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I am not here to tell you the merits of diesel cars vis-à-vis petrol ones, especially given the backdrop of fuel pricing policies. I am here to lay a burning issue to rest; an issue that’s threatening to tear the Internet apart, a debate that’s been clogging our telephone lines and inboxes. Is perennial favourite Volkswagen Vento TDI capable of holding its own against a more powerful and better loaded new Hyundai Verna CRDi? Has the winner in the sub-Rs 11 lakh C-segment diesel variant market changed? Well, if you aren't worked up yet, read on.
Looking forward
Let me tell you straight away, the Verna definitely looks the part. Three years down the line when there might be a new Honda City, a facelifted Volkswagen Vento and probably even a new Suzuki SX4, the Verna would still look fresh enough to stay in the game. The use of several layers, a strong light-catcher line, sculpted waistline and swoopy headlamps and tail lamps make it a very busy design. There is not just one element that catches your eye; there are several, which is good for slowing the ageing process. From the front, the new “fluidic design” is interesting enough and it’s only at the rear that you notice an ever-so-slight hint of the last-gen BMW 5 Series. The Volkswagen is more conservative than youthful. It looks well-proportioned and the nose is smart enough as a result of its Polo lineage. The large tail lamps and the manner in which the C-pillar curves in around the rear glass make it less edgy. One glance at the rear and you know that in just a year the Vento is starting to feel its age.
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