The Hyundai Verna ‘s radical design can be a matter of personal preference, making it a hit or a miss among potential buyers. Despite its bold appearance, the Verna faces strong competition in the market. However, it aims to claim the throne with its impressive 1.5L Turbo engine which is considered a bomb of power, outpacing even the Volkswagen Virtus GT. Making it the fastest car in this comparison. Alongside its powerful engine, the Verna is loaded with features, including ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and six airbags as standard, offering a high level of comfort and safety.
Let us see how it stacks against its closest rivals.
| Hyundai Verna | Honda City | Volkswagen Virtus | Maruti Ciaz | Skoda Kushaq | |
| Engine | (1.5L n/a, 1.5L Turbo Petrol) | (1.5L Petrol) | (1.0L Turbo, 1.5L Turbo) | (1.5L Petrol) | (1.0L Turbo, 1.5L Turbo) |
| Power | (113.18bhp, 157.57bhp) | 119.35bhp | ( 113.98bhp ,147.51bhp) | 103.25bhp | (113.98bhp ,147.51bhp) |
| Torque | (143.8Nm, 253Nm) | 145Nm | (178Nm, 250Nm) | 138Nm | (178Nm, 250Nm) |
| Cylinders | (4, 4) | 4 | (3, 4) | 4 | (3, 4) |
| Length | 4,535 mm | 4,574 mm | 4561 mm | 4490 mm | 4225mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm | 2,600mm | 2,651mm | 2,650mm | 2,651mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 165mm | 179mm | 170mm | 188mm |
| Transmission | (6 speed manual, CVT, 7-Speed DCT) | 6 Speed Manual, CVT | (6 Speed manual/ 6 Speed Automatic/ 7 speed DSG) | 5 Speed Manual/ 4 Speed Automatic | (6 Speed manual/ 6 Speed Automatic/ 7 speed DSG) |
| Price | 11 Lakhs – 17.38 Lakhs | Rs. 11.60- 16.08 Lakhs | Rs. 11.48 Lakh- 18.77 Lakhs | Rs. 9.30 – 12.29 Lakhs | Rs. 11.59- 19.69 Lakhs |
| Mileage | 18.6 – 20.6 kmpl | 17.8 – 18.4 kmpl | (20.08, 18.67) Kmpl | 20.04 – 20.65 Kmpl | (18.09, 18.86) Kmpl |
Hyundai Verna
The Hyundai Verna comes with several appealing pros. First and foremost, it demonstrates progress in every aspect, surpassing its predecessor with advanced features and commendable build quality. The interior is more spacious than before, offering practicality alongside the increased roominess. Furthermore, the Verna is well-equipped, boasting a comprehensive list of features that includes high levels of safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience. Its contemporary styling both inside and out allows the Hyundai Verna to stand out from the crowd, adding to its overall appeal. Additionally, Hyundai’s strong aftersales experience, encompassing sales, service, and resale value, provides peace of mind for potential buyers.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. One notable con is the absence of a diesel powertrain option, which might disappoint those seeking the advantages of diesel drivability and efficiency. Moreover, as a sedan, the Hyundai Verna faces a disadvantage since it competes in a market dominated by SUVs, which are more popular among consumers. Lastly, the new Verna is substantially costlier than its outgoing model, which could be a limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, while it boasts many positive attributes, the absence of a diesel variant and its relatively higher price point are aspects that might influence purchasing decisions.
Honda City
The 2023 Honda City comes with a range of appealing advantages. Firstly, it meets the BS6 Phase 2 (RDE) norms, showcasing Honda’s commitment to environmental standards. The updated design gives it a more refined and modern look, accompanied by additional features that enhance the overall driving experience. Its potent engine delivers adequate performance across the rev-range, making it a satisfying choice for various driving needs. The spacious cabin with comfortable seats ensures a pleasurable and relaxing ride, while its sorted dynamics add to the delight of driving the Honda City. The inclusion of a CVT gearbox with reduced rubber-band effect and paddle shifters makes it enjoyable to handle on the road.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The absence of a diesel motor option may disappoint those who cover long distances and prioritize fuel efficiency. Additionally, the infotainment user interface lacks excitement and feels rather ordinary, giving it a somewhat aftermarket impression. Another downside is the issue of wind noise filtering into the cabin, which might be unexpected in a premium car like the Honda City. Overall, while it has many positive attributes, the vehicle’s cons should be taken into account when making a decision.
Volkswagen Virtus
The Volkswagen Virtus offers several advantages worth considering. The 2023 model update brings added features, and its powertrains now comply with BS6 Phase 2/RDE standards, reflecting a commitment to environmental norms. When it comes to driving, the Virtus is easy to handle, providing adequate power and a smooth ride for regular drives. Inside, the car boasts a spacious and comfortable cabin with a generous boot space, making it practical for everyday use. Additionally, the Virtus impresses with its mature ride quality, ensuring a comfortable and absorbent journey. The steering response is sorted, offering a predictable and linear feel, with reasonably quick turn-in for easy maneuvering.
However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. Some areas in the fit and finish could use improvement. Although, VW says they have improved the fit and finish and it was a problem on earlier models. Still Volkswagen needs to step up its game in terms of quality and finishing. The driver information system (DIS) could also benefit from a better interface to enhance operability and user experience. Additionally, the Virtus’s sedan body style may be a disadvantage, as it comes at a time when SUV sales are soaring and dominating the market. Despite these cons, the Volkswagen Virtus still offers a compelling package with its strengths and features.
Maruti Ciaz
The Maruti Ciaz offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice. It’s easy to drive, thanks to its high seats, slim A-pillars, and low-set dash, providing good visibility for the driver. The car’s long wheelbase translates into a spacious cabin, especially in the rear, making it comfortable for passengers. Moreover, the Ciaz offers good value as a practical and spacious sedan with the lowest starting price in its segment. Its powertrain is fuel-efficient and performs well for both daily commuting and long drives, providing a reliable driving experience. Maruti’s brand power ensures the availability of spares and service, along with fantastic resale value, contributing to a hassle-free ownership experience.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The ride quality of the Ciaz can be a bit bouncy at speed, and the suspension can be noisy, making it possible to hear what’s happening underneath the car. In terms of design, the Ciaz lacks the excitement and flair seen in some of its rivals, which may be a consideration for those seeking a more visually appealing vehicle. While the Ciaz is decently equipped, some of its competitors have surpassed it in terms of available features and technology. Despite these cons, the Maruti Ciaz remains a practical and budget-friendly choice in the sedan segment.
Skoda Kushaq
The Skoda Kushaq comes with several appealing advantages. With the BS6 Phase 2/RDE-compliant motors, it offers better efficiency and even provides a dual-tone option for lower variants, giving it a more stylish appearance. The drivetrains are refined and user-friendly, requiring light throttle inputs for smooth progress during drives. The Kushaq’s ride quality is mature, striking a balance between firmness and absorbency, resulting in an impressive driving experience. The car is sufficiently loaded with contemporary features and safety equipment, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey for both the driver and passengers.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The rear seat space may be best suited for four people due to an improper rear middle backrest/seat base design, which could affect the comfort of the middle passenger. The boot space is slightly smaller, measuring at 385 litres, when compared to some of its rivals, potentially limiting cargo capacity. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that the interior build quality of the Kushaq does not meet the high standards typically associated with Skoda cars, which might be a disappointment for brand loyalists.
Overall, despite these cons, the Skoda Kushaq remains an attractive option for its refined drivetrains, enjoyable driving experience, and ample features and safety equipment.
