Volkswagen has launched the Virtus sedan in India with prices starting at Rs 11.22 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. After what seemed like the never-ending popularity of SUVs in India, sales numbers suggest that the sedan segment is looking at a revival. And on the back of that trend, Honda too launched the new City e:HEV in India recently. So as the two sedans lock horns in the Indian market we will put them against each other to see how they fare on paper.
Dimensions
The Volkswagen Virtus is the biggest car in the executive sedan segment in India. The car is 4561mm long and 1752mm wide. The car sits 1507mm high and has a wheelbase that extends 2651mm. Even in terms of practicality, the Virtus wins over the City with 521-litres of boot space.
The City, on the other hand, falls 12mm short in terms of length. The Honda City is also not as wide as the Virtus at 1748mm. The City sits lower than the Virtus at 1489mm with a wheelbase that is shorter by 51mm at 2600mm. The Honda City also has a smaller boot with a capacity of 506 litres.
Engine and Gearbox
The Volkswagen Virtu comes with two turbo-petrol engine options, which it shares with the Skoda Slavia. The Virtus’ Dynamic Line variants get the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI unit which makes 115hp and 178Nm and will be available with either a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic gearbox. Also on offer is a larger 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TSI unit that puts out 150hp and 250Nm in its Performance Line variants. This engine comes with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation tech but is solely available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
In the segment, the Honda City e:HEV is the second most powerful car and the only hybrid one. The car some with a petrol-electric powertrain that works alongside an eCVT gearbox that delivers 126hp and 253Nm of torque. This is also the highest in this class. However, what’s even more impressive is the car’s fuel efficiency which stands out. Honda claims a fuel economy figure of 26.5kpl and 1,000km of range on a single tank of fuel. In addition to this, the City is also available with a 121hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor which can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7-step CVT automatic gearbox.
Features
In terms of features, the Volkswagen Virtus gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, and electric sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, and leather upholstery.
On the safety front, the Virtus is equipped with six airbags, multi-collision brakes, a reverse parking camera, and electronic stability control.
The Honda City e:HEV, on the other hand, comes with automatic folding door mirrors (welcome function), power-adjustable & folding door mirrors, auto engine stop/start, fully automatic climate control with MAX COOL mode, rear air conditioning vents, rear sunshade, dust & pollen cabin filter, telescopic & tilt steering adjustment for reach & height, paddle shifters deceleration selector, one-touch turn signal for lane change signalling, LED ambient light.
Price
Prices for the Virtus begin at Rs 11.22 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Comfortline with the 1.0-litre engine and manual transmission and go up to Rs 17.91 lakh (ex-showroom) for the GT Plus variant with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. Meanwhile, prices for the Honda City e:HEV starts at Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
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