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Skoda Rapid 1.0 TSI vs Honda City vs Hyundai Verna vs others

11th August 2020, 18:08 by Aditya Nadkarni

Skoda Rapid

What you'll like:

Most fun-to-drive C2 segment sedan on sale today. Begs to be driven hard!
Brilliant 109 BHP 1.0L TSI engine is an enthusiast's delight. Mated to a slick 6-speed MT
The Skoda Rapid's European build quality is more solid than the competition's
VFM pricing. We feel that the Rapid is well-priced for what it offers
Mature suspension offers a balanced ride & best-in-class dynamics
Strong safety rating, 4 airbags & good brakes
Still looks great. Old, but timeless, clean & classy
Features such as rake & reach steering, cruise control, auto headlamps + wipers, adjustable driver armrest, tinted windows...

What you won't:

The Skoda Rapid is a 9-year old car based on the 11-year old VW Polo. Cabin feels outdated too
Horror stories about Skoda's after-sales service
1.0 TSI’s refinement is poor at high rpm (it’s satisfactory at regular revs)
Unknown long-term reliability of this complex turbo-petrol engine
Horrible, cheap & buggy audio system in the Style & Monte Carlo variants. Replace it
Tall rear floor hump will annoy the 5th occupant
No diesel and no automatic in the Rapid (AT is expected in a few months though)
Missing features: Android Auto / Apple CarPlay, keyless-entry-go, oldschool MID, LED headlamps, basic 4-speaker ICE, sunroof...

Honda City

Link to List of Initial Observations

Hyundai Verna

What you'll like:

A true all-rounder. Styling packs appeal too
The overall package is well-priced. Offers good value for money
Refined diesel & petrol engines mated to smooth MTs & ATs
Precise build & quality (including interiors) are easily among the segment best
Suspension delivers a compliant ride & neutral road manners
Loaded with kit! Hands-free boot, cooled seats, sunroof, rear sunshade, AutoLink etc.
Dual airbags, ABS & ISOFIX mounts are standard on all variants. SX(O) gets 6 airbags
Hyundai's reliability, competent after-sales & 3-year unlimited km warranty

What you won't:

Rear seat isn't as spacious as that of the City & Ciaz. SX(O)'s hard seatback makes it worse
Missing essentials! Reach-adjustable steering, auto wipers, auto-folding ORVMs…
On select variants, the diesel motor carries a steep premium over the petrol (SX = 1.35 lakhs)
Petrol AT isn't as fuel efficient as a couple of its rivals
While the driving experience has improved, some competitors are still more exciting to drive
Loses the rear disc brakes that the last-gen Verna was launched with. Braking feel & bite leave a lot to be desired

Maruti Ciaz

What you'll like:

Clean styling & big footprint. Among the longest & widest sedans from its class
Value-for-money pricing that undercuts almost all rivals
Spacious cabin with lots of practical features. Rear legroom is particularly impressive
Petrol variant has now improved, thanks to the new 1.5L motor
Soft, compliant ride quality. A suspension that's tuned for comfort
Big 510 liter boot will swallow your airport & holiday luggage
Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experience
Equipment such as the automatic LED headlamps, DRLs, 7" touchscreen ICE, rear sunshade, cruise control, telematics system etc.

What you won't:

New 1.5L petrol is rather mediocre. City & Verna petrol engines are much superior
No diesel option available after the introduction of BS6 emission norms
4-speed Automatic gearbox feels old & outdated
Petrol Ciaz has gotten more expensive by 34k – 65k
Uninvolving to drive. Enthusiasts, look elsewhere
Average under-thigh support of the low rear seat. Also, limited rear headroom for 6 footers
Light build & ordinary interior quality. The game has moved on with newer competitors
Maruti has missed the opportunity of a true top-end variant with 6 airbags, sunroof, auto-wipers & more

Toyota Yaris

What you'll like:

A well-built sedan; feels sturdier than the City and Ciaz
Good quality cabin with built-to-last materials & excellent NVH insulation
Mature ride comfort with sorted road manners
Smooth CVT automatic is available in all trim levels
Features such as the auto headlamps + wipers, electric driver's seat, front parking sensors, rear sunshade etc.
5-star safety rating & kit! 7 airbags, all-disc brakes, ESP, HSA, TPMS, 3-point seatbelts for all & more
Toyota's excellent after-sales quality, fuss-free ownership experiences, low service costs & up to 7 years of extended warranty coverage

What you won't:

Simply overpriced, especially the higher variants. Toyota has gotten it wrong
Rear seat's width is enough for 2 adults only, while rear headroom is limited too. Passengers will complain
Engine feels adequate, but isn't exciting at all. CVT gets sluggish with an enthusiastic driving style
Many will find the over-styled face to be a turnoff
No turbo-diesel option for the torque lovers
Missing auto-dimming IRVM, reach-adjustable steering, dead pedal, auto-folding ORVMs, sunroof & 195 mm tyres
Top variant's audio head-unit has several flaws. Misses Android Auto & Apple CarPlay as well

Volkswagen Vento

What you'll like:

A well-built, robust, European sedan
Clean and contemporary styling. Boot is superbly integrated
Stunning turbo-petrol engine
Mature suspension setup. Balanced ride & handling
Segment firsts : Reach adjust steering, gear recommender, adjustable driver armrest etc.
All-rounded nature; Jack of all trades

What you won't: