For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus, in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Honda City vs Volkswagen Virtus – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
So, how do these mid-size sedans fare in terms of driver/passenger/child safety? What about their structural integrity or performance in crash tests? Read on.
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What a Safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space
Safety-conscious buyers prioritize features that protect both passengers and the vehicle. They value active and passive safety measures such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a higher number of airbags in the best cars with safety features.
Crash warning systems, daytime and nighttime Inside Rearview Mirrors (IRVM), and a high Global NCAP rating are vital. Additionally, rear parking sensors and good high-speed stability, which can prevent potential collisions, are highly sought after.
Why Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus are Popular
Both Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus have earned their reputation by focusing on safety. Honda City has been lauded for providing robust safety features combined with a refined driving experience. Features like multiple airbags, ABS, and ESC have been standard in its high-end variants.
The new Volkswagen Virtus, on the other hand, brings European safety standards to the table. Known for its sturdy build quality, the Virtus boasts a commendable GNCAP rating. Its safety suite, as reviewed by automobile experts, has features that not only meet but sometimes exceed the segment standards.
Together, both these cars present a compelling choice for the safety-conscious buyer.
Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-15 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| V CVT | ₹ 13,62,000 |
| ZX | ₹ 14,72,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹ 14,74,000 |
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| Highline | ₹ 13,38,000 |
| Highline AT | ₹ 14,68,000 |
| Topline | ₹ 14,90,000 |
Honda City V CVT
With 4 airbags, ABS, ESC, and a commendable GNCAP rating of 4, this variant covers all basic safety aspects. Day/Night IRVM, crash warning, and rear parking camera further strengthen its safety suite.
Honda City ZX
This variant comes with an enhanced safety offering with 6 airbags. Coupled with features like LED headlights and rear parking sensors, it goes a step further in safety provisions. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the City with Hyundai Creta.
Honda City VX CVT
Matching the ZX variant in terms of airbags and safety features, the VX CVT also offers a smooth CVT transmission, adding to the driving safety.
Volkswagen Virtus Highline
Despite having only 2 airbags, its 5-star GNCAP rating indicates superior structural safety. ABS, ESC, and LED headlights are notable features. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read how the Virtus compares with Hyundai Verna.
Volkswagen Virtus Highline AT
This automatic variant mirrors the Highline in safety features while offering a hassle-free driving experience.
Volkswagen Virtus Topline
Top of the line in safety with 6 airbags and similar safety attributes as other Virtus models but with an edge in structural and passive safety. We have also compared the Virtus with Skoda Slavia for their safety attributes.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus for Safety-conscious buyers
The Volkswagen Virtus Topline emerges as the top pick. Despite both brands offering stellar safety features, the Virtus Topline slightly edges out with its combination of 6 airbags, a 5-star GNCAP rating, ABS, ESC, and LED headlights.
Its superior build quality, known for European standards, combined with active and passive safety measures, make it the most holistic choice for safety-conscious buyers.
The Top 3 choices
- Volkswagen Virtus Topline
- Honda City ZX
- Honda City VX CVT
| Attributes | Volkswagen Virtus Topline | Honda City ZX | Honda City VX CVT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Crash warning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Day/night IRVM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Volkswagen Virtus Topline is an embodiment of comprehensive safety.
- Honda City ZX and VX CVT, though trailing slightly due to the GNCAP rating, are no slackers in the safety department with their range of features and Honda’s legacy of trust.
For any safety-conscious buyer, these three options promise not just peace of mind but also a testament to how modern vehicles prioritize safety without compromising on luxury.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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