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As my Figo is entering it's 9th year soon it's already time for a new car and should sure be an upgrade. Here are my basic requirements, and will have no compromise on it, whatsoever.
The Verna Story –
With those filters on, the obvious result is Verna! Which is my all time favourite anyway. The SX+ has everything I mentioned and more (Smart Boot for example) and of course, not to mention Hyundai’s design, aesthetics, ergonomics, well proven 1.6 Petrol Engine, ride and handling etc. So all boxes checked, but… Petrol AT is completely sold out and they don’t have a single piece left. Had some discussions on Diesel AT as well but it’s a premium of 2 L on pricing, which doesn’t justify, even with the offers they have for BS4. However, there were only limited options, which were sold out too in no time.
The City Story –
With a broken heart, I started to explore others and landed with City, which was never in my radar considering it’s pricing which is over 18L for top end. However, they offered V variant of BS6 2020 model which is around 15L and ready for further negotiations. Test drove it and like it as well. In fact, much more smoother compared to Verna (maybe give it to CVT). This variant mostly has it all essentials minus Projector Headlights, LED Tail Lights, and good to have features. In deed, it’s not VFM compared to SX+ of Verna, but can’t really compare as the latter isn’t available at all. Also, design / looks, not much there to Verna (just my opinion).
Some side stories in between –
Creta – My first choice of all, but out of budget. It’s a lost love! Same with Seltos.
Ciaz – Well it’s a typical Suzuki feeling, you have everything, but somewhere you aren’t fulfilled. Maybe got to do with their design, aesthetic sense or taste or materials used. It’s just not there if you put it next to Verna.
S-Cross – Slightly a different segment, though not much. Existing Diesel MT is a clear NO. But with Petrol AT already announced, can consider and will fit well in the budget Rest all, same as above!
Brezza – Diesel AMT is a clear NO. But with Petrol AT already launched, can consider and will fit well in the budget. Otherwise, same as above!
Ecosport – Can feel to be a hardcore Ford fan and continue to remain. All good overall and well proven in the Sub 4M segment. However, the Top End AT doesn’t have certain features which is present in S variant which further over a lakh lesser. Eg: Android Auto. Could be due to the excise benefit for S version. However, doesn’t sound justified to pay more and get less. Further, rear seat is just for 2 people, not much. Ford – Mahindra is an unknown area to even think now.
Venue – Test drove, it’s just tiny and can’t even be compared with ES.
Rapid – No stock!
i-20 - I am OK for it as it will be more economical and keep it budget friendly, but family is against me to move from Hatch Back to Hatch Back as it's not a real upgrade. It's true in a way.
Vento – More expensive, both to buy and maintain.
So finally, it’s a choice to make between Verna and City.
So, what do you suggest? Wait for new Verna or go with City? Any insights, detailed analysis would help me to make a better decision. Timeline wise, I am not in a hurry and can wait for a couple of months.
Happy Motoring
Pic Courtesy - Hindustan Times.
- Transmission – Definitely AT, just to remind I am in Bangalore! Fine with CVT, TC, DCT in that order, no AMT for sure.
- Body Type - Initially thought of SUV and Creta was in mind. But not fitting in the budget so forgone it with heavy heart. Same goes with Seltos as well. So the only next option is Sedan.
- Fuel Type – Petrol. Since I have been driving Diesel all these while, thinking of Petrol now. Further, with the current fuel pricing, no real cost benefit on diesel and the future of Diesels isn’t clear either
- Features – Everything possible! Yeah, who would say no to anything. But essentials are Auto AC, Keyless Start-Stop Go, Touch Screen Audio with Android Auto, Camera etc., Projector Headlights, LED Tail Lights, and any other usable features like speed sensing auto lock, volume etc. Good to have – Auto Headlamps, Auto Wipers etc. No need at all, but OK to have – Sunroof
- Driving Experience – Of course, as an auto enthusiast, this goes without saying. Ride and handling, cornering capabilities and the whole experience of being behind the wheel is hardline.
- Color – White! Period.
The Verna Story –
With those filters on, the obvious result is Verna! Which is my all time favourite anyway. The SX+ has everything I mentioned and more (Smart Boot for example) and of course, not to mention Hyundai’s design, aesthetics, ergonomics, well proven 1.6 Petrol Engine, ride and handling etc. So all boxes checked, but… Petrol AT is completely sold out and they don’t have a single piece left. Had some discussions on Diesel AT as well but it’s a premium of 2 L on pricing, which doesn’t justify, even with the offers they have for BS4. However, there were only limited options, which were sold out too in no time.
The City Story –
With a broken heart, I started to explore others and landed with City, which was never in my radar considering it’s pricing which is over 18L for top end. However, they offered V variant of BS6 2020 model which is around 15L and ready for further negotiations. Test drove it and like it as well. In fact, much more smoother compared to Verna (maybe give it to CVT). This variant mostly has it all essentials minus Projector Headlights, LED Tail Lights, and good to have features. In deed, it’s not VFM compared to SX+ of Verna, but can’t really compare as the latter isn’t available at all. Also, design / looks, not much there to Verna (just my opinion).
Some side stories in between –
Creta – My first choice of all, but out of budget. It’s a lost love! Same with Seltos.
Ciaz – Well it’s a typical Suzuki feeling, you have everything, but somewhere you aren’t fulfilled. Maybe got to do with their design, aesthetic sense or taste or materials used. It’s just not there if you put it next to Verna.
S-Cross – Slightly a different segment, though not much. Existing Diesel MT is a clear NO. But with Petrol AT already announced, can consider and will fit well in the budget Rest all, same as above!
Brezza – Diesel AMT is a clear NO. But with Petrol AT already launched, can consider and will fit well in the budget. Otherwise, same as above!
Ecosport – Can feel to be a hardcore Ford fan and continue to remain. All good overall and well proven in the Sub 4M segment. However, the Top End AT doesn’t have certain features which is present in S variant which further over a lakh lesser. Eg: Android Auto. Could be due to the excise benefit for S version. However, doesn’t sound justified to pay more and get less. Further, rear seat is just for 2 people, not much. Ford – Mahindra is an unknown area to even think now.
Venue – Test drove, it’s just tiny and can’t even be compared with ES.
Rapid – No stock!
i-20 - I am OK for it as it will be more economical and keep it budget friendly, but family is against me to move from Hatch Back to Hatch Back as it's not a real upgrade. It's true in a way.
Vento – More expensive, both to buy and maintain.
So finally, it’s a choice to make between Verna and City.
- Verna – Got to wait for a couple of months for the new Verna. Seeing the Chinese version, I hated to even consider to wait for the new model. But the Russian version (Solaris) gives a breather and hope that the one for India. Though we keep seeing images of new / facelifted Verna, one of the dealers told me (just today) that the BS6 engine is coming on the same existing model. It’s hard for me to believe, as the existing model is over 2 years old and it’s time for a facelift. Also, the new model is expected to be priced at least 20 – 30K more than the existing and can’t expect any offers / deals. So around 15L+ for SX+ variant and not sure on the equipment list whether will it remain same or something to be added or axed.
- City – BS6 already on sale on the existing version. However, the 5th Gen City is already expected to be launched by mid March and also looks much better than the existing and at par with Verna.
So, what do you suggest? Wait for new Verna or go with City? Any insights, detailed analysis would help me to make a better decision. Timeline wise, I am not in a hurry and can wait for a couple of months.
Happy Motoring
Pic Courtesy - Hindustan Times.