New Hyundai Verna vs rivals: price, specifications compared

The all-new Hyundai Verna was launched on March 21 with its prices starting at Rs 10.90 lakh going up to Rs 17.38 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). The design of the new Verna takes things a step forward and it looks nothing like its predecessor. With a new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, it is also the most powerful midsize sedan. 

But how does it compare to its stablemates – the Maruti Ciaz, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City? Let’s find out how the new Verna stacks up against its rivals on paper.

1. Verna is larger than predecessor, but smaller than rivals
2. Gets the most powerful turbo-petrol engine in its class
3. All sedans are now petrol or petrol-hybrid; none offer a diesel

Hyundai Verna vs rivals: dimensions

The new Hyundai Verna measures 4,535mm long, 1,765mm wide, 1,475mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,670mm. This makes it larger than its predecessor in almost every aspect – it's 95mm longer, 36mm wider, the wheelbase is 70mm longer, although the height remains unchanged.

It, however, is still not the largest sedan in its class in every measure. The Virtus, Slavia and City are all longer than the Verna, while the Ciaz is the shortest sedan here. The Verna is also the most low-slung as all other sedans are taller too. Where it does have an edge over its rivals is with its best-in-class wheelbase that should translate to good interior space. And while its predecessor was the narrowest sedan in the class, the new Verna is now the widest.

As far as wheel size is concerned, all sedans ride on 16-inch alloys in their top-spec trim. The new Verna also has the largest boot capacity in its class.

Also See: Hyundai Ai3 SUV India testing begins ahead of festive season launch

Hyundai Verna vs rivals: engine and gearbox

Hyundai is offering two petrol engines on the new Verna – the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine has been carried over as is, and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. There’s also an all-new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that will be offered with either the 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

In this segment, the Ciaz and the City are also offered with 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engines. The Ciaz has the lowest power and torque outputs, and while the Verna and City are almost identical on torque, the City has the edge for being the most powerful. Do note that this is also the only engine option on the Ciaz whereas all other sedans have two.

The Virtus and Slavia, meanwhile, get 1.0-litre turbo-petrol units as the entry-level engines. The Verna matches them on power, but it's considerably down on torque due to the lack of a turbocharger. The City is still the most powerful of the lot. All sedans get both manual and automatic (CVT/torque converter) gearbox options, but the Ciaz’s 4-speed torque converter is quite archaic in this comparison.

Moving on to their higher-spec engines – excluding the Ciaz – the Verna, Virtus and Slavia get 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engines, while the City, uniquely, gets a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid. The Virtus and Slavia have, so far, held the crown for having the most powerful and exciting engines in the segment, but the new Verna takes it a notch higher with class-leading 160hp and 253Nm output figures. The City Hybrid, meanwhile, running the more efficient Atkinson cycle, is a fair bit down on total power (although torque matches the Verna) and is clearly geared towards efficiency.

With the higher-spec engines, only the Verna and Slavia are offered with both manual and automatic gearboxes, while the Virtus misses out on a manual. The City Hybrid, meanwhile, gets an e-CVT transmission that’s unique to the hybrid engine.

Hyundai Verna vs rivals: price

Prices for the naturally aspirated version of the Hyundai Verna range between Rs 10.90 lakh-16.20 lakh and the turbo variants are priced between Rs 14.84 lakh-17.38 lakh. In comparison, the petrol version of the Honda City is priced between Rs 11.55 lakh-15.97 lakh, while the City hybrid ranges from Rs 18.89 lakh-20.39 lakh. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is priced between Rs 9.20 lakh-12.19 lakh. 

While the Skoda Slavia 1.0 is priced between Rs 11.29 lakh-15.90 lakh, the higher-spec Slavia 1.5 is priced between Rs 17 lakh-18.40 lakh. Prices for the Volkswagen Virtus with smaller engine range between Rs 11.32 lakh-16 lakh and the DCT-only Virtus 1.5 is priced at Rs 18.42 lakh. 

The new Verna finds itself in a unique proposition in the market. Being the newest entrant, its prices undercut all but one of its rivals. Hyundai has received more than 8,000 bookings for the new Verna and it aims to double its sales to overtake the Honda City. 

While specs on paper are one thing, it remains to be seen how the new Verna compares against its rivals in the real world. With the new Verna’s prices now out, what do you think of the revamped midsize sedan segment? Let us know in the comments. 

Also See:

Hyundai Alcazar gets new 1.5 turbo petrol engine; bookings open

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