Set to enter showrooms in India on the 7th of January, the new Honda City has been making waves since it was unveiled on 25th of November, 2013. Many experts, across the country, have already said that this car is going to take its segment by storm. Previous generation versions of this car have been pretty successful but due to lack of a diesel variant, sales have dropped a bit. The Tokyo-based firm, known for its adaptability, has worked on designing a diesel engine and is now reaping rewards due to the success of Earth Dreams diesel technology. However, experts feel that the segment in which Honda City lies is highly competitive and total dominance would be tough to achieve right away. This category has several models competing for the top spot, which is currently occupied by Hyundai Verna. Other than this sedan, Honda City will compete with the likes of Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid, Fiat Linea and Nissan Sunny. Many experts have tried to draw comparisons between these sedans and the upcoming Honda City.
Talking about the new City first, this Honda model has been given a number of changes in terms of exteriors, interiors and comfort features. This car features an advanced sporty design based on the Exciting H concept, which comprises a solid wing face, well-toned athletic body form and finely honed surface. Interiors of this sedan have been developed with the aim of maximising comfort for passengers. The application of 'man maximum machine minimum' mechanism is one of the highlights of interiors of this car. However, the USP of this model lies in the fact that is going to be available in a diesel variant for the first time. Honda City diesel is fitted with the much-acclaimed i-DTEC 1.5-litre engine, which powers the Amaze compact sedan as well. The Japanese car maker claims that this sedan will provide best-in-class fuel economy of 26 kmpl and generate maximum power of around 98 bhp. On the other hand, petrol version of this sedan, fitted with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit, will deliver an incredible output of around 117 bhp.
Hyundai Verna, the current segment leader, is going to be the toughest competitor of new City. This mid-sized sedan, one of the most successful models of the South Korean auto maker, has been appreciated for its fluidic design architecture. It has a futuristic design that includes a sleek and sporty profile, which gives this model a distinct look. As far as interiors are concerned, Verna has a large boot space, seats with tilt adjustment and sliding front armrest. This sedan comes in two petrol and two diesel variants, thereby giving buyers a lot to choose from. 1.6-litre petrol version of Hyundai Verna generates an output of around 121 bhp. On the other hand, diesel Verna, powered by the 1.6-litre unit churns out approximately 126 bhp, which is quite impressive.
Volkswagen Vento, another competitor of new City, has carved a niche in the market due to its technological sophistication. Some of the highlights of this car include stylish and sporty alloy wheels, Intelligent Climatronic air conditioning and integrated audio system. This car comes in both petrol and diesel variants, which are powered by 1.6-litre engines. Petrol version of Vento delivers an output of 103 bhp and fuel-economy of 15.04 kmpl. On the other hand, diesel variant generates the same power as the petrol guise and renders a mileage of around 20.5 kmpl. Another rival of the upcoming City is Skoda Rapid, a feature loaded mid-sized sedan that is highly advanced in terms of safety and comfort. The mechanical configuration of Rapid is same as the Vento with respect to power and torque. Apart from these, City will face competition from Fiat Linea and Nissan Sunny, cars that have not performed as well as counterparts.
Putting all these factors into perspective, it can be safely said Honda City's real competition lies in the form of Hyundai Verna. If the Japanese car maker delivers all it has promised in the upcoming model, it will not be long before Honda City replaces Verna at the top of this segment. The success of Amaze is likely to play an important role in attracting buyers.
