The C-segment sedan segment has heated up once again with the launch of the latest generation of the Honda City. Earlier the car lacked a diesel motor, and that proved to be its Achilles’ heel in face of the competition, mainly the Hyundai Verna. The company has taken care of the same now and now the tables have turned, the heat is on the segment leaders the Verna, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid. Hyundai has started to plan its first move to rival the feature-rich City and will be soon launching a the Hyundai Verna CX variant to take care of the battle of the mid-level variants between the two cars.
The Hyundai Verna CX variant is expected to sit between the EX and SX variants. This will be available only with the choice of a 1.4 litre diesel motor. This new variant will come with a slew of creature comforts so as to keep in sync with the overall refresh and to make it a compelling buy. It will come with a rear parking camera with sensors, electro chromatic mirror, a 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth and steering mounted audio controls and an automatic climate control system. You get ABS and a driver side airbag for added safety and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors with integrated turn indicators complete the package.
The Hyundai Verna averages about 4,100 units a month and the Honda City is knocking on its door with 9,000 bookings in the bag within a week of its launch. But what works in Hyundai’s favour is the fact that it can ramp up the production to meet a higher demand whereas Honda has a monthly production capacity of 10,000 units for all its cars and the Amaze has been taking up the bulk of it. Will Honda be able to match the demand for the City amidst Verna’s onslaught? Let’s wait and watch. Meanwhile it’s time for you to rejoice, as you will be spoilt for choice!
[box type=”info” width=”720″ ]Read more about the 2014 Honda City here[/box]