- The recently launched 2023 Honda City facelift rivals the likes of the VW Virtus, Hyundai Verna, etc
- The 2023 Honda City gets a single petrol engine option with a manual gearbox or CVT automatic
- The VW Virtus gets 2 petrol engine options with a manual gearbox, a DCT, or a torque converter automatic option
The recently launched 2023 Honda City facelift has been priced between Rs 11.49 lakh to Rs 15.97 lakh (ex-showroom), making it more competitive against the rivals like Volkswagen Virtus which comes in the price range of Rs 11.31 lakh to Rs 18.41 lakh (ex-showroom). The VW Virtus is offered in 2 engine and 3 transmission options whereas the 2023 Honda City gets only 1 engine and 2 transmission options. Both midsize sedans provide some unique features and some USPs that we have listed below. Moreover, this comprehensive & detailed comparison will help you clear all your confusion and doubts about the new 2023 Honda City or the Volkswagen Virtus.
2023 Honda City Facelift VS VW Virtus: Dimensions
| Dimensions | 2023 Honda City | VW Virtus |
| Length | 4574 mm (SV, V, VX trims), 4583 mm (ZX trim) | 4561 mm |
| Width | 1748 mm | 1752 mm |
| Height | 1489 mm | 1507 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm | 2651 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 179 mm Unladen, 145 mm Laden |
| Boot space | 506 litres | 521 litres |
2023 Honda City Facelift VS VW Virtus: Powertrain
| Powertrain | 2023 Honda City | VW Virtus 1L | VW Virtus 1.5L |
| Engine | 1.5-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder Petrol | 1 litre TSI Petrol | 1.5 litre TSI EVO Petrol with ACT |
| Power | 121 PS | 115 PS | 150 PS |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 178 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or CVT Automatic | 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic | 7-Speed DSG/DCT Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 17.8 Km/L - MT/18.4 Km/L - CVT | 19.40 Km/L - MT/18.12 Km/L - AT | 18.67 Km/L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 litres | 45 litres | 45 litres |
2023 Honda City Facelift VS VW Virtus: Features & Safety
| Features | 2023 Honda City | VW Virtus |
| Active Safety | ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Hold | ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Hold, ESP, Traction Control, Brake Disc Wiping, Electronic Differential Lock System, Multi-Collision Brakes, Anti-Slip Regulation |
| ADAS | Yes - auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, etc. | No |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive | Regular/Manual |
| Height-adjustable front seats | Only Driver | Driver & Co-driver |
| Ventilated Seats | No | Yes - Front |
| Camera System | Reverse & Lane Watch Camera | Only Reverse |
| Instrument Cluster | 7-inch HD color TFT MID with Digital speedometer & G-meter | 8-inch Fully Digital Cockpit |
| Rear Windscreen Sunshade | Yes | No |
| Cooled Glove Box | No | Yes |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen | 10-inch VW Play Touchscreen |
| PM2.5 dust & pollen filter | Yes | No |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | Yes |
| Connected Infotainment Apps | No | Yes - Gaana, BBC News, Booking.com, Audiobooks, Sygic navigation, etc. |
| Advanced Remote Commands | Yes - Engine Start/Stop, AC On/Off, etc. | No |
| Smartwatch Integration | Yes | No |
| Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant Compatibility | Yes | No |
| Proximity Lock/Unlock | Yes | No |
| Remote Engine Start | Yes | No |
| One-touch up/down with pinch guard | All Windows | Driver Only |
| Keyless remote open/close | all 4 power windows and sunroof | - |
| Electric Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
Also Read: ADAS Tech Differences In 2023 Honda City & New-Gen Hyundai Verna
Verdict: The presence of ADAS in the 2023 Honda City is the only significant difference between the two midsize sedans. However, the 1.5 litre TSI engine of the VW Virtus is much more powerful and comes with a quick & smooth 7-speed DSG/DCT automatic. This makes it much superior to the 2023 Honda City's 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with CVT automatic. To conclude, the 1.5 litre engine-powered Virtus would be a good option for buyers who want a performance-focused sedan, whereas the 2023 Honda City is definitely a good family car.
