Comparison: Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia

Sedans were the go-to body style of choice a couple of years ago before SUVs became the norm. The onslaught of different types of SUVs, mainly the sub-4m SUV is the primary reason for the decline in sales of sedans. Despite this, some carmakers are still carrying on with a handful of sedans while others have introduced new models as well. The latest entrants in the segment are the new Hyundai Verna and the recently facelifted Honda City. Both are not new names but they are doing things differently from each other. 

The Verna is back in its latest avatar sporting a completely redesigned look that is radical, along with strong engines and class-leading features in an attempt to become the most-loved sedan in India. On the other end, we have the Slavia, Skoda’s answer to the Honda City. Skoda is known for their brilliant sedans and the same continues with the Slavia which is a key player in the segment. However, with the Hyundai Verna coming into the ring, the Slavia has a worthy rival and these two sedans represent a welcome change in the Indian automotive setting which is currently crowded with SUVs of all types and genres.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at what these sedans bring to the table, and compare them on paper to find out which one offers the true sedan experience that is missing today: 

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Dimensions

Gone are the days when sedans used to hug the ground with their low ground clearance. Sedans have evolved and grown in size and are now big cars with enough ground clearance to tackle our roads with ease. The 2023 Hyundai Verna is the widest car here and it also offers the most wheelbase which will also translate to better rear seat space. It also offers marginally more boot space at 528 litres than the 521 litres of the Skoda Slavia. On the other hand, the Slavia is longer, sits higher, and offers the most ground clearance at 179mm against the Verna’s 170mm.

So, in conclusion, both these sedans are neck and neck in terms of dimensions. If you want the most boot space and rear seat space, the Verna might be your car and if you prefer a sedan with the most ground clearance, the Slavia will be  the pick.

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Engine & Transmission

The new Hyundai Verna and the Skoda Slavia are closely matched when it comes to the engine and transmission option. For instance, both these sedans come with only petrol engine options. The Verna uses a 1.5-litre petrol in turbo and non-turbo guise, with a 6-speed manual common for both engines. Automatic transmission duties are fulfilled by the CVT automatic for the non-turbo engine while the 7-speed DCT automatic ensures the turbo engine’s power is used effectively. The Slavia makes use of a smaller 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol mated to a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic and a 7-speed DCT.  

Both cars are almost matched when it comes to the power and torque output but the Verna offers 10PS more at 160PS for its top-spec variant compared to the 150PS of the Skoda Slavia. That said, the Slavia offers more torque for its 1.0-litre turbo petrol in comparison to the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol of the 2023 Hyundai Verna. 

As for the fuel economy, the Verna returns 18.6 – 20.6 kmpl and the Slavia returns 18.07 – 19.47 kmpl, again showcasing how close they are. The Skoda makes use of cylinder deactivation on the larger engine to attain these fuel economy figures. On paper, these sedans are close and it ultimately comes down to a test drive to pick a winner based on how these sedans deliver these numbers on the road and in real conditions.

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Features & Comfort

Hyundai has always been a brand that goes above the ordinary to offer more features for its cars. The new Verna is a clear example. Although the Skoda Slavia is a well-loaded sedan with all the prominent features such as a sunroof, digital driver display, 8-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, TPMS, etc, the Verna offers more features in comparison making it the clear winner here. Some of the features highlights of the Verna are the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver’s display, heated and ventilated seats, connected car features, eight-speaker Bose sound system, 64-color ambient lighting, etc. 

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Safety Features

In terms of safety features, the Hyundai Verna edges ahead of the Skoda sedan as it offers some interesting tech that is never seen before in this price bracket and segment. For instance, the new Verna offers ADAS features such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, something which we’ve only seen in much more expensive cars. The Hyundai Verna is yet to be crash tested by anyone since it is a relatively new sedan in this comparison.

But the Skoda Slavia was recently crash tested by GNCAP and it scored a full 5 stars in the test making it the safest car here.  But the basics are all covered with six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ESP, etc. The 2023 Hyundai Verna leads by offering more safety tech in contrast to the Skoda Slavia but as of now, the Slavia is the pick since it scored full points in the GNCAP crash test. 

Hyundai Verna vs Skoda Slavia: Price Comparison

Hyundai has done their homework with the new Verna. Not only does it match the Skoda Slavia when it comes to engine and gearbox options, but it also surpasses the Skoda in terms of features and safety kit. Hyundai does all this while undercutting the Slavia in terms of pricing. The base variant of the Verna is more affordable than the Slavia and every variant of the Verna is cheaper than the Skoda. When we look at the higher variants and the range-topping variants of both these sedans, we can see that Verna is cheaper by almost Rs 1 lakh making it a clear choice here.

Please note that these are introductory launch prices for the Hyundai Verna which will increase over time. Nonetheless, at present, the 2023 Hyundai Verna offers more value for money than the Skoda Slavia. 

Summary

The Skoda Slavia is a great sedan that gets everything right. There’s nothing really to fault about it as it offers the best engine, gearbox, and features on offer to keep you happy. However, Hyundai has outdone itself with the 2023 Verna which surpasses the Skoda in features, safety kit, and pricing. It is therefore hard not to recommend the new Verna which fares better than its competition in many regards while also offering the most value for money with its incredible pricing. 

At the end of the day, it also comes down to factors including styling and driving characteristics which can also be subjective. Although the Verna is the clear winner on paper, you cannot go wrong with either of these sedans. Thanks to Skoda and Hyundai for catering to sedan buyers when most carmakers are giving up on them.