5 Features Honda City gets over Toyota Vios

In the ever-competitive world of B-segment sedans in Malaysia, two stalwarts have recently undergone significant updates. The Honda City, now in its fifth generation, and the Toyota Vios, in its fourth generation, have both received substantial upgrades to woo the discerning Malaysian car buyer. These updates go beyond mere cosmetic changes; they delve into the realm of practicality, comfort, and technology, where these cars aim to win the hearts of customers.

The Honda City's fifth-generation, the all-new facelifted 2023 edition saw it grow in size, emphasizing passenger comfort and space. Now, the Toyota Vios has followed suit with its fourth-generation model, boasting increased dimensions and rear air conditioning. While these modifications are significant, we're here to dig deeper. 

We'll compare these two models not by listing every detail but by highlighting what we believe really matters to potential buyers. In this head-to-head comparison, we'll take a closer look at the five variants of the new 2023 Honda City, starting at a price of RM 84,900 for the base 1.5L S variant and going up to RM111,900, for the top-spec e:HEV RS variant. We will compare them to the Toyota Vios E, priced at RM89,600, and the Vios G, priced at RM95,500. From engine power to interior features and safety innovations, we'll dissect these cars to determine which one offers more bang for your buck.

But before we delve into the specifics, let's briefly consider the power under the hood. Both the City and Vios come with 1.5-litre engines and CVT transmissions, but it's not just about the numbers on paper; real-world performance and fuel economy play their part. So, if you're in the market for a B-segment sedan and wondering which of these two Japanese contenders offers the best value for your hard-earned money, read on.

Next, we will find out the 5 key features that make the Honda City seem to be a better package than the new Toyota Vios. 

Leather steering and upholstery

The Honda City, in its V and RS variants, comes equipped with leather steering and upholstery. This touch of luxury adds a premium feel to the cabin and enhances the overall driving experience. In contrast, the Toyota Vios offers fabric seats in its E variant, which, while practical, don't quite match the City's leather-clad elegance. When it comes to utility and comfort, leather seats are a great investment. It is indeed worth the money, considering you are investing around RM 90,000, and getting fabric seats as on the new Vios E can be a little disappointing. 

Telescopic steering

Adjustability is key for comfort, and the City delivers with tilt and telescopic steering. The telescopic steering is available on both the City’s RS variants. This feature allows drivers to fine-tune their driving position for the utmost comfort. Unfortunately, the Vios E doesn't provide this luxury; it offers only tilt adjustment, which might leave some drivers longing for a more tailored fit. The Toyota Vios G variant, however, gets the telescopic steering, but being the top-spec variant, it comes at a higher price point, when compared to the City’s S, E, and V variants. 

Spacious rear cabin and more boot space

One of the standout features that give the Honda City an edge over the Toyota Vios is its exceptionally spacious rear cabin. The City has a long-standing reputation for providing an impressively roomy back seat, making it a top choice for families and those who value passenger comfort.

In the Honda City, rear passengers are treated to abundant legroom and generous headroom. This means even taller individuals can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The rear bench is well-contoured and offers excellent under-thigh support, ensuring a fatigue-free journey on long drives. Whether it's a daily commute or a weekend road trip, the City's rear cabin provides a premium and relaxing experience.

On the other hand, the Toyota Vios, while not lacking in rear seat comfort, doesn't quite match the City's expansive rear cabin dimensions. Taller passengers may find the Vios's rear seats a bit snug in comparison. So, if you prioritize rear passenger comfort and spaciousness, the Honda City's capacious rear cabin sets it apart from the Toyota Vios, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently travel with family or friends. 

Not just that, the City also offers 519 litres of boot capacity as compared to the 475 litres of the Toyota Vios. Along with that, the City’s rear seats can be folded down to increase the boot space even more, making it a very practical feature. 

Remote engine start

The Honda City surprises with a remote start feature, allowing you to start the car from a distance. While this feature might seem like a luxury, it can be incredibly useful in hot and humid Malaysian weather. The Vios, on the other hand, lacks this feature.

More powerful engine

The Honda City variants are powered by a 1.5L engine, the same as both variants of the Toyota Vios. As a matter of fact, the engines of both cars are also paired with a 7-speed CVT. However, when it comes to power figures and performance, the City takes the lead with its engine making 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. The Toyota Vios, on the other hand, makes 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque. While the difference in torque figures is minimal, only as much as 7 PS, the power of the 2023 Honda City is 15 PS more than the figure produced by the Toyota Vios.

The e:HEV RS variant of the new Honda City gets a hybrid powertrain which makes a combined power output of 207 PS and 380 Nm of torque. This offers buyers a performance-centric sedan without compromising on fuel economy.

Conclusion

These are the five standout features that give the Honda City an edge over the Toyota Vios. While the Vios has its merits, including a wireless Qi charger and a slightly larger infotainment screen, the City offers a more well-rounded package with its leather-clad interior, adjustable steering, and thoughtful tech features. It's the little things that add up to make a difference in your daily driving experience. It also offers slightly better performance with higher torque and power figures, which might make it a more favourable choice for buyers who do not want to compromise on performance. 

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