When it comes to driving experience, what are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What is it that defines a high-performance car model? We compare Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City, and see how their variants fare in terms of their performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Volkswagen Virtus 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
A performance enthusiast prioritizes a vehicle’s ability to deliver exhilarating driving experiences. Key factors include a powerful engine with quick responsiveness and linear power delivery, a smooth and precise transmission, and agile handling with minimal body roll.
Performance enthusiasts also value a well-tuned suspension that provides excellent high-speed stability and a sporty exhaust note. Additionally, features like advanced traction control systems, performance tires, and aerodynamic enhancements contribute to a car’s overall performance appeal.
Why Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City are Popular
The Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts for their impressive engine options and dynamic driving characteristics.
The Virtus, built on the MQB A0 IN platform, offers two turbocharged TSI engine options – a 1.0-liter and a 1.5-liter – both known for their peppy performance and quick responsiveness. The 1.5-liter TSI, in particular, delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The Virtus’ agile handling, precise steering, and minimal body roll make it a joy to drive on winding roads.
The Honda City, on the other hand, has been a favorite among enthusiasts for its refined and responsive 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine. The engine’s linear power delivery and smooth operation, coupled with the City’s agile handling and well-tuned suspension, provide an engaging driving experience.
The City’s CVT transmission, although not as sporty as a manual or DCT, offers smooth and seamless gear changes, making it a great choice for city driving and highway cruising. The City’s spacious and well-appointed interior, along with its advanced features, adds to its appeal among performance enthusiasts who seek a balance between driving excitement and practicality.
Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City Variants Shortlist in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 9 April 2024 |
| Topline | ₹1,560,000 |
| Topline ES | ₹1,560,000 |
| Topline AT | ₹1,620,000 |
| GT Plus | ₹1,690,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 9 April 2024 |
| ZX CVT | ₹1,619,000 |
Volkswagen Virtus Topline and Topline ES
These variants are excellent choices for performance enthusiasts who prefer the engaging driving experience of a manual transmission. Powered by a 1.0-liter TSI engine that delivers 113.98 BHP and 178 Nm of torque, these variants offer peppy performance and quick responsiveness. The smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission allows for precise control over the engine’s power delivery. The Virtus’ agile handling, minimal body roll, and well-tuned suspension make it a delight to drive on twisty roads.
Volkswagen Virtus Topline AT
This variant caters to performance enthusiasts who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission without compromising on performance. It comes equipped with a responsive 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission that complements the 1.0-liter TSI engine’s peppy nature. The Topline AT offers a balance of smooth gear changes and quick responsiveness, making it a great choice for city driving and highway cruising. You can also read our guide to the most value for money variants of Volkswagen Virtus.
Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus
The GT Plus variant is the top pick for performance enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful 1.5-liter TSI engine that churns out an impressive 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. The engine’s quick responsiveness and linear power delivery make it a joy to drive. The GT Plus’ sporty styling elements, such as the blacked-out roof and side skirts, add to its performance-oriented appeal. If you enjoy long drives, you can read our comparison of the Virtus with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Honda City ZX CVT
The City ZX CVT variant offers a refined and smooth driving experience, courtesy of its 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine and CVT transmission. The engine delivers a healthy 119.35 BHP and 145 Nm of torque, providing ample power for city driving and highway cruising. The City’s agile handling and well-tuned suspension make it a joy to drive on winding roads, while the CVT transmission offers seamless gear changes for a comfortable driving experience. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best City variants for you.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Volkswagen Virtus and Honda City for Performance Enthusiasts
After carefully analyzing the attributes and features of the shortlisted variants, we recommend the Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus as the best option for performance enthusiasts.
The Virtus GT Plus is powered by a 1.5-liter TSI engine that delivers an impressive 147.51 BHP and 250 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful variant in this comparison. The engine’s quick responsiveness and linear power delivery ensure an exhilarating driving experience, whether in the city or on the highway. The smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission allows for precise control over the engine’s power, adding to the engaging driving experience.
The GT Plus variant’s agile handling and minimal body roll make it a delight to drive on winding roads. The well-tuned suspension strikes a perfect balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride, ensuring that the driver remains comfortable even during spirited driving. The precise steering feedback and responsive brakes further enhance the driving experience.
In addition to its performance credentials, the Virtus GT Plus boasts a host of features that appeal to enthusiasts. The sporty styling elements, such as the blacked-out roof and side skirts, add to its performance-oriented appeal. The interior features premium materials, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, creating a modern and tech-savvy cabin.
The Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus’ combination of powerful performance, engaging driving dynamics, and sporty styling make it the best choice for performance enthusiasts among the compared variants.
The Top 3 Choices
- Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus
- Volkswagen Virtus Topline
- Honda City ZX CVT
| Attribute | Virtus GT Plus | Virtus Topline | City ZX CVT |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 147.51 | 113.98 | 119.35 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 250 | 178 | 145 |
| Turbocharging | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transmission – # of gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated seats | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus takes the top spot with its powerful 1.5-liter TSI engine, engaging manual transmission, and sporty styling. The GT Plus’ combination of performance, handling, and premium features makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who prioritize driving excitement.
- The Volkswagen Virtus Topline secures the second position, offering a balance of peppy performance from its 1.0-liter TSI engine and an engaging driving experience with its manual transmission. The Topline variant’s agile handling and well-tuned suspension make it a great choice for enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving on winding roads.
- The Honda City ZX CVT ranks third on our list, primarily due to its refined and smooth driving experience. While it may not offer the same level of outright performance as the Virtus variants, the City’s responsive 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, coupled with the seamless CVT transmission, provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The City’s spacious and well-appointed interior, along with its advanced features, make it an attractive choice for enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and practicality.
The Virtus GT Plus’ powerful engine and sporty styling make it the top choice for those who prioritize driving excitement, while the Virtus Topline offers a balance of peppy performance and engaging driving dynamics. The Honda City ZX CVT appeals to enthusiasts who value refinement, comfort, and practicality alongside an enjoyable driving experience.
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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