Honda unveiled the next generation version of the City sedan on 25th of November, thereby creating a lot of hype and buzz. This model, now in its fourth generation, has sustained itself in the Indian market for a long time. However, despite this, the lack of a diesel variant and increasing competition have hampered the dominance of this model in recent times. Honda has strong intentions of changing this fact, due to which it has added a diesel version of City to the portfolio. This model will be launched in India during January 2014 and is expected to take competition in its segment to another level. Although the main rival of Honda City diesel is going to be Hyundai Verna, it will also compete with Volkswagen Vento. The German car maker is relatively new to the Indian market but has managed to carve a niche for itself. Many analysts, in recent times, have tried to figure out how City diesel will fair against Vento diesel.
Volkswagen Vento is a mid-sized sedan that is based on the Polo platform, which has earned a lot of acclaim. This model boasts of excellent exteriors that are a combination of style, boldness and aero-dynamism. The chrome accented grille, flanked by elegantly designed headlamps, adds to its appearance. It comes with superb fog lamps that are both stylish and efficient. Apart from the muscular body lines, other highlights of exteriors of this model are chrome finish boot lid, sporty alloy wheels, body coloured rear view mirror and Volkswagen insignia. As far as interiors are concerned, this car comes loaded with a number of technologically advanced features that enhance comfort and convenience levels.
Interiors of this car come equipped with an advanced music system that comprises four speakers and integrated support for USB, Aux-in and SD card. The Intelligent Climatronic air conditioning function ensures superb cooling by automatic regulation of the temperature. Convenience features in this model include rear AC vents, adjustable steering wheel, cup holder, armrest and adjustable co-drivers seat. Safety is one of the key aspects of a car and Volkswagen is brand known throughout the world for top class security features. Anti-pinch protection function, parking sensors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and airbags are some of the safety highlights of this model.
As far as mechanical configuration is concerned, Vento diesel comes equipped with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine that is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine, having a displacement of 1598 cc, has the ability to deliver an output of around 103 bhp and peak torque of 250 Nm. According to company claims, this car has a mileage of around 20.5 kmpl.
Honda, as per analysts, has put a lot of effort in designing the next generation City. As per the firm, City has an advanced sporty design that is based on the 'Exciting H Design' concept featuring a solid wing face and finely toned surface. The highlight of appearance of this car is the sleek cross-motion form, which is a unique combination of one motion and elegant coupé styles. The Japanese car maker has ensured that there is complete comfort for customers by applying the 'man maximum machine minimum' concept. Using this concept, Honda has maximised the spaciousness for passengers while minimising the same for mechanical components.
In terms of engine specification, Honda City diesel is going to be powered by the 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit that is used in the Amaze as well. Experts feel that the Earth Dreams diesel technology can propel this sedan to great success, just like it did to Amaze. Diesel version of Amaze compact sedan offers a mileage of around 25.8 kmpl. Analysts are of the opinion that Honda City diesel could render a mileage of around 20-22 kmpl.
If a comparison is drawn between the two, one cannot choose the better vehicle as of now. Some experts feel that Honda City diesel, being a new model, could overshadow Vento. In addition, the Japanese firm is on a roll in India and this momentum could prove to be critical in shaping fortunes of the new sedan. However, everything being said right now is based on prospective premises; thereby no solid conclusion can be drawn.
