New Honda City diesel vs Volkswagen Vento diesel vs Hyundai Verna diesel

Finally, Honda has introduced the much-anticipated fourth generation City in the Indian car market. For the first time this mid-sized is being offered in both petrol and diesel guise. The Honda City petrol was already available in the market and people are much aware of its capabilities; while the same was expected from the diesel version, which made it one of the most significant launches of this year.

The refreshed City has got everything like performance, mileage, styling and others, which makes it a perfect vehicle to drive home. There are overall five diesel variants introduced- E, S, SV, V and VX, and each of these receive engine combined with six speed manual transmission. Above everything, the whooping mileage of 26kmpl ARAI certified leads the new City diesel to be at the top in terms of fuel efficiency. As far as competition is concerned, the new Honda City diesel compete against the likes of Volkswagen Vento diesel and Hyundai Verna diesel. The comparison study of all the three models will serve you take a better decision before buying any of these. The study will show you more of practical aspects related to all these models, which would give you better clarity before buying.

Exteriors:

In terms of design, there's no denial with the sheer beauty imbibed into the new Honda City. The sedan certainly boasts an evolutionary design that makes it look way better than its competitors. The company has come up with an amazingly styled sedan which perfectly exhibits Honda's well renowned “Exciting H” design philosophy that would be further carried over to the future models coming up.The front fascia of the new City with an extended headlights that merges with the rest body, and the edgier lines over the bonnet defines the elegance of the car. Moreover, the sharp character lines flowing through the sides further adds over to the beauty of the model. While the headlamps and the grille finely merges into each other and both have been incorporated with sheer brilliance to bring out the sporty appeal of the vehicle. Also this time with the solid wing face comprising of single chrome slate holding Honda's badge, and the newly styled fog lamps does bring accolades for the company. The company's Sleek Crossmotion design is quite visible with the way the front windsheild merges with the hood of the car, that also defines the aerodynamics of the car.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Verna is no behind the new Honda City when it comes to the design of the model. The futuristic design of the sedan is the main USP of the company when it comes to the sales of the car. The Verna Fluidic came up with lot of exterior changes that gets muscular than before, and a sporty appeal to it. The major attraction of the sedan is its side profile with the edgier and prominent character lines flowing across the body. Though the new City is just few points ahead of Verna when it comes to the front design of both of these models.

Next in the competitor's list is Volkswagen Vento which exhibits a simple yet elegant design. It now depends on the taste of the buyer to go for this decently looking model. Vento is made for them who would love to own modestly looking sedan, which is now certainly their personal take. Though the curvaceous design over the air dams does add some attraction to this mid-size sedan.

Interiors:

The first gaze inside the new City is simply mesmerising as everything falls perfectly on their place. The interiors styling is based on layered Floating Cockpit concept, and has incorporated every functional element just near to be perfect. All new Honda City grows by 60mm to its wheelbase and now measures at 2600mm, which has contributed maximum to the company's another very popular “Man Maximum Machine Minimum” philosophy. This has even created enough legroom and headroom inside the car. There's not single element left to make the individual feel comfortable inside the car as it comes with features like smart key, Pinch guard, Cruise control, rear parking camera along with in-built music system compatible to USB, FM, CD, AUX, MP3, Bluetooth, 5-inch monitor, blue ascents and 8 speakers. More sophisticated features comprises of sunroof, push button start and touch panel for AC. Other impeccable safety features like ABS, EBD and a driver airbag are offered as standard across all the variants. As far as quality of material used is concerned, the new City has received better material than its predecessor.

Talking about the interior details of Hyundai Verna, it sports an unclustered dash which again comprises of various elements placed at right place. But there are several functions to operate for a driver, which could create some hassle for any individual. Other wise the cabin is definitely classy with good quality of material being used.

While the Vento from all of three models comes with top-notch quality of materials and best levels of fit and finish. But when it comes to the equipments incorporated in Vento, it lags a bit behind of both of its competitors. The music system is very basic and also doesn't feature the USB and an aux-in compatible.

Engine:

Here, we are mainly focusing over the diesel powered variants of all the three models. The most talked about City diesel featuring 1.5-liter i-DTEC engine that belts out maximum power of 98bhp, is taken to be the most significant car in the industry. This is the same engine which also duties the Amaze compact sedan, where it proved to be noisier, and showed high NVH levels. However, with the new City the company has worked upon the NVH levels, but it could not be expected to get completely rid of the same. Though it offers quick acceleration, and responds quickly to the throttle inputs. The diesel engine is combined with six-speed manual transmission gearbox which provides easy gearshifts. On the handling aspect, the steering is very flexible and smoothly manoeuvres on city roads, and as soon as the car picks up speed it gets a bit firm to provide better stability.

Talking about the Verna diesel, it gets 1.6-liter CRDi engine which produces 126bhp of maximum power and 259Nm of top torque. The engine is certainly refined, and does not really produce much noise. But when it comes to the stability of the sedan, the Verna lacks where its competitors offer more stability during sharp turns and on high speeds. The other diesel variant of Hyundai comes with 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine which belts out max power of 89bhp and peak torque of 220Nm.

While the Volkswagen Vento diesel comes with 1.6-liter DOHC diesel engine which is capable to generate max power of 127bhp and 260Nm of top torque. This particular variant is available with six speed manual transmission.  This sedan is known for its better performance and an amazing ride experience.

Mileage:

Honda has developed the most fuel efficient model of the segment in the form of all-new Honda City. Particularly the diesel variant delivers astounding mileage figure of 26kmpl, which is the highest till now. While the Hyundai Verna (1.4L) falls next with 23.50kmpl and 1.6L diesel variant offers 22.32kmpl. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Vento churns fuel efficiency of 20.54kmpl. The figures are best to speak when it comes to the fuel efficiency of the cars.

Price:

In terms of pricing, the City diesel has been showed up with the price range of Rs. 8.62 lakh to Rs. 11.10 lakh. The Verna diesel is available in between Rs. 8.62 lakh to Rs. 11.69 lakh. While the VW Vento diesel is priced at Rs. 8.47 lakh to Rs. 9.96 lakh.

Verdict:

As you can see, the comparison study reveals a very close call over these three models. All the details are segmented under major heads, and accordingly one can set priority as per the need. As the all-new Honda City is new in the market, it bounds several elements that makes it a perfect car for city rides. Firstly, the fuel efficiency of 26kmpl (company claimed) which would be around 22-23kmpl on city roads, offers best handling and comfort features. Even on highways, the sedan would deliver good performance, but does have some issue with the NVH levels. If NVH is something that bothers you, then Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna proves to be the best option.

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