Honda City vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Performance Showdown: Comparing Their Variants in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range
Driving is a thrilling experience in the best performance cars, or top sports cars. But what goes into making a high-performance car model? We compare the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, 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
- Honda City vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – 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 driving enthusiast prioritizes fast cars that deliver an exhilarating driving experience characterized by powerful acceleration, precise handling, and a sporty feel. Key attributes include a responsive and potent engine, agile steering and suspension, advanced transmission, and performance-enhancing features like traction control.
The enthusiast also appreciates premium touches that enhance the driving experience, like a high-end audio system, sporty interior styling, and advanced tech features.
Why Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are Popular
The Honda City has long been a favorite among performance enthusiasts for its refined yet engaging driving dynamics. The latest generation ups the ante with a punchy 1.5L engine, sharp handling, and a feature-rich interior. Notably, the City’s CVT is one of the most responsive and enjoyable automatics in its class.
The Grand Vitara marks Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the competitive compact SUV segment. It aims to lure enthusiasts with its youthful styling, peppy engine options, and the availability of an all-wheel-drive variant for those seeking adventure. The Grand Vitara’s well-tuned suspension strikes a nice balance between handling and comfort. While not outright sporty, it offers an enjoyable driving experience in a practical package.
Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Variants Shortlist in Rs 15-18 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 10 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Alpha DT | ₹15,57,000 |
| Alpha AWD | ₹16,91,000 |
| Alpha AWD DT | ₹17,07,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 10 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| ZX CVT | ₹16,19,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara variants
The Grand Vitara Alpha DT offers the SUV’s most powerful 1.5L engine with a refined 5-speed manual transmission at an attractive price point. Upgrading to the Alpha AWD nets you all-wheel-drive capability for improved traction and some mild off-road ability. The range-topping Alpha AWD DT combines the punchiest powertrain with all-wheel-drive and additional premium features. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Toyota Rumion.
Honda City ZX CVT
On the Honda City side, we’ve selected the ZX CVT trim. Its 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivers strong performance and mates well with the responsive CVT. The ZX trim also loads up on enthusiast-friendly features like a sunroof, LED headlights, and advanced driver assists to elevate the driving experience. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the City with Citroen C3 Aircross.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Honda City ZX CVT as the ultimate choice for the performance enthusiast. Its refined yet potent 1.5L engine, paired with the segment-best CVT, offers a delightful balance of peppy acceleration and smooth delivery. The City’s taut suspension and sharp steering provide confident handling without compromising ride quality.
While down on outright power compared to the Grand Vitara, the City counters with segment-leading refinement, a more upscale interior, and superior driving dynamics overall. It’s the ideal all-around package for the enthusiast who prioritizes an engaging driving experience along with premium features and everyday comfort. The advanced driver assists and comprehensive safety kit are added bonuses.
The Top 3 Choices
- Honda City ZX CVT
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha DT
| Attribute | City ZX CVT | GV Alpha AWD DT | GV Alpha DT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L NA | 1.5L NA | 1.5L NA |
| Power | 121 PS | 103 PS | 103 PS |
| Transmission | CVT | 5-MT | 5-MT |
| Drive | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Handling | Agile | Moderate | Moderate |
| Ride | Supple | Balanced | Balanced |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The City ZX CVT takes the top spot by virtue of its most powerful engine, advanced transmission, and superior ride and handling balance – all key criteria for the enthusiast. Its extensive feature list and premium interior ambiance further justify its position.
- The Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT secures second place as the only choice offering all-wheel-drive, a boon for enthusiasts who enjoy the occasional mild off-road excursion. It also boasts the most comprehensive safety kit. However, it trades some outright performance for its off-road and safety focus.
- Rounding out third is the Grand Vitara Alpha DT. While forgoing the AWD hardware of its sibling, it offers the same punchy powertrain and well-balanced dynamics at a more affordable price point, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
All three of these variants offer compelling blends of performance, features, and overall driving experience that will appeal to the enthusiast. The final choice depends on your preferences around outright performance, drivetrain layout, ride quality, and value proposition. But each of these talented contenders deserves close consideration and a thorough test drive.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.