The efficiency benchmarks within the midsized sedan section have developed and that’s because of the three fashions you see right here.
Whereas the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are every out there in level-headed (learn lesser-powered variations), this comparability is all about their spiciest iterations. Meet the 160hp Hyundai Verna Turbo that’s sharing highway house with the 150hp Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI and the 150hp Volkswagen Virtus GT. These are sedans that can lure you to spend extra over their mainstream variations for the added efficiency they pack in. Ardent petrolheads will certain discover the added cash effectively spent.
All three sedans come powered by 1.5-litre direct-injection, turbo-petrol engines and might be had with 6-speed handbook gearboxes. For this comparability, we’ve opted for his or her 7-speed dual-clutch transmission variations that mix engagement with comfort. What makes the competitors all of the extra fascinating is that these are all new vehicles. The Slavia is the oldest of the trio and it’s simply been on sale since February final yr. That’s the again story. Let’s get to the competitors.
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Efficiency
There have been a lot of high quality driving Skodas and Volkswagens, however the checklist of entertaining Hyundais is a brief one. Which is why there’s added curiosity in regards to the Verna Turbo. First impressions are of a pleasant automobile, occasional low-speed fumbles from the gearbox however. Energy supply is linear and likeable. Factor is, the genteel construct of velocity hides how robust the Hyundai engine is throughout the rev vary. Positive, the engine solely revs to five,800rpm so that you don’t get that top-end rush, however, however, you additionally don’t must get all of it labored as much as get probably the most out of it. It’s an engine that’s simple to use and, as a plus, the gearbox additionally feels satisfyingly fast in increased velocity settings, each in auto mode and through handbook inputs on the paddles or gear lever.
That the Verna is deceivingly fast is mirrored in its efficiency numbers. Its 8.82sec 0-100kph time is the perfect right here, if by the smallest of margins, and in kickdown acceleration too, there’s little between the Verna and the VW Group twins.
Petrolheads will discover the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines value the additional spend.
As you could know, the Slavia and Virtus are one and the identical underneath the pores and skin, so the next driving impressions maintain true for each. The Volkswagen Group’s 1.5 TSI engine is barely down on energy to the Hyundai unit, however many will truly discover it to be the extra thrilling powerplant. And that’s right down to the way it bunches up its energy within the mid-range to ship a satisfying punch. It’s received the freer prime finish too. The engine will fortunately rev to six,200rpm and sounds fairly good whereas doing all that it does. In reality, the sensations make the Virtus and Slavia really feel faster than the numbers would counsel. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox performs its supporting position very well whenever you’re going for it, delivering fast shift after fast shift with slickness. Bother is, the exact same gearbox can really feel hesitant in low velocity metropolis settings.
Distinctive to VW’s 1.5 TSI engine is cylinder deactivation tech. At gentle masses, the system switches off two cylinders for greatest effectivity. What’s outstanding is that the change from 4 to 2 and again to 4 cylinders goes unnoticed and it’s solely a notification on the devices that can let you know what’s taking place behind the scenes. In our checks, the Slavia and Virtus managed 9.3kpl on the town and 15.6kpl on the freeway. The Verna delivered higher numbers with 10.6kpl on the town and 16kpl on the freeway. Maybe the lighter throttle wanted within the Verna is to credit score for the higher numbers.
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Trip and dealing with
Straight line efficiency is one factor. Might the Verna have closed the hole to its European rivals, and even surpassed them in dealing with? Drive modes that add weight on the steering (and in addition quicken throttle responses) with every successive mode assist fine-tune the driving expertise, however even at its sportiest, the Verna doesn’t suck you into the expertise. There’s a cheap quantity of weight on the steering, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not the final phrase in really feel and join. Thoughts you, the steering will not be a deal breaker because it was on older Vernas and you may truly take pleasure in your self on a winding highway. However quickly sufficient you’ll attain the bounds of the suspension that comes throughout as a bit too gentle for one thing meant to be sporty. Maybe Hyundai desires to depart some respiratory room for a souped-up N-Line model.
New Verna is sweet sufficient in turns, however its arrange is just too gentle to be sporty.
On the identical roads, it’s the Virtus and Slavia that really feel extra involving to drive. Their steerings are gentle, however there’s quantity of precision that basically helps you’re employed a join with the vehicles. The duo additionally change course with larger poise and mean you can maintain increased speeds with extra confidence. Physique actions are higher contained and that’s regardless of the SUV-like 179mm of floor clearance.
Virtus (and Slavia) nook with poise regardless of 179mm floor clearance.
The Virtus and Slavia additionally really feel extra surefooted underneath exhausting braking, though it’s the Verna with discs in any respect 4 wheels that has the shorter stopping distance. The place the Verna has the clear edge is in refinement. It does a greater job of isolating you from the world exterior and the cushier low velocity trip additionally helps to this finish. Go quick over a pothole, although, and you’ll hear a loud thwack from the Verna’s suspension. The Virtus and Slavia are comfy in their very own proper, however after a go within the Verna, you’ll discover extra of the highway under you.
Crisp steerings make it simple to work a rhythm with the Slavia (and Virtus).
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Inside
It’s the Hyundai Verna that pulls probably the most eyeballs although not at all times for the appropriate causes. Some love the rad fashion, others detest it. To my eyes, the fastback-like form works, however the flat entrance finish with its gentle bar and gaping grille is out of sync with the excessive deck boot. The clean-cut Slavia and Virtus are extra standard in look and each carry their respective model’s identities very strongly. However don’t you assume Skoda may have been a bit extra adventurous with the 1.5 TSI? It appears precisely the identical because the lesser 1.0 TSI. A Slavia Monte Carlo would instantly up the wow issue. Volkswagen has made extra of an effort on this regard with the 1.5 TSI that’s offered in GT kind. Its blacked-out wheels, blackened roof, black mirrors and lip spoiler set up it as one thing particular.
Clockwise from prime: Verna’s twin-screen format is consistent with newest tendencies, whereas low dashboard cowl makes cabin really feel ethereal; ADAS works effectively and is a spotlight on the Verna; Drive modes alter responses and steering weight.
Inside, the Verna makes an important first impression. The low sprint cowl lends the cabin an ethereal really feel, the centre console angled in direction of the driving force appears sporty and the twin-screen format is new-age. Nevertheless it’s not good. The entrance seats aren’t beneficiant for bigger framed occupants, and, as sporty because the Turbo’s all-black theme is, many surfaces really feel exhausting and look shiny.
You sit noticeably increased up in a Virtus and Slavia and the reassuring thunk on door shut makes for a welcoming sound. There’s a robustness inside too although total high quality isn’t up there with the pricier Volkswagens and Skodas. The duo share many components together with the big entrance seats, however the distinct dashboards assist give the cousins a persona of their very own. It’s the Virtus GT that places you in a sporty state of mind with its crimson theme that features a crimson define for the dashboard. The Slavia’s inside appears elegant, however once more, there’s nothing to let you know that is the high-powered model, which is a bummer. Do notice, the Slavia pictured right here has a 10-inch touchscreen, whereas fashions on sale include a pleasant sufficient 8-inch unit. The semiconductor disaster compelled Skoda to accept a smaller dimension, however the larger display screen might be again quickly.
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Options
Speaking options, all three vehicles get you adequate goodies. Digital dials, slick touchscreens, ventilated entrance seats, leatherette upholstery and single-pane sunroofs are a part of the bundle on all three fashions.
Clockwise from prime: Slavia dashboard is elegant and fashionable, however doesn’t shout out 1.5 TSI model’s efficiency credentials; It’s the Skoda with the perfect audio; Slavias on sale at present get 8-inch touchscreen.
The Verna does go one up on its rivals packing in added options like partial energy regulate for the driving force’s seat, entrance seat heating (very helpful on chilly winter days), adjustable ambient lighting and an digital parking brake. A cool inclusion on the Verna is a change that allows you to toggle the centre console buttons to both function the audio system or local weather management system. It’s a intelligent perform that retains bodily controls for oft-used options. As compared, the Slavia’s and Virtus’ local weather management contact panel isn’t simple to make use of on the go. Of the opposite issues, the Verna’s Bose sound system is sweet however we discovered the Skoda sound system to ship the deepest sound.
Clockwise from prime: Virtus’ dashboard is fashionable with GT model’s crimson particulars giving the inside a sporty vibe; Virtus GT’s blacked-out components add visible enchantment; 1.5 TSI unit will get efficiency-enhancing cylinder deactivation tech.
By way of security options, these vehicles pack in six airbags, ABS, digital stability management and Isofix little one seat mounts. Whereas all three adjust to the newest Indian crash check norms, they go over and above prevailing regulatory necessities in several methods. The Slavia and Virtus have bragging rights with 5-star scores in World NCAP’s grownup and little one occupant safety parameters. The Verna hasn’t been examined by World NCAP as but, however it’s the just one right here with radar- and camera-based superior driver help techniques or ADAS that may assist stop an accident altogether. I’m not totally comfy with options like lane preserve help, however adaptive cruise management is a boon and auto emergency braking is usually a life saver. The Verna’s crisper rearview digicam deserves point out too.
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Rear seat
By way of rear seat house and luxury, it’s an in depth match. All three provide ample legroom to accommodate sixfooters with ease, although the mentioned occupants will discover their hair brushing the roof lining in every of the sedans. Additionally, whereas there are three-point rear seat-belts for the center passenger (the Virtus and Slavia additionally get a devoted headrest), not one of the vehicles is huge sufficient to seat three in absolute consolation. The Verna does have probably the most comfy backrest angle and the rear windscreen blind can also be a giant assistance on sizzling days.
L-R: Verna is massive on rear seat house and backrest angle is comfiest of the three; Lighter colors assist Slavia appear roomier although house is similar to Virtus; Virtus is roomy, however headroom might be tight for tall passengers.
All vehicles provide AC vents on the again in addition to USB charging ports. You received’t be left wanting for storage areas both with bottle holders on the doorways and cup holders on the rear armrests. Giant and usable gloveboxes and storage across the centre console provide sufficient place for smaller objects up entrance. By way of baggage house, the three sedans have you ever lined. It’s the Verna that has the most important boot on paper providing 528 litres to the Virtus and Slavia’s 521 litres, however the truth is all can accommodate giant suitcases with ease. The Virtus and Slavia do go one up on the Verna with the added versatility of 60:40 break up rear seats for instances when you have to transport lengthy objects or simply want extra space for baggage.
Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus: Verdict
So which of the three sedans is for you? In case you are an all-out petrolhead and the driving expertise will get prime weightage, your selection ought to be right down to the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus. The punchy engines and crisp dealing with make them massive enjoyable and the twins additionally rating effectively on different parameters like house, consolation and construct high quality. Between the 2, it’s the Virtus GT with its added flash that we’re leaning in direction of extra. As talked about, a Monte Carlo with added visible drama would give the Slavia the present to match the go.
The Virtus and Slavia really feel punchy. The Verna is all about accessible energy.
Whereas the Volkswagen and Skoda are near-identical in value – the range-topping Virtus 1.5 GT Plus DSG is yours for Rs 18.56 lakh and the Slavia 1.5 Model priced at Rs 18.45 lakh – they’re considerably pricier than the totally loaded Verna Turbo DCT SX(O) that is available in at Rs 17.37 lakh, ex-showroom. Bundled throughout the Hyundai’s lower cost tag are extra consolation and comfort options in addition to the added security internet of ADAS. The Verna scores effectively on house and luxury too, and makes for a enjoyable driver’s automobile, even when it’s not as involving because the VW twins. The Hyundai’s received the efficiency you’d need and the general expertise behind the wheel will fulfill most drivers. The Verna is extra of an all-rounder in that sense and the one which’s best to advocate.
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Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia vs Volkswagen Virtus video comparability
