Hyundai Verna vs Honda City vs Volkswagen Virtus Performance Showdown: Finding the Best Top-end Variant

When you live for the thrill of driving, you look for the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India. So what makes a high-performance car model? We compare the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus, and see how their top-end variants fare in terms of their performance.
In this article, we will share
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
Performance enthusiasts prioritize driving dynamics, power, and responsiveness when choosing a car. They seek vehicles with powerful engines, quick acceleration, and high top speeds. A well-tuned suspension that minimizes body roll and provides agile handling is crucial. Enthusiasts also appreciate advanced transmissions like dual-clutch automatics (DCTs) for fast and smooth gear changes. Steering feedback and precise control are essential for an engaging driving experience.
Additionally, they value features like launch control, drive modes, and sporty exhaust notes. Aesthetically, performance enthusiasts are drawn to aggressive styling, sporty body kits, and large alloy wheels that complement the car’s performance capabilities.
The Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Volkswagen Virtus have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to their engaging driving dynamics and powerful engine options.
The Verna offers a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine with 120 PS and 172 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DCT, delivering quick acceleration and smooth gear shifts. The Honda City’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine produces 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, providing a responsive and rev-happy driving experience. The Volkswagen Virtus, with its 1.5-liter TSI EVO engine churning out 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque, coupled with a 7-speed DSG, offers exhilarating performance and precise handling.
All three models feature well-tuned suspensions that minimize body roll and provide agile handling, making them enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The sporty styling, with aggressive front grilles, sharp lines, and dual-tone alloy wheels, adds to their appeal among performance enthusiasts.
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
Variant | Price as on 19 April 2024 |
---|---|
SX Opt IVT | ₹1,623,000 |
SX Opt Turbo DCT DT | ₹1,742,000 |
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
Variant | Price as on 19 April 2024 |
---|---|
GT Plus Edge | ₹1,710,000 |
GT Plus Edge DSG | ₹1,877,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
Variant | Price as on 19 April 2024 |
---|---|
ZX CVT | ₹1,619,000 |
Hybrid V CVT | ₹1,889,000 |
The Hyundai Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT DT is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts. It comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 157.57 BHP and 253 Nm of torque, paired with a quick-shifting 7-speed DCT. The DCT ensures fast and smooth gear changes, enhancing the driving experience. The Verna’s suspension is tuned for minimal body roll and agile handling, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. If you’re looking for a family car, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Honda Elevate.
The Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Edge and GT Plus Edge DSG are well-suited for performance enthusiasts. Both variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TSI engine that produces 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The GT Plus Edge comes with a 6-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience, while the GT Plus Edge DSG features a quick-shifting 6-speed DCT. The Virtus offers precise steering, minimal body roll, and agile handling, making it a joy to drive. If you value a car’s design and style, you can check out our comparison of the Virtus with Skoda Slavia.
The Honda City ZX CVT and Hybrid V CVT are attractive options for performance enthusiasts who prioritize a balance between performance and efficiency. The ZX CVT is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that delivers 119.35 BHP and 145 Nm of torque, paired with a responsive CVT. The Hybrid V CVT combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, offering a combined output of 96.55 BHP and 127 Nm of torque. Both variants provide agile handling and a smooth driving experience. If you enjoy long drives, you can read our comparison of the City with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
After careful consideration, we recommend the Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. This variant offers a perfect blend of power, performance, and driving dynamics that cater to the needs of enthusiasts.
The Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG is powered by a 1.5-liter TSI engine that produces 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its strong power delivery and quick responsiveness, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. The engine is paired with a quick-shifting 6-speed DCT transmission, which provides lightning-fast gear changes and seamless power delivery.
The Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG’s suspension is well-tuned, offering minimal body roll and agile handling. The steering is precise and communicative, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The car remains stable at high speeds, inspiring confidence in the driver.
In terms of aesthetics, the Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG boasts a sporty and aggressive design. The glossy paint finish, sleek body lines, and sculpted surfaces add to its visual appeal. The 16-inch alloy wheels complement the car’s performance capabilities and enhance its overall look.
The Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG also comes equipped with features that performance enthusiasts appreciate. It offers a digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and voice-activated controls. The premium audio system and wireless charging add to the convenience and entertainment factor.
Other notable features include ventilated seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a comfortable and premium driving experience.
Safety is not compromised, with the Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG offering 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, and traction control. It has achieved a 5-star GNCAP rating, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
Overall, the Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG’s combination of powerful performance, agile handling, sporty design, and advanced features make it the top choice for performance enthusiasts.
Attribute | Virtus GT Plus Edge DSG | Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT DT | City ZX CVT |
---|---|---|---|
Engine – Power (BHP) | 147.51 | 157.57 | 119.35 |
Engine – Torque (Nm) | 250 | 253 | 145 |
Transmission – Auto Type | DCT | DCT | CVT |
Turbocharging | Yes | Yes | No |
Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Agility | Agile | Agile | Agile |
Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All three variants offer attractive packages for performance enthusiasts, with their own unique strengths. The choice among these three variants will depend on individual preferences and priorities.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.