The compact sedan segment in India is a fierce battleground, with established players like the Honda City facing off against resurgent contenders like the new-generation Hyundai Verna. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and value for budget-conscious buyers. But when push comes to shove, which one emerges victorious? We delve into the Hyundai Verna S and Honda City SV to help you make an informed decision.
Price Point: A Close Call
Price is often a primary consideration for car buyers in this segment. Here’s a quick comparison of the ex-showroom prices:
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Verna S | Rs 11.99 lakh |
| Honda City SV | Rs 12.08 lakh |
As you can see, the Honda City SV carries a slight premium of Rs 9,000 compared to the Hyundai Verna S. While this difference might seem insignificant at first glance, it could be a factor for some buyers on a tight budget.
Powertrain Showdown: A Slight Edge for Honda
Both the Verna S and City SV come equipped with 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engines. However, the Honda City edges out the Verna in terms of power output:
| Variant | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Verna S | 1.5-liter N/A Petrol | 115 PS | 144 Nm | 6-speed Manual |
| Honda City SV | 1.5-liter N/A Petrol | 121 PS | 145 Nm | 5-speed Manual |
The City’s 6 additional horsepower and 1 Nm of torque translate to slightly better acceleration, especially noticeable during initial pickup from a standstill. However, the real-world driving experience might not differ significantly between the two. Both prioritize fuel efficiency over sporty performance.
Transmission: It’s important to note that both these variants come with manual transmissions only. If you’re looking for an automatic option, you’ll need to consider higher trims in either lineup. The Verna offers a CVT option, while the City has a CVT and a torque converter automatic available.
Feature Frenzy: A Balanced Offering
Both the Verna S and City SV come loaded with features for the price. Here’s a breakdown of some key features to consider:
Exterior:
- Verna S: Auto-projector headlights, LED DRLs, LED connected tail lights, body-colored door handles and ORVMs, turn indicators on ORVMs, 15-inch alloy wheels.
- City SV: Projector headlights, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators on ORVMs, 15-inch steel wheels with covers, body-colored door handles, and ORVMs.
Interior:
- Verna S: Semi-digital instrument cluster, black and beige cabin theme, fabric upholstery, adjustable headrests for all passengers, front center armrest with storage, rear center armrest with cupholders, day/night IRVM, luggage lamp, 4.2-inch colored TFT MID.
- City SV: Black and beige themed interior, fabric upholstery, leather-wrapped gear shifter lever, front center armrest with storage, rear center armrest with cupholders, day/night IRVM.
Infotainment:
Both offer an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4 speakers, and voice recognition.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Verna S: Steering-mounted audio and calling controls, all power windows, manual driver seat height adjustment, automatic AC with rear vents, tilt, and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, cooled glovebox, USB-C chargers in front and rear, cruise control.
- City SV: Steering-mounted audio and calling controls, electric and foldable ORVMs, automatic AC with rear vents, PM2.5 air filter, tilt, and telescopic adjustable steering, manual driver seat height adjustment, ambient lighting.
Safety:
Both offer a comprehensive safety package with 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear defogger, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
FAQs
Q: Which car is faster, the Hyundai Verna S or Honda City SV?
A: The Honda City SV has a slight edge in terms of horsepower and torque, translating to marginally quicker acceleration.
Q: Which car has a better automatic transmission?
A: Neither the Verna S nor the City SV come with automatic transmissions in these variants. You’ll need to consider higher trims in either lineup for automatic options.
Q: Which car is more spacious?
A: Both the Verna and City offer comparable interior space. It’s best to test drive both vehicles to see which one feels more comfortable for you and your passengers.
Q: Is the Honda City safer than the Hyundai Verna?
A: Both the Verna S and City SV offer a comprehensive safety package with airbags, ABS, ESC, and other features. It’s always recommended to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Global NCAP crash test ratings for both models for a more detailed comparison.
