The Indian mid size sedan segment is facing an exciting competition at the moment, due to presence of some well established brands vying for market domination. The prominent name list of models fiercely competing against each other, comprise the likes of Toyota Etios, Skoda Rapid, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Verna fluidic.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Indo-Japanese joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and Kirloskar Group, introduced Etios sedan in the country two years back in 2010. The car generated some great interest among the domestic car enthusiasts, because of its attractive price tag and faith in Japanese engineering. Hyundai launched its Verna in fluidic avatar in May 2011 and, since then the sedan has become an undisputed champion against the likes of decade old leader Honda City. Volkswagen Group's wholly owned subsidiary Skoda launched its Rapid saloon, with a sole intention of overcoming its fading popularity among the Indian car enthusiasts.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications, Hyundai Verna fluidic is offered in both petrol and diesel guises with 1.4 litre and 1.6 lire powertrains, respectively. The power and torque performance of petrol Verna model is rated at 122 bhp and 155 Nm, while the diesel variant is rated at 127 bhp and 260 Nm. Toyota Etios is also retailed in both petrol and diesel models in the country. The 1.5 litre petrol engine installed in Etios rolls out a power and torque equation of 89 bhp and 132 Nm. Further, the 1.4 litre diesel power-mill incorporated in Etios churns out a peak power and torque output of 68 bhp and 170 Nm, respectively. Likewise, Skoda Rapid is offered to Indian customers with a 1.6 litre engine in both petrol and diesel powered models as well. The petrol Rapid churns out a peak power and torque delivery of 104 bhp and 153 Nm, while its diesel sister pumps out a maximum 104 bhp power and 250 Nm torque.
Evidently, Verna fluidic is best performer in terms of power and torque characteristics, as compared to both Etios and Rapid. Rigged with such an impressive performance, the Hyundai product has stormed its way into the core sentiments of domestic mid size sedan lovers, who have a penchant for good performance along with enticing good looks. Speaking of looks, Verna's flaunts Hyundai's new fluidic design character and looks years ahead of its contemporaries. Etios has the most basic looks in the segment and Japanese auto maker, Toyota played a huge gamble in this regard. The sedan failed to enchant Indian audience with its appearance, but has a decent engine performance in its overall package. In terms of head turning looks, the Rapid sedan gives some tough competition to Verna fluidic, with its suave appearance and sleek styling. Hence, both Verna and Rapid score well in terms of visual appeal and cater to domestic customers who love to have an ultra modish car in their garages.
Hyundai Verna fluidic is the current champion in the mid size sedan segment of Indian auto market and witnessed a surge of almost 2 per cent in its sales at 4,026 units during November 2012. The South Korean giant's sedan is closely followed by Toyota Etios, which recorded a 1 per cent increase in its domestic sales at 2,050 units in November 2012. On the other hand, Skoda Rapid recorded a 0.5 per cent surge in its sales on Indian turf at 1,099 units during November 2012. Hyundai is the country's second largest passenger car maker and its sales and network is next only to Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors. Superb looks combined with a powerful best-in-class engine has propelled sales of Verna in the country. Skoda Rapid is an extremely decent product as well, but has failed to live up to its expectations, because of limited demand and interest among local car aficionados for Skoda products in the country.
