Honda City vs Verna vs Skoda Slavia

A detailed, research-based comparison of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and Skoda Slavia—three of India’s most popular mid-size sedans in 2025.

1. Price & Positioning

Model	Ex-Showroom Price (Base–Top)	Engine Options	Transmission
Honda City	₹12.38–16.65 lakh	1.5L Petrol (NA & Hybrid)	Manual / CVT
Hyundai Verna	₹11.07–17.58 lakh	1.5L Petrol & 1.5L Turbo	Manual / IVT / DCT
Skoda Slavia	₹10.49–18.33 lakh	1.0L & 1.5L Turbo Petrol	Manual / Automatic (TC/DSG)

Slavia offers the lowest entry price and most variety in turbo engines.
Verna stretches the widest for turbocharged performance.

2. Engine, Performance, & Mileage

Honda City shines in refinement and comfort, with the option for a very frugal hybrid.
Verna Turbo is the most powerful and quickest, with sporty acceleration.
Slavia offers lively turbo engines and the best balance for enthusiasts.

3. Features & Cabin

4. Safety

Honda City: ADAS (on top trims), 6 airbags, good crash reputation, Bharat NCAP 4-star.
Hyundai Verna: 5-star Global NCAP safety rating (2024 onward) on latest gen, 6 airbags, ADAS, ESP, robust safety kit.
Skoda Slavia: 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, standard 6 airbags, ESC, traction control

5. Driving Experience

City: Exceptionally smooth, easy to drive, outstanding comfort and NVH levels—still segment benchmark for a relaxed experience
Verna: Sporty, responsive (especially turbo), direct steering, feature-rich, new-age tech and dramatic looks
Slavia: Sportiest dynamics and most “fun-to-drive” feel, with tight chassis, peppy turbo motors, solid German build, and surprisingly good ride/ground clearance for Indian roads

6. Practicality

Aspect	Honda City	Hyundai Verna	Skoda Slavia
Boot Space	506L	528L (class best; split-fold seats)	521L (very practical)
Ground Clear.	~165mm	~170mm	179mm (highest, best for speed breakers)

7. Reliability & Ownership

Honda and Hyundai have vast dealer/service networks; both are known for reliability and affordable spares.
Skoda has improved considerably, but may have higher spares cost and fewer rural outlets, though recent warranty/maintenance packages improve peace of mind.
Resale is strong for City and Verna, growing for Slavia.

8. Verdict & Buying Advice

Honda City is best for those prioritizing comfort and refined riding—ideal for families and urban commutes
Hyundai Verna leads for tech, wow factor, and a thrilling turbo option—great for those wanting features, style, and top-tier safety
Skoda Slavia is the enthusiast’s pick—fun, robust, with segment-best ground clearance and equally loaded with features

All three are excellent: Shortlist based on test drives, your taste in styling/features, and local dealer support.
If you want hybrid/frugality and comfort: City.
If you want max performance/style: Verna.
If you want fun and sporty drive with ruggedness: Slavia.

2025 prices and features are current as of July 2025. Check your favorite variants and local offers before booking.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

References