Honda has introduced a comprehensive update to the fifth-generation City. The MY26 City gets new design elements and feature additions while retaining its powertrain options. But how does it stack up against its rivals? We compare its specifications and price to alternatives like the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and the Hyundai Verna.
Honda City vs rivals: Dimensions:
The facelift has made the Honda City the longest in the segment at 4,594mm. However, it has the shortest wheelbase, which is 70mm shorter than the Hyundai Verna with a class-best 2670mm wheelbase. Also, the Verna is the widest and has the largest boot in the segment. Meanwhile, the Slavia and Virtus are taller, and ride the highest above the ground. All sedans get 16-inch alloy wheels in their respective top-end trims.
Honda City vs rivals: Powertrain options
P: Naturally aspirated petrol, H: Strong-hybrid, T: Turbo-petrol
The City facelift carries over its naturally aspirated petrol and strong-hybrid engines from the predecessor. Compared to the Verna’s naturally aspirated petrol mill, it delivers more power and torque figures. Except the City, all three other sedans are offered with turbo-petrol engines, among which, the Verna delivers the highest power outputs. Notably, the City has the distinction of a segment-only 126hp/253Nm 1.5-litre strong-hybrid engine paired to an e-CVT.
Honda City vs rivals: Price
Compared to its rivals, the Honda City has the highest starting price at Rs 12 lakh. The Slavia is the most affordable, costing under Rs 10 lakh. Top-end petrol-CVT versions of the City and Verna are priced identically. In turbo-petrol guise, the Volkswagen Virtus is the priciest. But considering all powertrain options, the City strong-hybrid is the most expensive in the segment.
