Spec comparison: New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia

Hyundai has launched the all-new Verna in India with prices starting at Rs 10.90 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). The new generation model brings a modern design, a new powertrain, and advanced technology inside and out. Here we bring you a detailed spec comparison of the new Hyundai Verna versus the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and the recently launched 2023 Honda City.

New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the new Hyundai Verna has the largest wheelbase of 2,670mm, followed by the 2,651mm wheelbase of the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia. Whereas, the wheelbase of the 2023 Honda City stands at 2,600mm, which is the shortest among its rivals. Similarly, the new Verna also has the largest boot space, while the Virtus and Slavia rank second, followed by the City.

New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Powertrain
The new generation Hyundai Verna comes powered by two engine options: a 1.5-litre, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine making 115PS and 144Nm of torque and a new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol motor that generates 160PS and 253Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and CVT automatic. However, the new sedan has ditched its diesel powertrain.

The 2023 City facelift has also ditched its diesel engine and is now powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol unit producing 121PS and 145Nm of torque. This motor is paired with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

Powering the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia is a 1.5-litre, inline-four-cylinder, turbo-petrol TSI Evo engine (with active cylinder technology) delivering 150PS and 250Nm of torque and a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit that generates 115PS and 178Nm of torque. Notably, the 1.5-litre TSI Evo in the Virtus is only available mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, while the Slavia offers either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 1.0-litre motor in both sedans is paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Mileage

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine in the new Verna provides an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 18.60kmpl (6-speed MT) and 19.60kmpl (6-speed AT). Whereas, the new 1.5-litre TGDi unit returns an ARAI-certified mileage of 20kmpl (6-speed MT) and 20.60kmpl (7-speed DCT).

On the other hand, the 2023 City has a mileage of 17.8kmpl (6-speed MT) and 18.4kmpl (CVT automatic). Furthermore, the Volkswagen Virtus 1.5-litre gives out a fuel efficiency of 18.76kmpl with a 7-speed DCT automatic, while Slavia with the 1.5-litre unit delivers a mileage of 18.72kmpl (6-speed MT) and 18.41kmpl (7-speed DCT automatic). The 1.0-litre Virtus has a fuel economy of 19.40kmpl (6-speed manual) and 18.12kmpl (6-speed AT). Likewise, the 1.0-litre Slavia returns a mileage of 19.47kmpl (6-speed MT) and 18.07kmpl (6-speed AT).

The new Verna brings the most powerful turbo petrol engine compared to its rivals. However, the Virtus and Slavia are the second most powerful cars in the segment. Whereas, the 2023 City offers the least powerful motor. Not to mention, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Hyundai sedans are also available with a smaller capacity engine option alongside their 1.5-litre unit. It is to be noted that the 1.5-litre Verna returns the highest ARAI-tested mileage in the segment, followed by the new Verna 1.0-litre, Slavia 1.0-litre/1.5-litre, and Virtus 1.0-litre/1.5-litre. The City just misses out on a podium finish.

New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Features
The all-new Verna is fitted with Hyundai SmartSense – a suite of 17 ADAS features (Level 2 autonomy). On the other hand, the 2023 City gets Honda Sensing but that only provides six ADAS features. Volkswagen and Skoda do not provide ADAS in the Virtus and Slavia.

While all four models offer more or less similar features, the new Verna is the only car in its segment to come equipped with heated seats, an electric parking brake with auto hold, a powered driver seat, rear window manual sunblind, 64 colours ambient lighting, four-wheel disc brakes, front parking sensors, and six airbags as standard across all variants.

New Hyundai Verna vs 2023 Honda City vs VW Virtus vs Skoda Slavia: Prices

The new generation Verna emerges a winner on paper when it comes to performance, wheelbase, mileage, and most importantly features, especially Level 2 autonomy with 17 features. Moreover, while the prices of the new Verna may appear attracting compared to its rivals, these prices are introductory and will go up sometime soon. In fact, once Hyundai reveals the actual pricing, the Verna is expected to be the most expensive sedan in its segment.