2023 Honda City v/s SKODA SLAVIA: Which is better?
What's the story
With the launch of the 2023 Honda City in India, the mid-size sedan market has now become more exciting than before. Touted as an undisputed champion of the category, the updated model has increased the appeal of the City moniker. However, unlike before, the sedan now has a serious rival in form of the SKODA SLAVIA. Which one makes more sense? Let's find out.
Context
Why does this story matter?
While the City has been a force to reckon with in the mid-size sedan segment, the reigning champion from Honda has been challenged lately by the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai VERNA, and SKODA SLAVIA for the crown. To regain its lead in the highly competitive category, the Japanese automaker has now introduced the 2023 iteration of the City.
Exteriors
2023 Honda City looks more visually appealing
The 2023 Honda City flaunts a muscular bonnet, a sloping roofline, sweptback LED headlights with eyebrow-like DRLs, a redesigned honeycomb-mesh grille, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and Z-shaped 3D wrap-around LED taillights. The Skoda SLAVIA sports a long and sculpted bonnet, chrome-surrounded butterfly grille, sharp-looking dual-pod LED headlights, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and sleek LED taillights with crystal-like elements. Both sedans have a raked windscreen.
Performance
SKODA SLAVIA packs a more powerful engine
2023 City runs on a 1.5-liter petrol-hybrid setup (125hp/253Nm) and 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated, inline-four petrol engine (119.35hp/145Nm). The mills are linked to a 5-speed manual, a CVT, and an e-CVT gearbox. SLAVIA is fueled by a 1.0-liter, turbo-petrol motor (113hp/175Nm) or a 1.5-liter, turbocharged petrol unit (148hp/250Nm). The engines are paired with a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Interiors
Both sedans feature a sunroof and ambient lighting
Both the 2023 Honda City and SKODA SLAVIA have spacious five-seater cabins. The former gets premium leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, ambient lighting, cruise control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment panel, six airbags, and ADAS functions. The latter has ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, a sunroof, ambient lighting, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment system, and six airbags.
Our verdict
Which one should you buy?
In India, the 2023 Honda City costs between Rs. 11.49 lakh and Rs. 20.39 lakh, while the SKODA SLAVIA ranges between Rs. 11.29 lakh and Rs. 18.4 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). In our opinion, the 2023 City is a better option with its understated looks, frugal hybrid powertrain option, tech-forward cabin, and safety net of multiple ADAS functions.