Two very hot launches in the midsize segment spiced up the news in the midsize segment for the CNBC-TV18 Car of the Year Award-the Logan and Maruti SX4, reports CNBC-TV18.

The midsize segment went through a solid shake-up. Bringing the price tags down and taking the excitement up a notch was the Mahindra Renault offspring - the Logan. Designed to provide everything that a car buyer would want, on a tight budget, meant that the Logan offered space that is comparable with cars from higher segments.

The simple design offered reasonable comfort; while the engine, suspension and all the other mechanicals carried out their tasks with a neat efficiency. Of course, a diesel engine option was also on offer. All this was offered at a very attractive price. The only thing that was not attractive about the Logan was its look.

That is where Maruti's SX 4 hardly had any problems. Handsome, rugged and it was a Maruti - the SX 4 really had everything you could ask for. Its top-end version was the first to offer abs and airbags as an option in its segment.