How Indian car ACs are faring in the current heat wave

My Sonet has the best Climate control system in all my cars. Even when the outside temperature is 40+, the car remains COLD even at 25 degrees.

BHPian 07CR recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all starting this thread to check how effective the AC/Climate control system is with various brands. In my personal usage, we (father and me) have owned a Chevy UVA, Amaze S IDTEC, Ford Ecosport S TDCI and Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo and Seltos 1.5 Turbo DCT.

In my personal experience here goes the ranking-

• Sonet 1.0
• Ecosport S/Seltos 1.5
• Chevy UVA
• Honda Amaze S IDTEC

Few points about all cars-

Honda Amaze (2013-2020)- This car was silver in color. The AC cooling was good in front row, however at rear it was just acceptable. The car was silver in color.

Chevy UVA (2009-2013)- Fantastic cooling all around. Despite an underpowered engine, I find it surprising the AC cooling being so good, not to forget the cabin of the car was pretty large. This was in turquoise blue color.

Ecosport S- (2020-2023 Dec) Chiller of an Aircon system. Climate control though wasn't as effective. I needed to set temperature at 22 to make it comfortable for all occupants. Lack of rear AC vents did hurt a bit. But standalone if I hit low on climate control the AC would throw bone chilling air. This car was absolute black in color.

Sonet 1.0 Turbo (2021-Present)- Best Climate control system in all my cars. Even when the outside temperature is 40+, the car remains COLD even at 25 degrees. The rear AC vents and factory fit sunshades help I guess. Also the Pearl white color does contribute too.

Seltos 1.5 Turbo DCT ( Dec 2023- Present)- AC is fantastic, though slightly behind the Sonet. I need to hit 24 on Climate control so that all occupants are comfortable in 40+ degree heat. Larger cabin size and all black interiors could be the reason for Seltos being slightly inferior to Sonet in terms of AC cooling. The rear sunshades, rear AC vents and pearl white color does help it in providing fantastic cooling.

How is your experience with AC in your car?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Absolutely yes! All my cars have very powerful ACs, including the "soft-top" Thar. With very few exceptions, almost all cars sold today have great air-con systems. What makes it better is the growing popularity of ventilated seats.

Have heard complaints only about some cars (e.g. a few Skoda models, the E-Class).

Here's what BHPian freakmuzik had to say on the matter:

A much needed thread to have a relative idea about the effectiveness of in-car air conditioning.

Taking into account the cars that we own in the family + very frequently used ones, here's my order

1. Toyota Corolla Altis - 2011 F/L - chills so good!

2. Tata Altroz - 2022 - owned by a friend and works good enough.

3. Maruti Wagon R - 2010 - showing it's age but still good.

4. Hyundai Eon - generally been average.

5. Tata Nano GenX - though the AC is powerful, the windshield being so close to you makes it so difficult.

Here's what BHPian dkaile had to say on the matter:

Ranking my daily drivers -

1. Skoda Superb - 2012 model - 2 Zone Fully Automatic Climatronic - 5/5 (just top-up R134A gas every 5 years, last top-up was 2 years back)

2. Maruti Baleno - 2020 model - Base Manual AC - 5/5

Here's what BHPian dr.AD had to say on the matter:

Yes! Both my cars (2017 BMW 320d and 2023 Thar 4x4) have very good ACs, and I had no problems in the crazy hot summer we had this year.

In fact, the Thar has an overkill of a powerful AC, and during winters or normal weather, it makes the cabin too cold even at the lowest settings. The crazy hot summer was actually the only time when the Thar AC felt optimal to me.

Here's what BHPian arindambasu13 had to say on the matter:

My Ecosport S TDCI has one of the best air conditioning systems among all cars I have owned, driven or sat in. Superb compressor and chills the cabin in a matter of minutes even in 40degree temperatures. When the outside temperatures are not extreme, I find myself hurriedly increasing the temperature and/or reducing fan speed since the cabin becomes too cold for comfort. I dont use auto AC, prefer to regulate temperatures and fan speeds myself.

On my Honda City, the AC is effective as well, but needs a little more time to cool the cabin. Certainly not as powerful as on the Ecosport, but good enough.

No complaints on either car.

Here's what BHPian saikishor had to say on the matter:

Both of our cars have excellent AC Systems. Our 2023 Honda Amaze, my dad leaves it in auto mode at 27°C(yes, you read that right) when he's the only one in the car and when my family is in the car, I set the temperature to 25°C at blower level 2.

My 2010 Beat also has an excellent AC, excusing the fact that the compressor sometimes dies when the car is at idle. In the Beat I set the temperature between lo and 20°C.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.