Ford Fiesta AT versus Hyundai Verna AT

Ford India today launched the Fiesta automatic (AT) in two trims: the Style variant priced at Rs. 8.99 lakh and the fully loaded Titanium Plus variant priced at Rs. 9.73 lakh. This pricing puts it dead in Hyundai Verna territory as the Verna VTVT SX (O) AT is priced at Rs. 9.72 lakh.

Here, we compare both these models to find out which of the two is more ‘value for money’.

The advantage of the Fiesta automatic over other automatic cars is the ‘dual clutch’ mechanism which offers quicker shifts without power loss resulting in high fuel economy.

Driving and Handling

The Verna AT is powered by a 1.6-litre VTVT petrol motor that puts out 122 bhp of power and 155 Nm of torque while the Fiesta AT is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol motor that puts out 106.5 bhp of power and 140 Nm of torque. The Verna has an advantage over the Fiesta in terms of power and torque. This also reflects in the Verna’s acceleration and performance, which is slightly better than the Fiesta.

However, in terms of drivability, the Fiesta AT has an advantage over the Verna AT.  For instance, the dual clutch 6-speed automatic transmission in the Fiesta AT has faster shift timings than even a manual gearbox.

In terms of handling, the Fiesta AT has an edge over the Verna. The Fiesta AT is composed even at high speeds and its suspension setup is tuned for a good ride quality without compromising on the car’s handling. The Verna on the other hand lacks consistent steering feedback and its suspension is tuned for ride quality, making it bounce at highway speeds and thereby causing discomfort to the rear passengers. Summing up, the Fiesta AT leads the Verna AT in terms of both drivability and handling aspects.

Space and Comfort

Both the cars offer comfortable space for the front row occupants. However, the rear seat space in the Verna is better than in the Fiesta. Adding to the limited rear space is the highly intruding transmission tunnel in the Fiesta AT that makes the middle passenger a little uncomfortable.

With regard to comfort, the Fiesta AT has adequate headroom, legroom and shoulder room for four passengers on board. The Verna’s rear seat is set a bit lower than expected and hence offers poor under thigh support causing discomfort during long drives. Overall, the Verna has more interior space but the Fiesta is more comfortable on the inside.

Looks

The Fiesta follows Ford’s kinetic design theme while the Verna wears Hyundai’s fluidic design theme as seen in its other cars such as the i10. The Fiesta has attractive fox-eyed headlamps and inverted trapezoidal chrome grille at the front. The side profile of Fiesta hints its hatchback origin but the boot section could have been integrated in a better way.

The Verna has fluidic design sculpture written all over its body. The attractive headlamps, hexagonal grille and L shaped fog lamps complete the front profile. The side profile has proportionate wheel arches, raising shoulder line and aerodynamic crease lines. The rear section has well sculpted tail lamp cluster that gives a premium feel.

Summing up, we feel, the Verna, with its right proportions and attractive curves is better looking than the Fiesta.

Features

The Verna, like most of the Hyundai cars, is pampered with lots of features. For instance, the top-end variant Verna SX (O) automatic variant comes with all four disc brakes, parking camera, push-button start, six airbags, 16-inch wheels. These features are not offered in the Fiesta Titanium Plus Automatic. However, the Fiesta gets cruise control and voice controls, not found in the Verna.

The Verna is clearly the winner when it comes to features.

Price, mileage and overall VFM

The Fiesta AT Titanium Plus is priced at Rs. 9.73 lakh while the Verna VTVT SX (O) automatic is priced at Rs. 9.72 lakh. But, Ford offers the Fiesta AT in a lower variant (Style) which is priced at Rs. 8.99 lakh. Hence, budget conscious buyers may find the Fiesta AT, slightly more attractive than the Verna.

With regard to mileage, both the cars have a claimed mileage of 17 kmpl. But since the Fiesta AT has advanced technology (dual clutch) that reduces power loss, it will return better fuel economy than Verna in the long run.

Overall, when compared to features and price, the Verna AT is better than the Fiesta AT. But, when it comes to fuel economy, the Fiesta AT has an edge over the Verna.

Verdict

Ford has cleverly priced the Fiesta AT, banging into the territory of the Verna AT. While features wise, the Verna AT leads, in terms of drivability and mileage, the Fiesta AT has an edge.

Hence, if you are not particular about the features such as six airbags, parking camera and push button start, the Fiesta AT with the dual clutch transmission that offers fuel economy close to manual variant, is the better buy than Verna AT.