Is top-end Hyundai VERNA better than SKODA SLAVIA Style DSG
What's the story
South Korean automaker Hyundai has introduced its 2023 VERNA sedan in the Indian market. Its bookings are open. The car has a head-turning appearance, a tech-loaded cabin, and two petrol engine options. Here, its top-end SX (O) Turbo model takes on SKODA SLAVIA's range-topping 1.5 TSI Style DSG variant. However, which one is a better option? Let us have a look.
Exteriors
Hyundai VERNA is visually more appealing
The Hyundai VERNA has a black chromed parametric radiator grille, LED headlights with DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, a sloping roofline, connected LED taillamps, indicator-mounted ORVMs, and a shark-fin antenna. On the other hand, the SKODA SLAVIA offers a sloping roofline, a chrome-surrounded butterfly grille, a lengthy bonnet, a wide air vent, LED headlamps with DRLs, sharp body lines, and LED taillights.
Information
The VERNA is wider and gets a larger wheelbase
The Hyundai VERNA has a length of 4,535mm, a width of 1,765mm, and a wheelbase of 2,670mm. Meanwhile, the SKODA SLAVIA is 4,541mm long, 1,752mm wide, and offers a wheelbase of 2,651mm.
Interiors
From ventilated seats to 6 airbags
The Hyundai VERNA has a 5-seater cabin with ventilated and heated front seats, auto climate control, rear AC vents, USB chargers, a two-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, six airbags, a rear-view camera, ABS, EBD, and an ADAS suite. The SKODA SLAVIA comes with five seats, rear AC vents, a multifunctional steering wheel, and six airbags. It also gets a rear-view camera and electronic stability control.
Technology
The VERNA gets an electric sunroof
The Hyundai VERNA is offered with an electric sunroof, an air purifier, ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SKODA SLAVIA gets an 8-speaker audio system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment panel with support for MySKODA Connect, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a sunroof. Both cars seem quite similar inside.
Performance
The VERNA boasts a more powerful engine
The Hyundai VERNA SX (O) Turbo runs on a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (158hp/253Nm). A 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT gearbox handle transmission duties. SKODA SLAVIA's 1.5 TSI Style DSG gets a 1.5-liter petrol engine that puts out 147.5hp of power and 250Nm of peak torque. The mill is linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Our verdict
Which one should you buy?
In India, the Hyundai VERNA SX (O) Turbo carries a price tag of Rs. 17.38 lakh, while the SKODA SLAVIA 1.5 TSI Style DSG is priced at Rs. 18.4 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). Our vote goes in favor of the Hyundai VERNA for its superior looks, more powerful engine, and significantly lower price tag in comparison to its rival.