This week Hyundai India launched the new 4S Fluidic Verna. Market leader just over a year ago, will this car regain its position in an already competent league?
Hyundai new 4S Verna
The Verna, which was the market leader just over a year ago, has since lost the crown to the refurbished Honda City which was launched in end-2013. Recently, even Maruti Ciaz overtook the Verna in sales. With the new Verna, Hyundai hopes to take back the leadership position in the segment. The car is powered by 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, and is available in 10 variants with a choice of both manual and automatic gearboxes. While the car is loaded with features, it is also priced the highest in the segment. The petrol model is priced Rs 7.74 lakh to Rs 10.15 lakh, while the diesel starts from Rs 8.95 lakh going up to R12.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Base variant prices are Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 more than the City and the Ciaz, respectively. Other than these two cars, the Verna also faces competition from the refurbished Vento and Rapid.
Honda City
The current favourite, the City once even claimed 50% market share in the segment. Priced from Rs 7.53 lakh (petrol) and Rs 8.75 lakh (diesel).
Maruti Ciaz
With the Ciaz, Maruti has managed to establish itself in the midsize segment. Priced from Rs 7.21 lakh (petrol) and Rs 8.30 lakh (diesel).
Volkswagen Vento
It may be one of most underrated cars here, but the Vento is a lovely car to drive and be driven in. Priced from Rs 7.39 lakh (petrol) and Rs 8.54 lakh (diesel).
Skoda Rapid
Launched late last year, the new Rapid has been selling a little over 1,000 units a month. Priced from Rs 7.55 lakh (petrol) and Rs 8.80 lakh (diesel).
