciding factor for many buyers is the price. The Daihatsu Sigra consistently has a lower starting price than the Toyota Calya, making it the more affordable choice from the outset. This is largely due to the existence of its 1.0-liter engine variants.
Daihatsu Sigra: A great option for budget-conscious families who prioritize practicality and excellent fuel efficiency. The 1.0-liter engine is perfect for city driving, and the overall package offers exceptional value for money.
Toyota Calya: The better choice for those who are willing to spend a little extra for a slightly more premium feel, a more consistent engine across all variants, and some added convenience and safety features like a better head unit and retractable mirrors.
In conclusion, the Daihatsu Sigra and Toyota Calya are both formidable contenders in the affordable MPV segment. They are two sides of the same coin, each with its own strengths. The Sigra appeals to the pragmatic buyer looking for maximum value, while the Calya targets those who desire a touch more sophistication and a few extra bells and whistles without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific priorities and budget.