Tuesday, February 23, 2010

City vs Jazz vs Verna

A cousin recently asked for my help to choose between the Honda City 2008, Honda Jazz and the Hyundai Verna. Here is the quick analysis:

Summary

Feature

Honda City 2008 1.5 V MT

Honda Jazz Mode

Hyundai Verna VTVT SX 1.6

Cost effective

Safety

Space

Mileage Overall (km/liter)

Power

Maneuverability

Folding Rear-Seat

Alloy Wheels

Tubeless Tyres

Front Fog Lights

Technical

Feature

Honda City 2008 1.5 V MT

Honda Jazz Mode

Hyundai Verna VTVT SX 1.6

Price (Ex-Showroom Mumbai)

Rs. 9,35,400

Rs. 7,69,160

Rs. 7,52,667

Air-Bags

Overall Length (mm)

4420

3900

4310

Overall Width (mm)

1695

1695

1695

Overall Height (mm)

1480

1535

1490

Mileage Overall (km/liter)

14.8

13.8

10.78

Displacement (cc)

1497

1198

1599

Power (PS@rpm)

118@6600

90@6200

103@5500

Minimum Turning Radius (meter)

5.3

4.9

5

Folding Rear-Seat

Alloy Wheels

Tubeless Tyres

Front Fog Lights

Source: carwale.com

Verdict

Jazz has the poorest value for money. So junk the Jazz unless you fall for its looks. I didn't.

Verna has the best value for money. It delivers an almost complete car at the cost of the Jazz. Yes, the mileage is poor. But it's not poor enough to outrightly reject it as a viable option. At current fuel prices (@50 Rs per litre) you will need to drive 145,000 kms to match the higher cost of the City. Of course, once fuel is deregulated and the world economy bounces back this may change - @100 Rs per litre, you will break even with the City at 73,000 kms.

So a Verna is highly recommended – unless airbags are an absolute must for you. They are for me.

City delivers good value for money. You just need to decide whether you are willing to pay an additional 2 lacs for the improved safety, mileage… and a bit of status.