Hyundai Verna vs Honda City: Turbo-petrol Or Hybrid For The Win?

In the latest edition of Zig’s performance testing comparison, we line up the new generation Hyundai Verna and the recently updated Honda City. And for this test, we have brought the top-end engine options of both cars. So the Verna you see here is fitted with the turbo-petrol engine that makes class leading numbers while the City gets the more technologically advanced hybrid powertrain. 

Which one crosses the line first and sips the least amount of petrol? Time to find out. 

Spec Check 

*Combined output

The Honda City hybrid might be low on power as against the Verna, but it has one big advatage. It puts out the same amount of torque and that comes out instantly from the electric motor, making it all the more responsive to drive. That said, the addition of a battery and all the extra hardware to support the hybrid system means the City is the heavier car. 

Also Read: Hyundai Verna Turbo vs VW Virtus GT: Battle Of The Performance Sedans!

Does that dampen its performance? 

Acceleration Test 

Sadly yes. The City’s electric motor putting out a chunky torque output means it gets off the line faster, especially when compared to the Verna which starts off more conservatively to protect the gearbox. However, once when the Hyundai is in its full steam, the extra horses do help it catch up, crossing the 0-100kmph run around 1.5 seconds quicker than the City. 

Even in the roll-on acceleration tests, the Verna’s responsive DCT and turbo-petrol unit putting out torque lower down in the rev range plus its lighter weight means it manages to beat the City by around 0.7 seconds. 

Kitna Deti Hai? 

Hybrid cars are extremely fuel efficient as they try to run as much on electric mode depending on the throttle inputs and battery charge levels. And with the City, it’s no different. In town, it’s almost a whopping 8kmpl more fuel efficient than the Verna Turbo while on the highway that gap is around 4.5kmpl. 

Price And Verdict 

To keep things fair and square, we’d call this test a draw as the Verna won in the performance test and the City in the fuel efficiency test. The Verna Turbo satisfies those hunger pans for those looking for outright performance. On the other hand, the City’s intelligent hybrid powertrain means it’s still quick enough for most buyers while being extremely fuel efficient. 

While we don't usually speak about pricing in these comparos it does bear mentioning that Honda's hybrid variants start more than a lakh over and above the fully loaded Hyundi Verna. But in pure performance terms either of these two sedans wouldn’t leave you disappointed.