What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at two mid-size sedans – Honda City and Hyundai Verna, and their top-end variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
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- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Honda City vs Hyundai Verna – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For a long-distance road trip aficionado, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency are paramount. They often prioritize vehicles with high fuel capacity, spacious interiors, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems to ensure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Moreover, road stability, ample boot space for luggage, and top-notch safety features like multiple airbags and ABS become non-negotiable.
Why Honda City and Hyundai Verna are Popular
Both Honda City and Hyundai Verna have built a reputation for their reliability, performance, and comfort. Their engines are known for smooth long-haul rides.
Verna, with its refined engines, offers a blend of performance and mileage, while Honda City, a consistent favorite, boasts of spacious interiors and a trusty engine.
Both cars come equipped with modern amenities and safety features, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey. The ample boot space in both vehicles ensures luggage for long trips fits with ease.
Honda City and Hyundai Verna Top-end Variants Shortlist in Rs 14-16 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 30 August 2023 |
| ZX | ₹1,472,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹1,474,000 |
| ZX CVT | ₹1,597,000 |
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 30 August 2023 |
| SX Turbo DT | ₹1,484,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo | ₹1,599,000 |
| SX Opt Turbo DT | ₹1,599,000 |
Honda City ZX
With a stable high-speed drive and ABS, this variant ensures safety. The fuel tank capacity of 40 liters and a city mileage of 17.8 kmpl are efficient for longer journeys. If you are a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the City with Volkswagen Virtus.
Honda City VX CVT
Equipped with a responsive CVT transmission and essential safety features like 6 airbags, it promises a smooth long-distance drive. We also have our comparison of the City with Hyundai Creta for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Honda City ZX CVT
This variant, like the VX CVT, offers responsive transmission with the added advantage of a higher price point, suggesting more premium features. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Kia Seltos.
Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT
With a slightly better fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl and a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters, it’s apt for extended drives. Additionally, its stability ensures a secure drive.
Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo & SX Opt Turbo DT
Both these variants offer enhanced features like a premium Bose audio system and power seating adjustments, ensuring superior comfort on longer trips.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda City and Hyundai Verna for Long-distance road trip lovers
The Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT emerges as the top pick. With its superior fuel efficiency, ample fuel tank capacity, and a reputation for stability, it promises longer, uninterrupted journeys.
Moreover, features like Bluetooth connectivity and a good audio system ensure entertainment throughout the trip.
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT
- Honda City ZX CVT
- Honda City ZX
| Attributes | Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT | Honda City ZX CVT | Honda City ZX |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 528 | 506 | 506 |
| Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 45 | 40 | 40 |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 165 | 165 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | CVT | None |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2670 | 2600 | 2600 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Hyundai Verna SX Turbo DT: This variant takes the top spot because it ticks nearly all boxes for the long-distance driver. The most significant advantages include a high fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl and a spacious boot capacity of 528 liters. The GNCAP rating of 5 is also a clear indicator of safety, which is crucial for long road trips.
- Honda City ZX CVT: Coming in at a close second, this variant of Honda City stands out due to its CVT transmission, especially beneficial during long drives. While it has a slightly smaller boot capacity and a lesser GNCAP rating than the Verna, it offers a reliable petrol engine and a balanced mix of comfort and tech features.
- Honda City ZX: The manual counterpart of the earlier ZX CVT, this variant is for those who prefer hands-on control over their driving. Its specifications mirror the ZX CVT, but the absence of an advanced transmission system places it in the third spot.
For long-distance enthusiasts, the journey is as significant as the destination. Each of the top three variants promises a blend of safety, comfort, and driving pleasure, and is a comfortable car for road trips in India. Ultimately, the choice boils down to brand preference, driving style, and specific feature priorities.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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