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.