Honda Malaysia has been teasing us with the images of the all-new 2020 City for a while now. Though there is no confirmed date of the sedan’s arrival, we are pretty sure that it’ll happen soon, in a month or two. However, today we are discussing whether a prospective buyer should wait for the new City or instead go for Toyota’s capable worrier, the Vios.

Buying a car is a tough job, as it involves a lot of money, and the vehicle will serve as a companion for years to come. Now the decision becomes all the more difficult when one has to choose between two amazing machines: the all-new 2020 Honda City and the Toyota Vios. Therefore, the only way to conclude is by comparing the two sedans on different parameters like design, cabin space, features, performance, and safety.

However, before going forward, there is a disclaimer that Honda Malaysia has kept the specs of the 2020 City undercover. And for this story, we have taken clues from our neighbours where Honda launched the 5th-gen City a while back, like Indonesia and India. So, let’s get started.

Also Read: 2020 Honda City unveiled in India ahead of July launch

Dimensions

Specifications	Toyota Vios	2020 Honda City
Length	4,425 mm	4,549 mm
Width	1,730 mm	1,748 mm
Height	1,475 mm	1,489 mm
Wheelbase	2,550 mm	2,600
Trunk Space	506 litre	506 litres
Turning Radius	5.1-5.7 m (depending on the trim)	5.3 m

It is clear from the table mentioned above that the all-new 2020 Honda City outrides the Vios on every dimension front. Meaning the new City is longer, taller, and wider than the Vios, which easily translates into a spacious cabin, better head- and leg-room. As for as the boot space is concerned, both the sedans showcase the boot space.

Engine

Specifications	Toyota Vios	2020 Honda City
Type	4-CYL, DOHC, Dual VVT-i	Water Cooled 4-CYL i-VTEC with VTC	Water Cooled 4-CYL i-DTEC DOHC
Displacement	1,496 cc	1,498 cc	1,498 cc
Power	107 PS at 6,000 rpm	121 PS at 6,600 rpm	100 PS at 3,600
Torque	140 Nm at 4,200 rpm	145 Nm at 4,300 rpm	200 Nm at 1,750
Transmission	CVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic Mode	Manual: 6 Forward & 1 Reverse CVT	Manual:  6 Forward & 1 Reverse

A 1.5-litre mill powers both Toyota Vios and 2020 Honda City. While the latter is available in both petrol and diesel options, the Vios is offered only in petrol engine option. But we are not sure about the Malaysian-spec City model. However, we’ll appreciate it if we get the same engine specifications as the Indian-spec model, details of which are mentioned above. Comparing the petrol options of the Vios and 2020 City, the latter makes more power and torque, 14 PS and 5 Nm, respectively.

The Toyota Vios is available with only one transmission option - CVT, while Honda offers the 2020 City in both automatic and manual transmission.

Design

It is for the fact that design choice is subjective, as each individual has a personal taste. Both Toyota Vios and 2020 Honda City showcase a distinct flavour. While Toyota Vios displays an edgier look, the new City impresses us with its subtle stance. Now, let us see the exterior features the two cars offer -

Toyota Vios	Features	2020 Honda City
Multi Reflector Halogen	Headlamps	Full LED with 9 LED Array
Present	Daytime Running Lights	Integrated LED DRLs
LED	Taillamps	Z-shaped 3D LED Units with Uniform Edge Light
Shark Fin	Antenna	Shark Fin
16-inch Alloy	Wheels	Diamond-cut 16-inch Multi-spoke Alloy Wheels
Outside Wing Mirror	Turn Indicators	LED Unit integrated on Door Mirror

Interior

Both Honda and Toyota offer their respective sedans with modern design and best-in-class quality and comfort to enhance driving pleasure. Let’s now compare the two cars cabin features they have on offer -

Toyota Vios	Features	2020 Honda City
With	Smart Entry & Start System	Honda Smart Key System with Keyless Remote
Perforated Combination Leather	Seat Material	Exclusive Leather Upholstery with Contemporary Seat Design
With (TFT)	Multi-information Display	17.7 CMM HD Full Colour TFT Meter
Multi-functional 3-spoke Leather & Tilt Adjustable	Steering Wheel	Multi-functional 3-spoke with Telescopic and Tilt Adjuster
Sport & ECO	Drive Mode
6.8-inch Touch Screen, USB Mirroring, AUX-Jack, Bluetooth, Reverse Camera, Voice Dial, HDMI, MP3	Audio System	7.9-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Smartphone Connectivity, Voice Command Support, AM/FM, MP3/WAV, i-Pod/i-Phone, Bluetooth, USB
Auto	Air-con System	Fully Automatic with MAX COOL Mode
With	Rear AC Vents	With
Front Foot, Blue colour	Cabin Illumination	Leg Room Lamp, City Logo Projector

 

If we compare the specs sheet of Toyota Vios and India-spec 5th-gen City, the latter shows a more substantial side with several high-end features. However, the Vios comes with all the necessary elements essential for driver and passenger comfort.

Safety & Security

Toyota is known to offer its cars with all the necessary safety features, irrespective of the car segment or price tag. Likewise, Honda cars are also seen carrying a potential safety kit. Before commenting on the Vios vs. City safety profile, let us first analyze the table below -

Toyota Vios	Features	2020 Honda City
7	SRS Airbags	6
With Traction Control	Vehicle Stability Control	With Traction Control & Electronic Stability
With	Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert	NA
With	Hill-start Assist Control	With
With	Anti-lock Braking System with EBD & BA	With

In India, the 5th-gen City is accompanied by a bundle of other safety options like Lane Watch Camera, Multi-Angle Rear Camera with Guidelines, Rear Parking Sensor, Agile Handling Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Automatic Headlight Control with Light Sensor, Auto-Dimming Inside Rear-View Mirror, and much more.

Price & Variants

In Malaysia, the Toyota Vios is available in three variant options - 1.5J, 1.5E and 1.5G; they fall within the price range of RM 76,101 - RM 86,132. The ongoing Honda City comes with a starting price of RM 75,295. As for the 2020 City model, and with all it is bringing to the table, we expect a healthy hike.

Conclusion

If you can, you should wait for the all-new 2020 Honda City. The sedan seems to offer a lot; however, a substantial price hike is expected. On the other hand, the Toyota Vios is undoubtedly a great car that requires no second thought.

Also Read: 2020 Honda City: What to expect?