So the new Honda WRV has been doing pretty well on the sales charts. In the last few months, not only has this Jazz-based crossover been able to become one of the top-5 highest selling UVs, it has also been able to outsell its own sibling, the Honda City. The City was Honda Cars India’s top-seller for a long time and it is probably for the first time that another Honda, which has the similar pricing and mechanicals, has been able to outsell the sedan. So, is the WRV really better than the City? Well, not really. Both the cars are well-sorted products that offer enough to entice an average Indian car buyer. We have decided to compare the two to help you choose between these Honda models. You can compare Honda WRV vs Honda City in our post here.
Also See- Upcoming Honda Cars in India | Honda Cars at Auto Expo 2018
Honda WRV vs Honda City – Compare Prices
| Honda WRV (estimated ex-showroom Price) | Honda City (ex-showroom Delhi Price) | |
| Petrol | Rs. 7.67 lakh to Rs. 8.89 lakh | Rs. 8.46 lakh to Rs 13.38 lakh |
| Diesel | Rs. 8.72 lakh to Rs 9.92 lakh | Rs. 10.69 lakh to Rs 13.44 lakh |
As can be seen here, the WRV is substantially cheaper than the City. Prices of the City sedan start at Rs 8.46 lakh and go all the way till Rs 13.44 lakh. In comparison, prices of the WRV start at Rs 7.67 lakh and go all the way to Rs 9.92 lakh. Both the cars here share the same Diesel engine. However, the City offers a more powerful Petrol engine and a CVT automatic option on the top-end Petrol model. While the City does offer a high brand image, the WRV offers typical SUV traits like a high ground clearance. Obviously, the WRV comes across as a slightly more practical offering. Between these two, the WRV does come across as a slightly better value for money product.
Honda WRV vs Honda City – Compare Specs
| Honda WR-V | Honda City | |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.2 L Petrol/1.5 L Diesel | 1.5-litre Petrol/ 1.5-litre Diesel |
| Power | 87 BHP/99 BHP | 117 BHP/99 BHP |
| Torque | 110 Nm/200 Nm | 150 Nm/205 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/6-speed manual | 5-Speed Manual and CVT/6-Speed Manual |
As can be seen above, both the WRV and the City get the same 1.5-litre iDTEC Diesel engine. This motor comes mated to a 6-speed Manual Transmission. In comparison, the City offers a more powerful petrol engine than the WRV. Also, while the City Petrol offers a 5-speed Manual Transmission and a CVT, there’s no automatic option for the WRV Petrol. In terms of specifications alone, the City is a clear winner. This is especially because of the more powerful Petrol engine and an automatic transmission option.
Honda WRV vs Honda City – Compare Mileage
| Honda WRV | Honda City | |
| Petrol | 17.5 KMPL | 17.4 KMPL (Manual0, 18 KMPL (Automatic) |
| Diesel | 25.5 KMPL | 25.6 KMPL |
While the official figures don’t show much difference in the mileage figures of these two models, it’s pretty much for sure that the Petrol WRV can offer higher mileage than Petrol City. As both the cars have the same Diesel engine, the mileage of the Diesel variants of both the models is almost the same. Going by the ARAI figures, it’s tough to pick out a clear winner here. However, we’re pretty sure that the WRV Petrol is more frugal than the City Petrol.
Honda WRV vs Honda City – Compare Features
| Honda WRV | Honda City | |
| Air Conditioner Type | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Windows | Yes (4) | Yes (4) |
| Central Locking | Remote Key | Remote Key |
| Start-Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System | Touchscreen | 2-DIN |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | Yes |
Both the cars are feature-laden models and offer similar levels of equipment. Highlights of the features list of both the cars include- touchscreen infotainment, remote key, start-stop button, sunroof, ABS and airbags. While the City does offer a few extra features such as auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, let’s not forget that it costs really a lot more.
Honda WRV vs Honda City – Compare Dimensions
| WRV | City | |
| Length | 3999 mm | 4440 mm |
| Width | 1734 mm | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1601 mm | 1495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2555 mm | 2600 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 188 mm | 165 mm |
The City is longer than the WRV. However, the WRV is wider and taller. While the City does offer a longer wheelbase, it’s the WRV’s cabin that feels more spacious. Another advantage that the WRV has over the City is from the higher ground clearance.
Honda WRV vs Honda City Comparison Verdict
- Price – The WRV has a clear edge here. It’s not only cheaper to buy, but also offers the same Diesel engine and almost similar levels of equipment.
- Specifications- While both the cars boast the same Diesel engine, the City gets a more powerful petrol engine. Also, the City offers a choice of a CVT automatic transmisison with the Petrol engine. The City wins in the specs department.
- Mileage- While both the cars have the same Diesel engine, the WRV’s petrol engine is smaller and less powerful. Hence, it offers a higher mileage. As per ARAI, however, the difference is marginal. We would like to feel otherwise.
- Features- Both the cars offer really a lot of features. However, the City does offer a few extra features.
- Dimensions- While the City is longer, which is expected of a C2-segment sedan, the WRV is actually taller and wider. The WRV’s cabin feels more spacious.
Verdict- Both the City and the WRV are fairly attractive models. While the City has been one of India’s most favorite mainstream sedans, the WRV is presently the most popular hatchback-crossover. Between the two, however, the WRV emerges as the winner of this comparison. This is simply because it’s considerably cheaper and yet offers most of the features and an airer cabin. It’s also more rugged and has compact dimensions.
So, what do you agree with the way we’ve decided to compare Honda WRV and Honda City? Do let us know by commenting below. Also, stay tuned for more comparisons like the Honda WRV vs Honda City post we have here.
