The mid-sized sedan segment in India has been one of steadiest in recent times with models achieving sustained and growing success. Hyundai Verna, at the moment, is the segment leader in terms of popularity, quality and sales as well. In fact, it has surprisingly knocked Honda City off its perch. However, the Japanese car maker launched the fourth generation Honda City in early 2014 and the model has created a stronghold since then. Other models in the segment that fight for the second spot are Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid. Let’s take a look at how Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid fair against each other.
Skoda Rapid, if one examines closely, is the quintessential mid-sized sedan with some brilliant features, be it in terms of comfort, technology or performance. Speaking about the appearance, its chrome surround radiator grille is highly conspicuous while the c-shape tail lamps look quite attractive as well. Interiors of this car are characterised by a dual tone setup, climatic air conditioning, multi-function display, adjustable steering wheel, armrest (front and centre). This sedan is available in both petrol and diesel versions, which are powered by same capacity engines (1598 cc). Both 1.6-litre petrol and diesel versions churn out 103 BHP of top power but at different RPMs.
Volkswagen Vento is slightly smaller in size as compared to other models in this segment but still packs a punch. A sedan version of the popular hatchback Polo, Volkswagen Vento’s appearance boasts of a chrome finish boot lid, body coloured door handle, chrome accented front grille and stylish alloy wheels. Like the Skoda Rapid, this car comes in both petrol and diesel versions as well with 7 trim levels in total. In fact, its mechanical configuration is similar to that of Skoda Rapid too with diesel and petrol engines having same displacement and power levels. The diesel version has a claimed mileage of 20 kmpl while the petrol version has a fuel economy of around 15 kmpl.
Honda City, by far, is the most popular and appreciated vehicle out of the three and when the Japanese car maker launched its diesel version for the first time in early 2014, it was a paradigm shifting achievement. Featuring excellent looks and aerodynamics, the fourth generation Honda City has a superb appearance and is almost guaranteed a nod from a potential buyer. The highlights of the car include wing faced chrome grille, shark fin antenna, electric sunroof, premium wrap around tail lamps, 5 spoke alloy wheels and power folding ORVMs. The petrol version of this sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that delivers power up to 117 BHP while the diesel guise, fitted with the much acclaimed 1.5-litre i–DTEC drivetrain, delivers almost 100 BHP.
