What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda City. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Volkswagen Taigun vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder vs Honda City – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts prioritize driving dynamics, engine performance, and handling when selecting a car. They seek fast cars with responsive engines, minimal turbo lag, and linear power delivery for an engaging driving experience. Agile handling, minimal body roll, and precise steering are crucial for tackling twisty roads with confidence.
Well-tuned suspensions strike a balance between sportiness and comfort. Additionally, performance enthusiasts appreciate features like advanced transmissions, sport modes, and driver-centric cockpits that enhance the overall driving experience.
Why Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda City are Popular
The Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda City have garnered popularity among performance enthusiasts for their distinct characteristics.
The Volkswagen Taigun offers a dynamic driving experience with its TSI engines, delivering quick acceleration and minimal turbo lag. Its agile handling and precise steering make it a joy to drive on winding roads.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, with its hybrid powertrain, provides a smooth and efficient driving experience while offering ample power when needed. Its well-tuned suspension strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort.
The Honda City, known for its refined engines and responsive handling, appeals to enthusiasts who seek a blend of performance and practicality. Its engaging driving dynamics and well-designed cockpit make it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda City Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-15 Lakh Range
For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Highline | ₹1,370,000 |
For Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| S AT | ₹1,401,000 |
| G | ₹1,449,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 April 2024 |
| VX | ₹1,371,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹1,496,000 |
Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline
- Pros: Razor-sharp agility, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, quick engine responsiveness
- Cons: Lack of cruise control and 360-degree camera
If you’re buying your first car, you can check out our comparison of the Taigun with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder S AT
- Pros: Smooth and responsive automatic transmission, good visibility, hill hold assist
- Cons: Steel wheels, lack of sunroof and ventilated seats
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G
- Pros: Alloy wheels, 6 airbags, hill hold assist, cruise control
- Cons: Lack of sunroof and ventilated seats
If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Hyryder variants for you.
Honda City VX
- Pros: Agile handling, minimal body roll, linear power delivery, advanced features like lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
- Cons: Halogen headlights, lack of ventilated seats
Honda City VX CVT
- Pros: Responsive CVT transmission, agile handling, minimal body roll, advanced features like lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
- Cons: Halogen headlights, lack of ventilated seats
If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the City with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda City for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Honda City VX CVT as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. The Honda City VX CVT offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features. Its responsive 1.5-liter engine delivers linear power delivery, while the smooth CVT transmission ensures seamless acceleration. The agile handling and minimal body roll make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The well-tuned suspension strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, providing a engaging yet comfortable ride.
The Honda City VX CVT also comes packed with advanced features that enhance the driving experience. It offers adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the speed based on the vehicle ahead, making highway driving more relaxed. The lane keeping assist helps maintain the car’s position within the lane, providing an extra layer of safety. The touch screen infotainment system with voice-activated controls and smartphone connectivity keeps you connected and entertained on the go.
While the Honda City VX CVT misses out on a few features like ventilated seats and LED headlights, its overall package makes it the top choice for performance enthusiasts. Its engaging driving dynamics, responsive engine, and advanced features set it apart from the competition, making it a car that enthusiasts will enjoy driving on a daily basis.
The Top 3 Choices
- Honda City VX CVT
- Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G
| Attribute | Honda City VX CVT | Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G |
| Agility | Yes | Yes | No |
| Minimal Body Roll | Yes | Yes | No |
| Linear Power Delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Responsiveness | Yes | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Airbags | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Yes | No | No |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda City VX CVT stands out with its responsive CVT transmission, agile handling, and advanced features.
- The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Highline impresses with its razor-sharp agility and linear power delivery.
- The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder G offers a balanced package with alloy wheels, ample safety features, and cruise control.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s priorities and driving style, but these three variants provide exciting options for performance enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
