Hyundai Verna vs. Suzuki SX4

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By Alicia King
eHow Contributing Writer

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In US markets, as well as many others worldwide, the Hyundai Verna is also known as the Hyundai Accent. This sub-compact South Korean car is popular worldwide because of its reliability and economy.

Sharing a class with the Chevrolet Aveo and the Nissan Versa, the Hyundai Verna and the Suzuki SX4 are comparable in terms of size and capacity; however the Verna stands apart when it comes to long-term cost of ownership and fuel economy. The SX4 stands alone in this class in terms of torque and engine size, but gives up economy and value for the sake of quicker acceleration.

Price and Maintenance Costs

2008 Hyundai Accent (aka Verna) Photo take by Marla Klotz on behalf of Jim Ellis Hyundai
The base price for the Suzuki SX4 is slightly lower than that of the Hyundai Verna, but the long-term costs for the SX4 are far higher. Hyundai has a 33 percent larger dealership presence in the US than Suzuki, and a 5-year standard warranty (compared to the SX4's 3-year warranty), as well as lower repair and maintenance costs year over year.

Fuel Economy

In terms of fuel economy, the SX4 achieves 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city, while the Hyundai gets 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg in the city.

Resale Value

Hyundai interior photo take by Marla Klotz on behalf of Jim Ellis Hyundai
The Verna will retain 47.2 to 58.4 percent of its original price after five years, while the SX4 only retains 39.8 to 41.5 percent of its original price in the same time period.

Engine Power and Torque

The SX4 generates 143 horsepower, compared to the 110 hp of the Hyundai. In terms of torque, the Hyundai gets 106 foot-lbs at 4500 RPM, while the Suzuki gets 136 foot-lbs at 3500 RPM.

Safety Ratings

2008 Hyundai Verna photo take by Marla Klotz on behalf of Jim Ellis Hyundai
Both cars have standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other now-commonplace safety features. However the NHTSA's 35 mph collision tests rated the Hyundai with 5 stars for safety for front and side collisions, while the Suzuki SX4 only rated 4 stars in each category.

Handling and Maneuverability

Part of the Hyundai Verna's fuel efficiency comes from the fact that it weighs 300-450 lbs less than the Suzuki SX4. This lighter weight also increases the "fun to drive" factor, making it easier to accelerate and handle on the road. The Verna Sedan is also almost a foot shorter in length than the SX4 Sedan, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces--a boon for city drivers.