The adventure and the thrill behind the wheel on a long-distance road trip – it’s a different kind of pleasure than a train journey or a flight. Today, we’re taking a look at Honda City and Hyundai Verna – both mid-size sedans – and what makes them worthy vehicles for long drives.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Honda City vs Hyundai Verna – a comprehensive analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- Which is the right car for you
The Honda City is a reputable car available in India since 1998, and has been a favorite among buyers. The Hyundai Verna was launched in the country in 2006, and built its credentials since then. If you’re confused about which one to pick, read on.
What a Long-distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For a long-distance road trip lover, a car’s comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, and handling are critical. When looking for the best performance cars, such individuals prioritize ample legroom, shoulder room, and headroom for a comfortable journey.
High fuel efficiency is essential for long journeys, and a large fuel tank capacity reduces frequent stops.
Excellent handling ensures stability at high speeds, while features such as adaptive cruise control, traction control, and voice-activated controls enhance driving experience.
Safety attributes like ABS, airbags, and a high GNCAP rating provide peace of mind during lengthy drives.
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Why Honda City and Hyundai Verna are Popular
Honda City and Hyundai Verna have carved a niche for themselves among long-distance road trip lovers, thanks to their combination of comfort, safety, and performance. They provide spacious interiors with ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. They offer impressive fuel efficiency, and their large fuel tanks facilitate long trips without frequent stops.
While the Honda City’s handling is predictable, Hyundai has improved Verna’s handling, and its newer version has better high-speed stability. Both cars get safety features like ABS, multiple airbags, and a high GNCAP rating.
Their advanced features such as voice-activated controls, touchscreen navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity add convenience and make the journey enjoyable. In all, they are among cars suitable for highway driving in India.
Honda City and Hyundai Verna Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-16 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 July 2023 |
| ZX | ₹ 1,472,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹ 1,474,000 |
| ZX CVT | ₹ 1,597,000 |
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 July 2023 |
| SX Turbo DT | ₹ 1,484,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo | ₹ 1,599,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo DT | ₹ 1,599,000 |
Honda City Variants
The Honda City ZX stands out with a stable high-speed handling, automatic climate control, and a responsive automatic transmission for smooth highway drives. The VX CVT variant is similar but adds a more fuel-efficient CVT transmission. Honda City ZX CVT brings the best of both variants but at a higher price. You can also check out our comparison of the City with Skoda Slavia for long-distance road trip lovers.
Hyundai Verna Variants
Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT, despite its slightly smaller legroom, offers greater fuel efficiency and a larger boot and fuel tank, perfect for packing luggage and less refuelling. SX Opt Turbo adds power seating adjustments, ensuring a comfortable drive even for long hours. The SX Opt Turbo DT variant replicates these features, ensuring a comfortable and fuel-efficient journey. We have also compared the Verna with Skoda Slavia for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Our Top Pick for the Best Variant among Honda City and Hyundai Verna for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers
The Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo stands as the best variant. Its large boot capacity, superior fuel efficiency, and larger fuel tank are ideal for long-distance travel. Power seating adjustments enhance comfort on long journeys. Safety features such as ABS, six airbags, and a GNCAP rating of 5 ensure a secure journey. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Honda City with Hyundai Verna.
The Top 3 Choices
- Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo
- Honda City ZX CVT
- Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT
| Attributes | Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo | Honda City ZX CVT | Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 528 | 506 | 528 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 20 | 18.4 | 20 |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seating Adjustments | Power | Manual | Manual |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 45 | 40 | 45 |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 20 | 18.4 | 20 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo stands out for its power seating adjustments, superior fuel efficiency, and larger boot and fuel tank.
- Honda City ZX CVT offers a robust and more fuel-efficient CVT transmission but falls short on boot and fuel tank capacity.
- Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT matches the Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo in most attributes, barring power seating adjustments. Also, it is less expensive than the SX Opt Turbo.
These variants meet the needs of a long drive enthusiast, and are comfortable cars for road trips in India. Both are fuel-efficient, and offer a safe and peaceful journey.
Let us know which one you liked the most in the comments. If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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