honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Everyone is buying an SUV these days. But cars like the Honda City and the Volkswagen Virtus – with their three-box design, low-slung profile, sportier dynamics, and driver’s involvement – have had us petrolheads hinged all these years. And although these two belong to the same segment, have similar pricing, and have more or less the same feature list, there’re still a lot of differences between the two. Hence, we decided to bring these two sedans together for comparing two vital parameters – fuel efficiency and performance. So, if you have been thinking of buying a sedan, either of the two, do read till the end.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

The Honda City needs no introduction. It has been around for close to 25 years in India alone and across many generations. It is available with two engine options right now, petrol and diesel. The diesel is the familiar 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine making 98bhp and 200Nm and it can be had only with a manual gearbox. There’s also a new City hybrid which was launched in India a couple of months back. Meanwhile, what we are driving here is the 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine. This four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine was heavily reworked when this generation of the City arrived two years back. It is available with a six-speed manual – the one we have here – or a CVT automatic, with power figures rated at 119bhp and 145Nm.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Meanwhile, this Virtus is an all-new contender in the C-segment. There’s no diesel engine on offer from this Volkswagen, but it gets two petrol engines. For this test, we have the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged TSI which makes 114bhp and 178Nm and is paired to a six-speed manual. It can also be had with an automatic – a torque converter, not a DSG. However, if you want a DSG, you’ll have to get the other engine – the 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI EVO which makes a healthy 148bhp and 250Nm.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

The ARAI claim for the Virtus 1.0-litre manual is 19.40kmpl. Whereas, for the City, the claimed fuel efficiency is 17.8kmpl. But we won’t be looking at these ARAI-claimed figures here. We, at CarWale, have done rigorous testing for finding out real-world fuel efficiency which is not only consistent but an accurate depiction of how a powertrain would be out in real-world conditions. For this, we tested both the City and the Virtus in the same conditions with the same driver behind the wheel.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Volkswagen Virtus 1.0-litre Manual

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

When you start up the 1.0-litre TSI of the Virtus, you find it to be quite refined with no vibrations despite it being a three-cylinder engine. We expected a little more grunt lower down the rev range, but this being a turbocharged engine, the meat of the matter is in the mid-range. Its gear slots aren’t the most exciting either and we expected more feel from the gearbox. But the clutch action is light and it is easy to operate. Even the steering has a nice weight to it, and you have good visibility which surely helps in slow-moving traffic. Overall it’s a nice place to be in with the modern cabin.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Now, you can upshift before 2,000rpm but the lack of low-end torque would leave you wanting for more. Yet, once the turbo is all spooled up and ready around 2,500rpm, there’s an instant response from the engine. Moreover, it gets the engine start/stop function which instantly switches off the engine and doesn’t start back quickly until the clutch is engaged, thus saving fuel each time.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

This should definitely help the fuel efficiency figures of the Virtus in this test. Then, there’s a good amount of shove from this 1,000cc motor and you can easily hold triple-digit speeds without straining the motor. On the flip side, it is not the best-sounding motor. And that’s majorly because of its three-cylinder configuration.

Honda City 1.5-litre Manual

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Get behind the wheel of the Honda City and you’d notice instantly how refined this naturally aspirated four-cylinder is. It is vibration-free and rev-happy. There’s a good amount of low-end grunt as well, so it doesn’t require constant gear shifts when pottering around town. For instance, you are cruising in the city at say 50-60kmph in the sixth gear, you encounter a speed breaker or a junction and you brake to reduce the speed to say 35kmph, yet the engine still wouldn’t stutter. Thus, reducing your need to constantly work the gearbox.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

This brings us to the gearbox and clutch – the gearbox is sweet-shifting with perfect throws and the clutch, although slightly spongy, is quite light. Even ergonomically, the City feels much better with your elbow resting perfectly on the armrest and the gear lever right in your palm. The visibility behind the wheel is good and seating is also comfortable so spending long hours behind the wheel shouldn’t be a problem.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

Now, as they say, there’s no replacement for displacement, and that stands true for the low-speed drivability of the Honda City. In stop-and-go traffic, it gains momentum effortlessly and speeds up quite cleanly. And as you up the pace, you can even skip a gear, and the engine would settle in without sounding stressed. The Honda City’s cruising ability is commendable on the highways too.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

From a standstill to around 100kmph, the City petrol manual accelerates faster compared to Virtus. As seen with the acceleration time, it took 4.78 seconds to accelerate to 60kmph from a standstill. Meanwhile, the Virtus bogs down when launched aggressively. There’s a little bit of wheel slippage before the revs drop and then it takes off again. Thus, it’s slower to 60kmph and 100kmph from a standstill, resulting in a 0-60kmph time of 5.35 seconds.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

But it’s a different story when it comes to roll-on acceleration. In our 20-80kmph test in third gear, the Virtus is exactly 2 seconds quicker than the City. The difference is larger still as the speed increases, which is evident from our 40-100kmph test in fourth gear. The Virtus is 5 seconds quicker than the City and that’s entirely because of the stronger midrange it has when it’s on boost. However, the City’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine doesn’t have the strong surge in pull in the midrange that you get in the turbocharged Virtus.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

At the end of the fuel run, the real-world fuel efficiency of the Volkswagen Virtus petrol manual came to 15.39kmpl in the city and 19.52kmpl on the highway. Equate it and you get an overall fuel efficiency of 16.35kmpl. With a tank capacity of 45 litres, you could practically go more than 730 kilometres in a tankful.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

On the other hand, the Honda City returned a fuel efficiency of 14.1kmpl in the city and 18.24kmpl out on the highway. That comes down to overall real-world fuel efficiency of 15.17kmpl. The City has a tank size of 40 litres, so the real-world range should be a little over 600 kilometres.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

We admit both these sedans have completely different definitions for their engines. One is a Japanese high-revving, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder. The other is a small, three-cylinder, turbocharged German that’s born out of engine downsizing.

honda city vs volkswagen virtus: mileage and performance compared

But after driving these cars back to back, we have come to realise that both have their own merits and limitations. The City’s engine is very refined at everyday speeds and offers a linear surge in performance for the most part. The Virtus 1.0-litre, on the other hand, punches hard owing to its turbo power and has the ability to turn everyday commutes into something slightly more exciting.

Pictures by Kapil Angane and Kaustubh Gandhi

Keyword: Honda City Vs Volkswagen Virtus: Mileage and Performance Compared

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Volkswagen Boss Admits The Company Is No Longer Competitive, Job Cuts Planned

Part of the massive $10.9 billion savings program will include partial and early retirements.

View more: Volkswagen Boss Admits The Company Is No Longer Competitive, Job Cuts Planned

Hybrid implementation could lure third OEM to IndyCar – Miles

Honda is one of two engine manufacturers for IndyCar. Photo: Kevin Dejewski Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., has stated his belief that a successful implementation of IndyCar’s hybrid system could help to lure additional engine manufacturers into the series. The new hybrid components are set ...

View more: Hybrid implementation could lure third OEM to IndyCar – Miles

2024 Volkswagen ID.4 EPA Range Increases To 293 Miles

That's thanks to the new, more efficient drive unit, which in Europe is held back by a production bottleneck.

View more: 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 EPA Range Increases To 293 Miles

Volkswagen is ‘no longer competitive,’ job cuts intensify to keep up with Tesla

Volkswagen is struggling to keep up as buyers shift to EVs. CEO of VW brand cars, Thomas Shafer, warned, “We are no longer competitive,” after announcing additional job cuts Monday. VW plans job cuts to keep pace with EV leaders Europe’s largest automaker aims to cut costs and improve ...

View more: Volkswagen is ‘no longer competitive,’ job cuts intensify to keep up with Tesla

Volkswagen Is Developing Affordable EVs, But Only For China

24 May 2023, Saxony, Zwickau: A model of the new-generation ID.3 is assembled at Volkswagen’s plant in Zwickau. Following the start of production in 2019, the vehicle has now received a facelift as part of the model mint. Image: Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance (Getty Images) After Chinese automaker BYD dethroned ...

View more: Volkswagen Is Developing Affordable EVs, But Only For China

Volkswagen trademark filing reveals new ID. Cross, hints at a new electric SUV

A new trademark filing with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) reveals that a new Volkswagen EV is likely coming soon. The filing for a Volkswagen ID. Cross suggests it could be an electric crossover or SUV. Volkswagen ID. Cross filing hints at new electric SUV Volkswagen wants to ...

View more: Volkswagen trademark filing reveals new ID. Cross, hints at a new electric SUV

Report: Volkswagen’s Scout brand taps Magna Steyr to develop its electric truck, SUV

A recent report out of Austria states that local contract manufacturer Magna Steyr has been chosen by Volkswagen’s new all-electric truck brand Scout, to develop the latter’s first wave of vehicles. The order is reportedly worth nearly $500 million – potentially Magna Steyr’s biggest development contract ever. Scout is ...

View more: Report: Volkswagen’s Scout brand taps Magna Steyr to develop its electric truck, SUV

Valencia MotoGP Test: Joan Mir to work with ex-Marc Marquez Repsol Honda crew in 2024

Following Marc Marquez’s departure from Repsol Honda, Joan Mir will ‘swap sides’ and work with the #93’s former crew, led by Santi Hernandez, for the 2024 MotoGP season. New HRC signing Luca Marini will work with Mir’s 2023 crew, headed by Giacomo Guidotti. Repsol Honda reports that “there are also staff ...

View more: Valencia MotoGP Test: Joan Mir to work with ex-Marc Marquez Repsol Honda crew in 2024

Volkswagen signals staff reductions at union meeting - Spiegel

MotoGP: Luca Marini signs two-year deal with Repsol Honda

Honda announces Marini on two-year MotoGP deal

Valencia MotoGP: Luca Marini signs... Will Valentino Rossi finally get his 500cc Honda?

Official: Luca Marini replaces Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda for MotoGP 2024

Owner's thoughts on his Elevate CVT's comfort, fuel efficiency & more

VW “very worried” about future of South African factory

Before The Honda Prelude Returns, Here's A Classic Review Of The Fourth Gen

Valencia MotoGP: Marc Marquez ‘is leaving his love, he gave a lot to Honda’

Volkswagen Confirms New Entry-Level, China-Specific EV Platform

Volkswagen to launch $20,000 EVs on a new platform in China, its most important market

Review: Test riding Honda’s Motocompacto electric scooter, aka the battery-powered suitcase

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel