VW Virtus vs Honda City: TSI vs i-VTEC Put Through Their Paces

The Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City are two compact sedans that genuinely put a smile on one’s face behind the wheel. And in this edition of Zig’s performance testing report, we have lined up the Virtus’ base-petrol engine with the City’s non-hybrid i-VTEC variant. The one that manages to be quickest and sips the least amount of fuel takes the win.

Spec Check 

On paper, the Virtus’ smaller engine puts it at a displacement disadvantage against the Honda City. However, being a 3-cylinder and forced-induction engine, the VW is much torquier than the Honda. In this test, we have pitched the manual variants of both the models. 

PS: Both models can also be had with superior engines: the Virtus with the 1.5-litre TSI unit developing headline numbers of 150PS, while the Honda with an eco-friendly 126PS 1.5-litre strong-hybrid engine. 

Acceleration Test 

In the outright 0-100kmph acceleration run, where both cars were putting pedal to the metal, they posted an almost equal time, with the Virtus edging the Honda City by a smidge. However, in most real-world scenarios, the in-gear acceleration numbers matter the most. After the initial few revs, it’s the Volkswagen that develops its torque lower down in the rev range, comes into its element and posts significantly better times than the City in both the runs. 

Also Read: VW Virtus vs Polo 1-litre TSI MT Compared; Can The New Age VW Keep Up With The Old One?

So yes, the VW wins when it comes to performance, but can it compete in the ‘kitna deti hai’ section?

Fuel Efficiency Test 

Turbocharged petrol engines are known to be thirsty and that’s very evident in our fuel-efficiency test, where the Virtus sips more fuel than the City. An important reason for the VW is its smaller engine using more ponies to get it going. The Honda, with its much more responsive engine, needs less effort to keep it spinning, especially in town. 

So, the City reclaims a point and makes it a tie. 

Price And Verdict 

In the confines of this test, it’s fair to call it a tie. The VW Virtus shines when it comes to outright performance and puts a smile on your face when driving hard. However, this comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the Honda City, with its much more responsive i-VTEC petrol engine, does a great job. At the end of the day, you won’t be let down if you pick either of these sedans.