There is no denying the fact that hatchbacks are the most popular among Indians, however going by the recent trends in the automobile market, the love for sedans is gradually picking up. Among the slew of sedans, two car brands that are worth reckoning with are Hyundai and Honda. Nonetheless, going by the present day scenario, Hyundai reigns the mid-size sedan segment with its Verna and claims to have usurped the popularity of its competitor Honda City. Unlike Honda, that offers the City only in petrol variant, Hyundai Verna comes with four engine options, including two diesel engines. This has worked wonders for the South Korean auto maker, Hyundai as the clamour for diesel cars has increased substantially, thanks to the raised petrol prices. Given the growing competition in the aforementioned segment, Honda Cars India is all set to debut with the diesel variant of the City.
Honda has been selling the petrol variant of City in the market since1996 and has established itself as a reliable brand. Though, to meet the changing demands of sedan lovers, the Japanese manufacturer has now decided to bring forth the diesel variant of Honda City. Here is a sneak preview of what the car is likely to be bestowed with as against its petrol compatriot. To begin with the design, the diesel model of Honda City is engineered on the new Jazz/Fit platform and is expected to has have cues from the new Fit. Reports suggest that it will be fitted with 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine and, in all likelihood, will be integrated with the Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), to get more power out of it. With this upgrade in the new variant of City, it is expected to churn out maximum output of 120 bhp and peak torque figure of 225 Nm.
On the other hand, reasons that have earned Hyundai Verna the 'favourite' tag among the existing fleet of sedans are looks, fuel orientation and even price. Industry experts claim that the Verna's success has rubbed-off fairly well on Hyundai's other sedans. The South Korean auto maker sells Verna in two diesel engine options, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre, which generate power levels of 88 bhp and 126 bhp, respectively. When Hyundai launched Verna as 'Fluidic', it imparted a distinct sporty look to the sedan. The 1.6-litre of diesel variant of Verna Fluidic comes fitted with an engine of 1582 cc displacement that delivers a mileage of 19 to 22 kmpl. Besides being abound with technical advancements, the car variant is loaded with many other features. These include leather upholstery and fantastic plush interior, speed sensing door lock and dual airbags (front, side and curtain).
The variance is seen not only in features and looks, but both the sedans are priced differently as well. Sources claim that Honda City diesel is likely to cost Rs. 8 lakh, whereas its competitor Hyundai Verna, which is available in no less than 10 trims are priced at an ex-showroom cost ranging from Rs. 7.58 lakh to Rs. 11.9 lakh. However, since there is still some time before the Honda City diesel enters in the car market, so any sort of comparison would not be fair. Despite this, one certainty is that Honda City diesel will pose a threat to Hyundai Verna. A lot of experts believe that the launch of this new sedan could also see the birth of a new intense rivalry.
