Hyundai India has just launched the new Verna 4S which comes with many changes from the previous version. We compare it to its closest rivals, the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Exteriors– The Verna has always been a looker with its striking lines and curves. The design appealed to the youth as well as middle-aged customers. The Verna 4S comes with a refreshed front face which is slightly sobered down and doesn’t look as sporty as the previous model. The Honda City on the other hand requires some time till you get the hang of its exteriors. The design is not-so-good and not-so-bad and we really think that it scores below the Verna on the styling front. The Ciaz has good looks all around and again it appeals to most people.
Interiors– The Hyundai Verna has always had good interiors and the new Verna 4S carries forward the same interiors as the outgoing model. Quality of parts is top-notch and nothing can really beat Hyundai in this department. The City too has very good interiors in terms of styling and layout but somehow the quality of parts used isn’t too good and we feel Honda could have done a better job here. The Ciaz has typical Maruti interiors with parts shared with the Ertiga and Swift. This is not acceptable and even the quality and fit and finish doesn’t come close to the Verna.
Engines and Mileage– The Verna 4S comes with a choice of two petrol engines. The 1.4-litre unit is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the 1.6-litre engine gets an option of a 4-speed automatic transmission that is frankly a bit too outdated. The City gets a 1.5-litre free-revving unit mated to a 5-speed manual tranny and also a CVT box is offered. The Ciaz gets a 1.4-litre engine shared with the Ertiga and mated to a 5-speed manual box or a 4-speed automatic.
In diesel variants, again the Verna 4S gets 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines with a 6-speed manual transmission while a 4-speed AT is also offered with the 1.6-litre oil burner. The City gets a 1.5-litre iDTEC diesel engine shared with the Mobilio and Amaze and matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Ciaz gets an underpowered 1.3-litre DDiS engine shared with the Swift, Ritz, DZire and Ertiga and mated to a 5-speed box.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ciaz rocks in the petrol and diesel variants both and it is closely followed by the City. The Verna 4S comes at last position in the mileage race.
Verdict – The new Hyundai Verna 4S makes a strong case for itself. It might be pricier than the Ciaz but the Maruti comes nowhere close to what the Verna offers. The City and Verna 4S are two very good alternatives to each other. With this update, Hyundai has made the Verna slightly better to drive and even though it might not look as good as the outgoing model, we really like the Verna now as it offers a complete package of looks, features, driving dynamics and obviously Hyundai’s large service network.
Hyundai Verna 4S vs Honda City vs Maruti Ciaz – Petrol Spec Comparo
Hyundai Verna 4S vs Honda City vs Maruti Ciaz – Diesel Spec Comparo
*all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi
