Overview

If the Honda City was the champion of the mid-size sedans in the country, Volkswagen’s Vento came along and quietly edged it out. Now there’s a new threat – Hyundai’s new Verna. AUTO BILD INDIA finds out if the Korean will become the new champ…

Recently I got a call from an old friend. Pleasantries aside, he quickly got to the point. He was looking to upgrade his car from his current hatchback to one from the mid-size segment. He had already shortlisted the Honda City, the Volkswagen Vento and the Hyundai Verna. But he simply couldn’t decide which one to buy.

They all looked equally good, at least on paper. After hours mulling over his choices he gave yours truly a call. After all, an automotive journalist should have the answer to that one, shouldn’t he? Halfway through the conversation I realised I was just as foxed as he was. So we did the best thing possible. Put them to the test.

Exterior & Interior

Levels of fit and finish don't leave much to complain about but quality of materials used is not at par. Aluminium finish on dash looks especially tacky

The City’s dash is clean too but the faux aluminium on the centre console is just too bright for it to look good. The City’s clocksthough look sporty with that large central speedo flanked by the tacho and the fuel gauge. What is sorely missed though is amulti-info display.

The Vento’s insides are neither very sporty or blingy, they are tasteful and, again, there is that aura of timelessness about them. lines, and some edges as well that make it look contemporary.

Cabin is classy with its uncluttered dash. Quality levels are high too

To start with the Hyundai Verna does look tonnes better than the old car. It’s got swooping There’s a bit of muscle here and there and enough sporty touches as well. It is the City though that still looks the best. It's sporty and edgy with sharp lines. The Vento is the most staid of this lot, especially at the rear. The lines are simple and subtle. The advantage of such a design though is that it has a certain timelessness that the other two don’t.

Inside, the story does not remain the same however. It is the Hyundai that looks the best. The dash has been kept relatively clean and subtle woodlike inserts give it a rich feel. The clocks aren’t overtly sporty but are tasteful and easy to read.

Both levels of fit and finish and quality of materials used are top notch, giving the Vento's interiors feel really plush. These are a tad boring though

Quality of materials used and fit and finish are equally good on the Verna and the Vento. The City however loses out in this department. The City, in the top-of-the-line Exclusive variant, offers steering mounted controls for the stereo system and leather interiors. It also offers twin airbags and auto up/ down for the window on the driver’s side. Apart from these however there’s precious little. The music system, even though it has an aux-in and USB port – the latter being iPod compatible, does not have a basic CD player. It doesn’t get a comprehensive trip computer either. Something that both the Vento and the Verna offer. The Vento too looks poor in the equipment department. In fact the only thing that the Vento offers above the Verna is auto up/down for all windows. The Vento’s music system meanwhile is the most basic here and offers the least fl exibility with neither an aux-in nor a USB port. The Verna on the other hand, in the top-of-the-line SX(O) version, gets six airbags, Bluetooth telephony, iPod compatibility, keyless entry and engine start. The party piece however is a reversing camera that beams images to the rear view mirror.

Engine & Gearbox

Honda City -Honda engine is smooth and easy revving. It's quick and efficient as well

The City’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with its 118bhp and 146Nm of max torque is a smooth per former too. It’s rev happy, quick to accelerate and has a linear power delivery. The City’s engine is also willing to respond to throttle inputs quickly. The Honda engine also matches the Hyundai on driveability. Transmission is via a 5-speed manual gearbox that is short throw and slick to operate.

Hyundai Verna -Hyundai's VTVT unit is the smoothest and with the best characteristics

Features aside also, the Verna is impressive. Its 1.6-litre petrol engine with VTVT technology offers 123bhp and 155Nm of peak torque. It’s also a smooth and refi ned engine with a linear delivery and one that’s willing to respond to the throttle and rev hard. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with well sorted ratios. The shift quality is precise enough but slightly notchy.

Volkswagen Vento -Vento powerplant is least powerful and refined but is efficient

The Volkswagen’s 1.6-litre engine meanwhile is the least powerful. It does the job at hand but doesn't excite. It too is mated to a 5-speed manual, which is slick and precise and its operation feels more positive than in the other two. But, for its great engine the Verna's super soft suspension means it wallows whenever it’s given the stick. On the plus side, the car delivers the best ride. The steering too is super light, which is great for the city but fails to connect the driver to the road.

Dimension

Honda City (mm)
City has the shortest wheelbase but surprisingly, the most space at the rear
Hyundai Verna (mm)
Verna has longest wheelbase but not the most kneeroom at the rear
Volkswagen Vento (mm)
Vento offers the least kneeroom for its rear occupants. It's also the lowest

Scorecard & Verdict

Hyundai Verna- The Verna not only has a great engine but is fully loaded. As a package it's quite unbeatable.

Volkswagen Vento- The Vento is a close second, courtesy lack of equipment. Even though it has better handling.

Honda City- The City is an even closer third, losing out on price, equipment and ride quality.

Scorecard

Body: While the Verna and the Vento have more room up front, the City is the roomiest at the rear. In terms of usable boot space again the City offers the most. But, quality is better on the Hyundai and the Volkswagen. However, where the Korean jogs away is under safety courtesy its six airbags.

Drive: The Honda though hits back under this head. It's got a smooth and refined engine with acceleration and driveability as good as the Hyundai's. It's got a decent gearbox too and top speed that's at par with the other three. But additionally, it also proves the most fuel efficient of the this trio.

Comfort: On the question of comfort the Honda cannot match the other two while the VW can only finish a close second. This is courtesy the Hyundai's sporting a lot more equipment and the best ride quality. The only place where the Hyundai loses out is in the handling department.

Dynamics: Although the City fights hard with its offer of steering response as good as the Vento's and the best braking, it still can't win this head. That honour goes to the VW for offering class leading steering response and stability. It has decent grip on offer too.

Cost: Under the Cost head, the City, at over Rs 10 lakh, shouldn't stand a chance. But, surprisingly it wins! How? Courtesy a better resale and warranty. Meanwhile, the cheaper Vento and the Verna, with its higher resale, finish a joint second.

Verdict

As you can see, it’s a very very close call this one. Each has its own set of pluses and minuses. But then there can be only be one winner in an AUTO BILD INDIA road test. And in this case it is the debutant that takes the crown. Not only does the Verna offer the most equipment, it’s also high on quality and has the best engine and ride. It offers the most safety equipment as well. It’s also cheaper to buy than the Honda City.