Honda City vs Hyundai Verna: Comparing Top-end Variants Under Rs 16 Lakh for the Long-Distance Road Trip Lover

What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at two mid-size sedans – Honda City and Hyundai Verna, and their top-end variants for long-distance road trip lovers.

In this article, we will share

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• What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
• Honda City vs Hyundai Verna – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
• How to pick the right car for you

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 aficionado, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency are paramount. They often prioritize vehicles with high fuel capacity, spacious interiors, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems to ensure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. 

Moreover, road stability, ample boot space for luggage, and top-notch safety features like multiple airbags and ABS become non-negotiable.

Why Honda City and Hyundai Verna are Popular

Both Honda City and Hyundai Verna have built a reputation for their reliability, performance, and comfort. Their engines are known for smooth long-haul rides. 

Verna, with its refined engines, offers a blend of performance and mileage, while Honda City, a consistent favorite, boasts of spacious interiors and a trusty engine. 

Both cars come equipped with modern amenities and safety features, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey. The ample boot space in both vehicles ensures luggage for long trips fits with ease.

Honda City and Hyundai Verna Top-end Variants Shortlist in Rs 14-16 Lakh Range

For Honda City, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 30 August 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 30 August 2023
SX Turbo DT	₹1,484,000
SX Opt Turbo	₹1,599,000
SX Opt Turbo DT	₹1,599,000

Honda City ZX

With a stable high-speed drive and ABS, this variant ensures safety. The fuel tank capacity of 40 liters and a city mileage of 17.8 kmpl are efficient for longer journeys. If you are a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the City with Volkswagen Virtus.

Honda City VX CVT

Equipped with a responsive CVT transmission and essential safety features like 6 airbags, it promises a smooth long-distance drive. We also have our comparison of the City with Hyundai Creta for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Honda City ZX CVT

This variant, like the VX CVT, offers responsive transmission with the added advantage of a higher price point, suggesting more premium features. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Kia Seltos.

Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT

With a slightly better fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl and a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters, it’s apt for extended drives. Additionally, its stability ensures a secure drive.

Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo & SX Opt Turbo DT

Both these variants offer enhanced features like a premium Bose audio system and power seating adjustments, ensuring superior comfort on longer trips.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda City and Hyundai Verna for Long-distance road trip lovers

The Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT emerges as the top pick. With its superior fuel efficiency, ample fuel tank capacity, and a reputation for stability, it promises longer, uninterrupted journeys. 

Moreover, features like Bluetooth connectivity and a good audio system ensure entertainment throughout the trip.

The Top 3 choices

1. Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT
2. Honda City ZX CVT
3. Honda City ZX

Attributes	Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT	Honda City ZX CVT	Honda City ZX
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	6	6	6
Bluetooth Connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Body Roll	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Boot capacity (liters)	528	506	506
Climate Control	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Fuel tank capacity (l)	45	40	40
GNCAP Rating	5	4	4
Ground clearance (mm)	165	165	165
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Touchscreen Navigation	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	None	CVT	None
Wheelbase (mm)	2670	2600	2600

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT: This variant takes the top spot because it ticks nearly all boxes for the long-distance driver. The most significant advantages include a high fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl and a spacious boot capacity of 528 liters. The GNCAP rating of 5 is also a clear indicator of safety, which is crucial for long road trips. 
• Honda City ZX CVT: Coming in at a close second, this variant of Honda City stands out due to its CVT transmission, especially beneficial during long drives. While it has a slightly smaller boot capacity and a lesser GNCAP rating than the Verna, it offers a reliable petrol engine and a balanced mix of comfort and tech features.
• Honda City ZX: The manual counterpart of the earlier ZX CVT, this variant is for those who prefer hands-on control over their driving. Its specifications mirror the ZX CVT, but the absence of an advanced transmission system places it in the third spot. 

For long-distance enthusiasts, the journey is as significant as the destination. Each of the top three variants promises a blend of safety, comfort, and driving pleasure, and is a comfortable car for road trips in India. Ultimately, the choice boils down to brand preference, driving style, and specific feature priorities.

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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