Introduction

Hot on the heels of the updated Hyundai Verna facelift, Honda introduced the new-gen City. We have driven both the cars, and you can read our First Drive reviews over here - Verna and City. Since the fifth-gen City has grown in size, there’s more cabin space than before. On the other hand, the rear cabin space has been the current-gen Verna’s Achilles’ heels. With two new cars in the C-segment, let us take a look at the cabin space on offer between both and see which one makes a viable choice.

Front Cabin Space

At first, both sedans seem to offer an equal amount of space in the front seats. And if we delve deeper into the numbers (see the table below), there’s not much difference there either. But one aspect where the City triumphs is the legroom, which is much more than the Hyundai. Where the Hyundai Turbo gets an all-black cabin, the standard version gets a similar black-beige interior as the City. This being a new-gen model, the new City benefits from a redesigned cabin layout with many new features. However, the Verna offers equipment like wireless charging, cooled front seats, and connected car buttons on ORVM which the City still misses out. Both the cars also get digital instrument cluster now, and we also loved the City’s new and improved touchscreen infotainment system, but the one in the Verna is a league above.

Rear Cabin Space

Now here is where the difference between the two becomes apparent. The City’s large door makes the ingress easier which is comparatively a tad tighter in the Verna. You are welcomed to ample legroom in the Honda at 960/720mm compared to Verna’s 810/580mm. Even the headroom of 91mm is more in the City than what you get in the Verna (87mm). Although the City doesn’t get an adjustable headrest at the back, the fixed ones are large and provide proper support. That said, seats in both the sedans are comfortable and well angled providing sufficient support. But sitting three in the back would still be a squeeze in both the cars. In terms of equipment at the back, you get rear AC vents in both, but where the Verna offers a USB port, the City comes with two 12V outlets.

Boot Space

Surprisingly, the Verna makes up for the lack of rear cabin space by offering a slightly larger boot space than the City’s. Both these cars can swallow three medium-sized suitcases easily, or two suitcases with room to spare for a couple of duffle bags and other knick-knacks. Even the low loading lip has a large opening on both the sedans.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an outright spacious cabin, the All New City is a no brainer. It is large, comfortable and spacious on the inside. However, the Hyundai Verna makes a case for itself by offering segment-first equipment along with a good overall package. As for a proper Comparison Road Test between these two arch-nemesis, stay tuned to CarWale.

Pictures by Kapil Angane

2020 New Honda City Review

New Hyundai Verna Review