Clash Of Segments: Honda City vs WRV

Everyone knows the Honda City and WR-V are not natural rivals. The former is a conventional three-box sedan while the latter is essentially a jacked-up hatchback with some cosmetic enhancements to make it look rugged. What’s common is that they are both Hondas and share their diesel engine, but there’s only one petrol variant of each of these cars that’s priced so close that some buyers might want to compare the two.

And that’s what we’ve just done. But before we compare the closely priced variants, here are some of the basic differences between these two cars:

Prices:

Variants:

The Honda WR-V’s top VX variant with the petrol engine is priced at Rs 9 lakh. We’ve compared this variant with the base S variant of the petrol-powered Honda City, which is priced at Rs 8.71 lakh. While the WR-V VX is also available with a diesel engine, priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), Honda doesn’t offer the base S variant of the City with the diesel engine. As a result, the price difference between the most affordable diesel Honda City SV and the most expensive diesel WR-V VX is Rs 1 lakh.

Honda WR-V VX vs Honda City S

Features:

Being the top-spec model, the WR-V VX is clearly more feature-loaded than the City S. Where the WR-V is packed with comfort features such as automatic climate control, rear parking camera with sensors, power-foldable ORVMs and telescopic-adjustable steering wheel, the City S ticks just the basics like an audio system, manual AC, power windows, tilt-adjustable steering and electrically adjustable ORVMs. However, both cars are equally equipped when it comes to safety and get dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. The City gets ISOFIX child seat anchors as well. Features like sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, chrome door handles and alloy wheels add to the feel-good factor of the WR-V. All these are missing in the base variant of the City.

Why buy the City?

• Boot space: The City’s 510 litres of boot can any day hold more luggage than the WR-V, even with 5 people on board. So if that’s a basic requirement for you, go for the City.

• More powerful engine: The City’s 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 29PS more than the WR-V’s and is still almost as fuel efficient as the WR-V on paper. If you want a more fun-to-drive car, then opt for the City, especially the petrol. The City diesel is also an efficient highway cruiser but is better suited for those with a relaxed driving style

• Resale value: The City nameplate enjoys a good resale value in India. While the WR-V is a relatively new product and can’t be directly compared on this front, the City’s past record does give it an advantage.

• Safety: If you have kids, the City is a safer choice as it comes with ISOFIX child seat anchors that will allow you to install child seats on the rear seats.

Why buy the WR-V?

• Features: The WR-V is loaded to the gills. Features like sunroof, tilt- and telescopic-adjustable steering, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, parking camera and alloy wheels not only make it look the part but also add to the convenience.

• Size: The WR-V is smaller than the City, and if parking space is an issue at your residence or office the WR-V will be easier to move about in.

• High ground clearance: Our roads are infamous for their potholes and Honda’s sedans have traditionally not fared well against them, scraping their underbelly on many occasions. The WR-V, then, with its 188mm ground clearance, will let you own the Honda badge without worrying about low ground clearance.

Before we end this comparison, here’s a look at the specifications of both these cars

Dimensions

Engine

Petrol:

Diesel