Honda City is said to be an epitome of comfort since its advent in late nineties. The car has undergone surgeons knife a couple of times and the latest version that has been presented in domestic auto market recently happens to be the fourth generation model. Amidst a series of speculation surrounding this car, it was finally launched on January 7. Japanese auto maker Honda is completely exulted to announce the arrival of this car in a whole new avatar and is betting big on its new creation. The auto manufacturer has equipped a diesel engine for the first time in this car and claims that it will be an exemplary performer in such attire. Industry experts are of a view that fourth generation Honda City is expected to face stiff rivalry from Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna in diesel trim and it will be interesting to see how the former car copes up with its ongoing contenders.
City is incorporated with Honda's 'Earth Dream' technology, which was first introduced in entry level sedan Amaze. The iDTEC mill has performed efficiently in all aspects and is renowned for delivering high mileage. Similar statistics are expected to be delivered by Honda City in this trim. The 1.5-litre diesel engine churns out 98 bhp with peak torque of 200 Nm. It is equipped with all necessary features of modern day requirements. The sporty aerodynamical look of the car is complimented by its unique features of height adjustment driver seats and steering mounted consoles at interiors. Also, fuel economy statistics posted on the official website of the company come out to be 26 kmpl, which is quite impressive. Honda City diesel is offered in a price range of Rs. 8.6 lakh – Rs. 11.1 lakh.
Coming to Volkswagen Vento, it is present in a diesel variant for quite sometime now and has been an exemplary performer for the company. The 1.6-litre diesel mill incorporated in this car develops sufficient power output of 103 bhp with a peak torque of 250 Nm. The engine gives an Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) tested mileage of 20.5 kmpl. Features of driver seat height adjustment and leather upholstery make the car look astonishing. Options of multi-spoke alloy wheels is available with high-end diesel versions. Also, it has been priced competitively in the range of Rs. 9.05 lakh – Rs. 9.96 lakh.
Last model is Hyundai Verna, which happens to be the most exclusive innovation from the South Korean auto maker. This model churns out a maximum power of 125 bhp from a 1.6-litre diesel engine with 259 Nm of peak torque. Its fuel economy is also quite efficient at 22.5 kmpl. Notably, Verna flaunts the unique artistry of Hyundai's fluidic designing. Along with astonishing exteriors, its interiors are lumped with technologically advanced features, matching to latest innovations. Interestingly, it is the only car among its rivals to have a provision of automatic transmission in diesel trim. The car is placed in the price bracket of Rs. 8.62 lakh – Rs. 11.69 lakh.
Experts are of a view that the trio is envisioned to witness great combat in sales. Hyundai and Volkswagen have been contending from a long time and they would not make it easy for the new entry of Honda City to stabilise its market presence. Where the South Korean car company has surpassed all figures in mid-level segment, the German auto giant is striving hard to attain a similar spot with its creation. The pending Japanese company will be attempting to vanquish the likes of its competitors to gain the top spot in its segment once again. It is believed that with the new diesel engine technology, the path is going to be easy for the fourth generation Honda City.
