Which one is the better option in todays used car segment
The Honda City and Toyota Vios sedans are two of the most popular compact cars in the Malaysian and also ASEAN markets, with both brands being known for their reliability and reasonable running costs.
Meanwhile, over the years, these two sedans have become fierce rivals in the Malaysian market and a third possibility has always been the Nissan Almera. However, most buyers will often compare the City against the Vios to decide which is the better choice to own. This is also carried over in our used car market.
So, right now the 3rd generation models of the Honda City and Toyota Vios are close rivals in the Malaysian used car classifieds. Both models were launched around the same time (actually a year apart), with the Honda City being released in 2008 and priced from RM84,980 and the Toyota Vios in 2007 with a price from RM78,700. Both cars were designed to appeal to the middle-class car buyer in Malaysia, with features that would meet the needs of the average driver.
The Honda City has a sleek and modern design, with a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to five people. It is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that delivers an impressive performance of 118 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. The car also comes with a host of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and keyless entry.
Meanwhile, this Toyota Vios has a more pratical design with a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate five people also. The car is powered by a 1.5-litre VVT-i engine that produces 109 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The Toyota Vios cabin has automatic climate control, also a touchscreen infotainment system and also keyless entry. Both cars are very similar in equipment listing.
When it comes to safety, both the City and Vios have similar features. Both are equipped with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and airbags. However, the Honda City has an advantage over the Toyota Vios when it comes to safety features as it comes with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
In terms of fuel economy, the Honda City has an edge over the Toyota Vios. The Honda City has a fuel efficiency rating of 17.4 km/L while the Toyota Vios has a fuel efficiency rating of 14.4 km/L. This makes the Honda City a slightly better option for buyers who are counting their cents.
Interestingly, when it comes to resale value, both the Honda City and Toyota Vios are known for holding their value well.
However, the Honda City has an edge over the Toyota Vios if you browse online. The Honda City has a slightly higher resale value compared to the Toyota Vios, making it a more desirable for drivers who plan to sell their cars in the future.
In conclusion, both the Honda City and Toyota Vios are excellent cars that offer reliable performance and a host of features that make them ideal choices for drivers in Malaysia.
While the Toyota Vios has its obvious high reliability advantages due to its tried and tested powertrain and electronics, the Honda City is the better option when it comes to safety, fuel economy, and resale value right now.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the individual preferences and needs of the driver.
