SUVs have created a stir in the world with their practicality. However, this was not the case until a few years ago. In fact, the craze for the sedans continues to this day, although the volumes have dropped significantly. The above statement is not stopping the car makers from launching new models in the country, we must understand. The newest addition to the list is the Volkswagen Vertus. It sits in the C-segment to go side by side with one of the most coveted nameplates in the Indian market – Honda City. Honda’s C-segment has been around in India for more than two decades. But how does it fare against the latest competitor – the Volkswagen Vertus? Let’s find out in this specific comparison.
Volkswagen Vertus vs Honda City – Dimensions
Talking about the specifications, the most important aspect when buying a car is the size of the vehicle and the overall road appearance. In this regard, Volkswagen Vertus wins by a fair margin. It is the longest, widest and tallest car in its segment, measuring 4,561 mm in length, 1,752 mm in width and 1,507 mm in height. The claims don’t end there, it also has the longest wheelbase in the class of 2,651 mm.
The Honda City, on the other hand, is 4,549 mm long, 1,748 mm wide and 1,489 mm tall. The wheelbase measures 2,600 mm, which is only 51 mm shorter than the wheelbase of the Vertus. The boot space of the Honda City is 506 liters, which is less than the trunk volume of the Virtus at 521 liters.
Volkswagen Vertus vs Honda City – Engine & Gearbox
In terms of powertrain, the Volkswagen Vertus is the most powerful car in its class. It is offered with two engine options – 1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI EVO. The former is tuned to make 115 Bhp as against 175 Nm, while the latter churns out 150 Bhp and 250 Nm.
Honda City is on sale with three powertrain options – 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel and 1.5L hybrid. The NA petrol produces 121 Bhp and 145 Nm. The oil burner produces 100 bhp and 200 Nm of rated power output. The City’s hybrid powertrain produces a combined output of 126 Bhp and 253 Nm.
Coming to transmission options, the Virtus is available with three options – 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT reserved for the 1.5L TSI EVO motor. The Honda City can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or a CVT. Sadly, the CVT is only for the petrol engine. Honda City Hybrid, however, comes standard with ECVT.
Volkswagen Vertus vs Honda City – Mileage
In a market like ours where “how much gives” is a favorite phrase of car buyers, we should be talking about mileage figures for these sedans. Volkswagen has managed to claim a higher figure of 19.40 kmpl thanks to the 1.0L TSI motor with Vertus stick shift transmission, while the AT option brings this figure to 18.12 kmpl. 1.5L TSI EVO power plant with DCT unit gives mileage of 18.67 kmpl.
Talking about Honda City, it is a clear winner in this case. The oil burner of the Honda City delivers a claimed mileage of 24.1 kmpl, while the 1.5L NA petrol motor gives a claimed efficiency of 17.8 kmpl and 18.4 kmpl with manual and automatic transmission respectively. Addressing the elephant in the room – City EHEV, it boasts of a claimed mileage of 26.5 kmpl.
Volkswagen Vertus vs Honda City – Price
Volkswagen Vertus prices start at Rs 11.22 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry-level trim and top out at Rs 17.92 lakh (ex-showroom). The base price of Honda City is Rs 11.46 Lakh ex-showroom. The range-topping variant of the City is priced at Rs 15.41 lakh, ex-showroom. For City Hybrid, you will have to pay Rs 19.50 lakh ex-showroom.