Compare Volkswagen Vento and Honda City

Honda City have been habitual of ruling its segment as far as the Indian automobile market is concerned. Having launched in 1998, the car eventually grabbed the "Car of the year" award and became the conqueror of its C segment of cars. Recently announced launch of Volkswagen Vento has placed huge bets in the Indian automobile Industry on the future leader of the segment. Volkswagen is looking forward to Vento after its recent successful launch of Volkswagen Polo, a premium hatchback. Lets have a detailed comparison of the two on varied fronts.

Compare Engine Capacity, Power and Performance

Presently Honda City comes in three variants, out of which Honda City 1.5 E MT and 1.5 S MT are equipped with 1.5L, 1497cc, i-VTEC petrol engine producing 118PS power @ 6600rpm and 14.9Kg-m torque @ 4600rpm. The third variant Honda City 1.5 S AT also sports the same engine delivering same power, the only difference being that this variant has an automatic transmission gearbox. A major part of City's popularity comes from good performance and positive mouth-publicity. This is mainly due to the powerful i-VTEC engine delivering better efficiency and good fuel economy.

Volkswagen Vento is expected to be available in both Petrol and Diesel fuel options. The engines would produce 105bhp of power. The torque produced by the Diesel engine would be 25.5Nm while the petrol motor would produce 15.8Nm of Torque, hence leading to a wide difference in driving capabilities. The engine is expected to be based on the same platform as Polo. Volkswagen Vento would have advanced 4 valve head and double overhead camshafts. The company is however focusing on a lighter weigh vehicle, that is Vento won't be heavier than 100kg when compared to Polo.

Compare Features of Volkswagen Vento and Honda City

The new Honda City has eye-catching and breath taking looks. The car is known for its powerful air-conditioning system and an advanced integrated audio system that facilitates passengers to integrate with any of the advanced equipments like iPod, MP3 player, USB Memory and Mobile phone with MP3 player. Apart from an excellent engine performance and stunning looks, the car has integrated a number of safety features like the engine's hood hinges, front fenders, front grille and front windshield support structure are especially designed to absorb energy easily and bend out of the way whenever possible for better pedestrian collision safety. Other safety features in Honda City includes ABS (Antilock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

Volkswagen all set to give staunch competition to City is expected to be launched with abundant and attractive features like high quality, torsionally rigid bodyshell, advanced chassis design and standard features such as five three-point seat belts, front and side airbags, and ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure distribution (EBD). The engineers at Volkswagen have hinted that Vento would ensure the best-in-class comfort both in terms of driving and seating. Although not specified but the boot space is expected to be in the region of 500 litres.

Having had the basic features and performance measures compared, it is evident that its going to be a tough fight for both; the existing leader and the soon to be conqueror. Honda City has always had the advantage of a great mass reputation in India. Volkswagen, on the other hand would offer the upper-hand of a Diesel fuel option that is going to reduce the monthly expenses of buyers. It would be indeed a delight for the Indian customers to have the best of both worlds.