What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the mid-size sedans Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and Honda City, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Skoda Slavia vs Hyundai Verna vs Honda City – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
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What a Long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For avid road-trippers, safety and convenience come first. They need reliable ABS, multiple airbags, and stellar safety ratings. Features such as large fuel tank capacity, effective mileage, and spacious boot capacity for luggage are vital.
Equally crucial are comfortable seating adjustments, lumbar support, and a tech-friendly dashboard with touchscreen navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an excellent audio system. High-speed stability, minimal body roll, and good handling provide confidence on highways.
Why Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City are Popular
Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City have captured the hearts of many for their balance between luxury and utility. They offer advanced safety features, including multiple airbags and high GNCAP ratings.
The cars are known for their spacious interiors, providing ample legroom and boot space, which are paramount for long journeys.
Additionally, their powerful yet efficient engines guarantee fewer stops for refueling, and their state-of-the-art infotainment systems make every journey entertaining.
Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City Variants in Rs 12-15 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 5 September 2023 |
| VX CVT | ₹14,74,000 |
For Skoda Slavia, we have have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 5 September 2023 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition AT | ₹14,49,000 |
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 5 September 2023 |
| SX Opt | ₹14,66,000 |
Honda City VX CVT
This variant ensures safety with 6 airbags and has an efficient petrol engine with a CVT transmission, promising smooth rides. The 18.4 kmpl highway mileage and 40l fuel tank translate to extended travel without frequent stops. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the City with Hyundai Verna.
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT
Offering 2 airbags, this variant stands out for its 45l fuel tank and efficient petrol engine with an 18.07 kmpl mileage. The torque converter assures responsive acceleration. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Slavia with Volkswagen Virtus.
Hyundai Verna SX Opt
This variant guarantees safety with 6 airbags. It has a spacious boot (528l) and runs on petrol with 18.6 kmpl mileage. Moreover, the inclusion of the Bose audio system ensures premium sound quality on the go. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Verna variants for you.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Honda City for Long-distance road trip lovers
Hyundai Verna SX Opt emerges as the best variant. Apart from its 6 airbags, it flaunts a spacious 528l boot, perfect for luggage. The car’s efficient petrol engine offers 18.6 kmpl mileage, making long trips more economical.
Other attributes, like minimal body roll, touchscreen navigation, a premium Bose audio system, and manual seating adjustments, contribute to its top position.
The 3 Variants Ranked
- Hyundai Verna SX Opt
- Honda City VX CVT
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT
| Attributes | Hyundai Verna SX Opt | Honda City VX CVT | Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 528 | 506 | 521 |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 45 | 40 | 45 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – Auto Type | Not Relevant | CVT | Torque Converter |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai Verna SX Opt, with its impressive safety, spacious boot, and efficient engine, stands out as the top choice.
- Honda City VX CVT, coming next, is famed for its safety attributes and efficient CVT transmission.
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition AT, though having 2 airbags, doesn’t compromise on other essentials, making it a viable choice for road trip enthusiasts.
In all, these variants are comfortable cars for road trips in India, and your choice will depend on your specific needs.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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