If you want to buy a new Sedan for yourself in India in a budget of up to Rs. 10 Lakhs and you are looking for options, there are reasons to get confused. In past two years, there have been a lot of new entrants in this segment, some popular choices being good old Honda City in new i-VTEC avatar, the frugal elegant Volkswagen Vento, newest of these Hyundai Verna Fluidic with loads of features and robust Maruti SX4 which is not so new but has a strong presence with its muscular looks and high ride height and ground clearance. In this article, I will try to compare some of the relevant and practical aspects of these sedans to help you make your decision better. This post is a continuation of Car Comparison series on CarBlogIndia.
All these cars excel in their own way in terms of practical cars for India, but some are better in handling, other is better in features and value for money, some in mileage, some in performance. We will compare these cars form a detailed and practical perspective of a potential buyer and needs of a normal car buyer with a sedan on about Rs. 10 Lakhs budget.
Engine Comparison Of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
On the engine front, Maruti SX4 comes with a Petrol, Petrol + CNG, and a Diesel Engine option. The Honda City comes with a petrol engine only. Volkswagen Vento comes with one Diesel and one Petrol Engine options, whereas the Hyundai’s latest offering Veran Fluidic features two Petrol and two Diesel engine options.
Honda City Engine Option
Honda City 1.5 Litre Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.5 Litre 4 Cylinder SOHC Petrol Engine with I-VTEC (VVTI) Technology
- Max Power- 116.3 BHP @ 6600 RPM
- Max Torque – 146 Nm @ 4800 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Or 5 Speed Automatic Transmission Option
Maruti SX4 Engine Options
Maruti SX4 1.6 Litre Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.6 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC Petrol Engine VVTI Technology
- Max Power- 103.3 BHP @ 5600 RPM
- Max Torque – 145 Nm @ 4100 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Or 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Option
Maruti SX4 1.3 Diesel Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.3 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC DDiS Multi-jet Diesel Engine
- Max Power- 88.8 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Max Torque – 200 Nm @ 1750 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmissions Only
Volkswagen Vento Engine Options
Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Litre Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.6 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC Petrol Engine
- Max Power- 103.6 BHP @ 5250 RPM
- Max Torque – 153 Nm @ 3800 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Or 6 Speed Triptronic Automatic Transmission Option
Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Litre Diesel Engine
- Engine Type- 1.6 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC CRDI Diesel Engine
- Max Power- 103.6 BHP @ 4400 RPM
- Max Torque – 250 Nm @ 1500-2000 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Only
Hyundai Verna Fluidic 2011 Engine Options
Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Litre Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.4 Litre 4 Cylinder MPFI Petrol Engine with VVTI
- Max Power- 105.5 BHP @ 6300 RPM
- Max Torque – 135.4 Nm @ 5000 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Only
Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre Petrol Engine
- Engine Type- 1.6 Litre 4 Cylinder MPFI Petrol Engine with VVTI
- Max Power- 121.4 BHP @ 6300 RPM
- Max Torque – 155 Nm @ 4200 RPM
- Transmission Options – 5 Speed Manual Transmission Or 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Option
Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Litre Diesel Engine
- Engine Type- 1.4 Litre 4 Cylinder CRDI Diesel Engine
- Max Power- 88.8 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Max Torque – 220 Nm @ 1750-2750 RPM
- Transmission Options – 6 Speed Manual Transmission Only
Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre Diesel Engine
- Engine Type- 1.6 Litre 4 Cylinder CRDI Diesel Engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger
- Max Power- 126.3 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Max Torque – 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 RPM
- Transmission Options – 6 Speed Manual Transmission Or 4 Speed Automatic Transmission Option
Best Petrol Engine among Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
Comparing the petrol engine cars, the most power engine in this category is the Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre Petrol option with 121.4 BHP of max power while the Honda City with a smaller 1.5 Litre engine produces 116.3 BHP of power. But the point worth noting is that Maruti SX4 and Volkswagen Vento Petrol engines provide peak power at lower RPMs compared to the City and Verna, this means at lower RPMs, the power delivery will not be strikingly different, but once you push the accelerator pedal hard, Verna will take the lead. Verna also leads in torque marginally than the Vento Petrol followed by Honda City and SX4 with nearly same torque ratings.
So if you want a peppy and powerful petrol engine which is fun to drive, our first choice will be Verna 1.6 Litre petrol followed by Vento because of its balanced power and torque ratings. City comes very close to Vento as it churns out more power but lesser torque.
Best Diesel Engine among Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
Comparing diesel engines, Honda city moves out of the league as there is no diesel options available in India as yet, however a Honda City Diesel version will be available by 2013, but that’s too far away from now in 2011. The best diesel options come out to be Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 with a max power and torque rating of 125.3 BHP and 260 Nm respectively. The next best options is Vento 1.6 Diesel with 103.6 BHP Power and 250 Nm torque. The specifications of these two engines make them highly competent with the petrol counterparts as diesel engines have always been believed to be powered lower than comparable petrol variants, however the Verna 1.6 diesel with the VGT provides even more power than the Verna 1.6 Petrol, which is a really commendable output. Also mated with a 6 speed manual transmission, it gives a wide choice of gear selection for optimum performance.
So if I have to pick a diesel sedan based on performance, I would go for Verna Fluidic 1.6 Diesel.
Mileage Comparison Of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
ARAI Certified mileage of these cars with various engines are as follows:
- Honda City with 1.5 Petrol Engine with manual transmission mileage is 16.7 KMPL
- Honda City with 1.5 Petrol Engine with automatic transmission mileage is 15.5 KMPL
- Maruti SX4 with 1.6 Petrol Engine with manual transmission mileage is 15.6 KMPL
- Maruti SX4 with 1.6 Petrol Engine with automatic transmission mileage is 15.5 KMPL
- Maruti SX4 with 1.3 Diesel Engine with manual transmission mileage is 21.5 KMPL
- Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Litre Petrol with manual transmission mileage is 15.8 KMPL
- Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Litre Petrol with automatic transmission mileage is 14.4 KMPL
- Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Litre Diesel with manual transmission mileage is 20.5 KMPL
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Litre Petrol with manual transmission mileage is 17.43 KMPL
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre Petrol with manual transmission mileage is17.01 KMPL
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre Petrol with automatic transmission mileage is- Data Not Available (expected to be around 16 KMPL)
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Litre diesel with manual transmission mileage is 23.5 KMPL
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre diesel with manual transmission mileage is 22.32 KMPL
- Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Litre diesel with automatic transmission mileage is – Data Not Available (expected to be around 21 KMPL)
Exteriors Comparison Of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
image- Honda City Exteriors
Talking of the exteriors, if I have to rate on a scale of 10, I would rate Honda City i-VTEC as 8 out of 10 for its modern styling and low height for a stable ride. The styling is modern and aerodynamic. However from ground clearance point of view, it maybe a downside for bad roads as the car tends to touch on the speed breakers and bumps with will load on car.
image- Volkswagen Vento Exteriors
Volkswagen Vento is 8.5 Out of 10 for its elegance in the exterior styling. The car gives contemporary styling yet gelled very well with the modern curves and lines. The Vento looks very elegant and attractive from exteriors.
image- Maruti SX4 Exteriors
Maruti SX4 on the other hand is a 7 out of 10 on styling and exteriors. However it is muscular and provides a good ride height and ground clearance for bad roads, but the styling on the exteriors looks very plain and old.
image- Hyundai Verna Fluidic Exteriors
Hyundai Verna is a 9 out of 10 for its exteriors with modern styling, coupe like low profile and modern Hyundai design language based on an aerodynamic fluidic sculpture, good looking head lamps and tail lamp clusters, make it look like a car from some science fiction.
So If I have to pick a car based on exterior looks, Hyundai Verna is my first choice, Vento being second and Honda City being third.
Interiors Comparison Of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
image-Honda City Interiors
Honda City Interiors quality is very good and the cabin feels spacious. Although if you like a high riding position, you may not like it very much as City features low ride height sporty character in seating. The font and rear seats both are comfortable, however, rear seats may not be very comfortable with three heavy build adult passengers at rear seat, especially the middle seat with the folding arm rest at rear. I would rate Honda City 8 out of 10 on interiors.
image- Volkswagen Vento Interiors
Volkswagen Vento has very good quality, the use of material is very good quality and reflects German quality consciousness as well as elegance in design. The interiors are very soothing to eyes and are spacious as well. The rear leg room is also spacious. I would give Vento a 8.5 out of 10 for interiors.
image- Maruti SX4 Interiors
Maruti SX4 interiors are also good, the front seats are very comfortable and ride height is very good. The gadgetry however seems very average and the quality of the plastics and fabric is not very high. The rear seat comfort and leg room is good at front and rear both. The contour of seats are good, visibility is good from drivers seat. The quality of dash and gadgetry can be improved. I would give it a 7.5 out of 10.
image- Hyundai Verna Fluidic Interiors
Hyundai Verna on the other hand feels very fresh from inside, design is sporty, steering wheel is also sporty like Honda City, wood garnish on the doors give an elegant feel. The overall feel and quality on the inside is very impressive. The space inside is also nice. Quality of plastics, gadgetry on dashboard as well as the overall feel of interiors is the best among these four cars. For the overall feel and freshness of interiors, I would rate Verna Fluidic at 9 out of 10.
Features Comparison Of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
All these cars come with basic comfort features like power steering and air conditioning, so in this section we will focus on comparing the important or unique comfort and safety features offered by these cars.
Comfort Features comparison among Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
Automatic Climate Control
Maruti SX4 provides climate control in the high end ZXi and Zdi variants. Volkswagen Vento also has climate control in the Highline high end variants. Honda City does not have Climate Control even on the top end variant of the City. Hyundai Verna Fluidic offers Automatic climate control in all of 1.6 Litre engine options in both petrol as well as diesel. Along with it, the Verna has first in segment Cluster ionizer for purifying air of any odour.
There are some features offered by Hyundai Verna Fluidic which are first in segment and are not offered by other three cars. From convenience perspective, these features are:
- Smart Key with engine start stop button
- Rear parking sensors
- Bluetooth connectivity with phone with controls on steering
- Integrated display of in the rear view camera in inside rear view mirror
- Electrically foldable outside mirrors
Safety Features comparison among Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
ABS and EBD
ABS or anti-lock-braking system can be a life saver in case of panic braking on bad or slippery roads. ABS helps to prevent wheel locking and helps to keep control over the car even in heavy braking situations. Honda City comes with ABS as standard in all its variants. Maruti SX4 comes with ABS only in the ZXi and ZDi variant. Volkswagen Vento also provides ABS only in the top end variants. Hyundai Verna Fluidic has ABS on all variants except the 1.4 Litre petrol and diesel variants.
Airbags
Honda City has two airbags on front as standard on all the variants. Maruti SX4 and Volkswagen Vento has dual airbags only on high end variants. Hyundai Verna Fluidic also does not have airbags on the 1.4 Litre petrol and Diesel variants, however, has dual airbags on the 1.6 Litre Variants and 6 airbags on the top end variants which is first in segment.
From safety perspective, there are certain features which make Hyundai Verna Fluidic safer than other cars in the segment, these features are:
- Front and Rear Disk Brakes in all 1.6 Litre variants of Hyundai Verna
- 6 Airbags in the top end variant
- Speed Sensing door lock
- Impact sensing door unlock
All in all, New Verna Fluidic packs some features which are new in this segment of cars and make sense for safety and convenience.
Price Comparison of Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
- Price of Honda City Petrol 1.5 manual transmission is between Rs. 8.15 Lakhs to Rs. 9.6 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Honda City Petrol 1.5 automatic transmission is between Rs. 9.82 Lakhs to Rs. 10.33 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Maruti SX4 Petrol 1.6 manual transmission is between Rs. 7 Lakhs to Rs. 8.09 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Maruti SX4 Petrol 1.6 automatic transmission is between Rs. 8.41 Lakhs to Rs. 8.75 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Maruti SX4 Diesel 1.3 manual transmission is between Rs. 7.79 Lakhs to Rs. 9.01 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Petrol with manual transmission is between Rs. 6.99 Lakhs to Rs. 8.23 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Petrol with automatic transmission is Rs. 9.22 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price Of Volkswagen Vento 1.6 Diesel with manual transmission is between Rs. 7.99 Lakhs to Rs. 9.23 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Petrol with manual transmission is Rs. 6.99 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Petrol with manual transmission is between Rs. 7.64 Lakhs to Rs. 9.65 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Petrol with automatic transmission is Rs. 9.65 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 Diesel with manual transmission is Rs. 8.09 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Diesel with manual transmission is between Rs. 8.74 Lakhs to Rs. 10.04 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
- Price of Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 Diesel with automatic transmission is Rs. 10.74 Lakhs Ex-showroom Delhi
Best Choice Among Honda City Vs Volkswagen Vento Vs Hyundai Verna Fluidic Vs Maruti SX4
Considering various factors like engine performance, safety features, price, convenience features, interiors and exteriors of these cars, we can come out with the following choices:
Best Performance Car
If you are looking for performance, features and style and not worried about spending some extra bucks, you can go for the Hyundai Verna 1.6 Diesel automatic. Along with the performance, it comes with 6 airbags for safety, rear disk brakes and comes at a price of 10.74 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. Our second choice will be Honda City with manual or auto transmission depending on your needs for a manual or auto (details here).
Best Value For Money Car
If you want best value for your money, you can get either a Hyundai Verna 1.4 Petrol with a price tag of Rs. 6.99 lakhs and mileage of 17.43 KMPL. You can also go for Maruti SX4 1.6 Petrol with manual transmission which also comes at Rs. 7 Lakhs and offers a decent mileage of 15.6 KMPL along with high riding position and ground clearance. I would recommend you to go for Maruti if you want to sell it in less than 5 years as the re-sale value of Maruti cars is better compared to other brands.
Safest Car
As far as safety is concerned, the Hyundai Verna top end variants come loaded with 6 airbags and all four disk brakes, which is our first choice on safety. The second place will be a tie between the City and Vento as City features G-Con design elements to distribute the crash impact in a safe manner as well as comes with ABS dual airbags as standard on all variants, which is really appreciable, but at the same time comes at a price premium compared to the price of base variant of all the competing cars we are comparing here.
Best Fuel Economy Car
If we talk of the fuel economy, the 1.4 Litre Diesel engine of Hyundai Verna with 6 speed manual transmission delivers a jaw-dropping 23.5 KMPL of mileage as per ARAI test data. It cines at 8.09 Lakhs ex-showroom price, is one of the most frugal sedans in this segment. But from safety perspective, I would suggest you to spend extra (Rs. 8.87 lakhs for 1.6 Diesel) bucks to get a 1.6 Litre diesel with slightly lower mileage but added safety like ABS, airbags, rear disk brakes etc., because money is not more precious than life. Second best options will be Maruti SX4 Diesel with an amazing 21.5 KMPL mileage.
