Honda launched the new generation City sedan at the end of 2013. The vehicle, for the first time, is offered in both petrol and diesel guise, which has received an overwhelming response from buyers across the nation. Soon, it clinches the number 1 position mid-size sedan tag from its closest competitor Hyundai Verna. We call it Honda City effect, Hyundai has revised the entire Verna lineup and recently introduced the entry level GL trim in the market. Like City E trim, the Verna GL trim is also available in both petrol and diesel engine options. Let’s have a quick comparo between the two entry level models- Honda City E and Hyundai Verna GL, and try to find out which model is better to drive home.
Engine & Performance
Both models are being offered in petrol and diesel guise. While the City petrol gets the tried & trusted 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine producing 117bhp and 145Nm of top torque, the diesel version is propelled by the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine that produces 98bhp and 200Nm of top torque. On the other hand, the entry level Verna GL petrol features the 1.4-litre engine that develops 105bhp of power and 138Nm of torque; its diesel version gets the 1.4-litre CRDi engine producing 89bhp and 224Nm of top torque.
While the City petrol is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission gearbox, the diesel version is paired to six-speed gearbox. Similarly, the Verna GL gets five speed manual and six-speed manual transmissions for both petrol and diesel versions, respectively. When it comes to fuel efficiency, clearly Honda City outsmarts its closest rival Hyundai Verna. Honda City diesel is the country’s most fuel efficient car as it returns an extra-ordinary mileage of 26kmpl, while Hyundai Verna GL claimed to offer a fuel efficiency of 23.5kmpl which is quite impressive.
Well, it is quite clear that Honda City E trim comes with better mechanics compared to the base Hyundai Verna.
Safety & Security
I personally want airbags to get mandatory in cars, as safety being the first priority before going to buy a new product. So, let’s check whether the entry level City and Verna comes with standard safety equipments to keep passenger and car safe.
Interestingly, Honda City E trim comes with driver side airbag, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, middle rear three-point seatbelt, engine immobilizer, central locking and few more. Despite being an entry level model, it comes with good number of safety equipment. On the other hand, Hyundai Verna GL trim misses out on several safety features like airbags, ABS, EBD and others. It has safety features like engine immobilizer, remote central locking and child safety lock, which we feel can be easily available in small hatchbacks. So, here Honda City E trim again outsmarts its closest rival Hyundai Verna GL.
Features
When it comes to features, Hyundai Verna GL is loaded with several comfort and convenience features. The entry level Honda City comes equipped with manual air conditioner with rear vents, power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment function, partial rear folding seat, outside rear view mirrors and others. On the other hand, the base spec Verna gets manual AC, power steering with tilt adjustment; turn indicators on body coloured ORVMs, front fog lamps, which are missing on entry level City model.
While Honda City doesn’t have any equipment for passenger’s entertainment and connectivity, Hyundai Verna GL features an advanced 2-DIN music system with AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Playback, USB, AUX-In and six speakers.
Here, I must say Hyundai Verna GL has upper hand and clearly beats the Honda City E trim.
