For the first time in the last 8 years, the market of sedans has seen a growth in sales as compared to their respective previous years. The sedan segment has slowly but surely but seen a comeback in a barrage of SUVs launches. The Skoda Slavia, VW Virtus, Hyundai Verna and the Honda City are the four cars we are comparing today. Hyundai has launched the Verna’s latest generation, Honda’s City gets ADAS in its new update and VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia count on their Performance. So, let’s take a deep dive in their specifications.
First, lets talk about styling. Design wise, it’s the Verna that looks the most polarising. It’s a design that either you’ll love it or hate it. Hyundai has tried a futuristic look with it’s new generation Verna. The Honda City follows a basic 3 box traditional design for sedans. But, when it comes to looks, the Skoda Slavia and the VW Virtus looks the best. Their sleek lines and timeless design will look as appealing 10 years from now. The Virtus has some Aggressive sculpting in the front bumper, which maybe not be to everyones liking. The Slavia has that mini Octavia look that everyone adores.
Now to the interiors, again it’s the Slavia that looks the best but the Virtus has the best quality. City is the most spacious and the Verna has the best features. The MQB_A0_IN platform shows it’s roots to the world renowned MQB platform that has many awards to its name. Every car in its top of the line trim gets 6 airbags and every safety feature imaginable in current times. The City and Verna also adds ADAS to their feature list, both of which are level 2 ADAS systems. The Virtus and Slavia fall behind in terms of feature list, but there is one category that they take with them all day long.
So, let us come to the heart of the matter, the engines and here is where the City just lags behind. It’s 1.5L i-Vtec engine maybe the best naturally aspirated engine, but it’s just of no comparison to the 1.5L Directi Injection Turbo petrol engines offered by the other cars here. With a 160BHP, the Verna has the most powerful engine. But, even though it has the most power, what lets it down is the transmission. It is a dual clutch unit, but it just can’t match the DSG. And coming to the DSG, the Slavia and Virtus are the most fun to drive, and the DSG compliments it with the fast shifting DSG transmission. The City revs the most and also sounds the best.
All in all, the choice to make is very hard, but, it can be broken down to a few points:
• If you want the most space and the best reliability, go for the Honda City.
• If you want features, and don’t mind the looks, go for the Hyundai Verna
• If you want the most fun, either choose the Slavia or Virtus, you can’t go wrong.
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