Just like how Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle in Formula 1, many regard the Honda City and the Toyota Vios as arch rivals in the subcompact sedan class.
Locally, the Honda and the Toyota were among the first small sedans that made a significant sales impact. The first City came out way back in 1996, the Vios in 2003.
Since their introduction, the two cars have been both pitched as fuel-sipping, easy-to-drive rides. Today, the City and Vios offer more than those traits.
All four varieties of the City are powered by a Euro 4-compliant 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, which makes 119hp and 145Nm of torque. The base City 1.5 S MT gets a six-speed manual, while the rest of the range uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Seven out of the 10 Vios variants are powered by a 1.3-liter mill, which can deliver 98hp and 123Nm of torque. Starting from the Vios G, a 1.5-liter engine is found under their hood with its 106hp and 140Nm of torque.
The Vios engines can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.
The City goes from P848,000 to P1.058. A push button start system appears across all variants, while smart key entry system is exclusive for 1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT varieties. The 1.5 S CVT and MT get keyless entry only.
In terms of in-car tech, the manual S features a 2DIN audio system with Bluetooth and USB, while the rest of the lineup comes with an eight-inch touchscreen audio systems with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink. They, too, also support Bluetooth and USB.
As for the Vios, it has wider price range of P681,000 to P1,020,000.
Entry-level cars cars get a 2DIN audio with CD/MP3 with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. Higher trims get a 6.75-inch display audio with AM/FM, AUX, Bluetooth, USB, voice command, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), and emergency stop signal (ESS) come standard for all City models. Child safety locks and Isofix child seat anchors are standard, too.
Select trims of the Vios have three or seven airbags, which go with other safety features across the range: anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution with brake assist, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist control.
As Honda isn't pitching the City for fleet sales, some would appreciate the car's exclusivity. The City's (as well as Honda's) blue-chip image is reflected in its higher price.
With a wide price range and variants that suit both fleets and the tech-savvy, the Vios is the better bet. It would also appease budget-conscious buyers.
Photos from Honda, Toyota
Also read:
Sedans and the City: The Honda City vs. other subcompact sedan options
Toyota PH unveils refreshed version of Vios
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2025. All Rights Reserved.
