So how do both cars stack up against each other? Which is the better buy?
To answer that, we compare the high or top-grade variants of the City and Vios.
Vios GX grade has smoked halogen projector headlights, dark chrome grille, and bumper spoilers, side skirts.
The top-grade City V is priced at RM92,000 on-the-road while the Vios G is priced at RM89,800.
In terms of price, there is only a RM2,200 difference with the Vios G being the lower priced option.
Both 1.5-litre cars have a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Vios GX grade.
As for performance, the City has more power with its 120ps/145Nm single overhead camshaft (SOHC) i-VTEC engine compared with the Vios' 107ps/140Nm double overhead camshaft (DOHC) dual VVT-i engine.
Still, the City's maximum power output is achieved at higher engine speeds.
Also, it is worth noting that the Vios' all-aluminium engine uses iridium spark plugs which would help to provide a smoother drive and good fuel economy.
Both cars use a CVT (continuously variable transmission).
The City V has bigger 185/55 R16 tyres compared with the 185/60 R15 rubber on the Vios.
Bigger 16-inch rims on the City V.
As for fuel economy, Honda claims 5.7 litres per 100km for the City while Toyota did not provide fuel consumption figures for the Vios.
In tight spaces or when making U-turns, the Vios would be better with its 5.1-metre minimum turning radius compared with the City's 5.6 metres.
Meanwhile, in terms of interior space, the City should have the advantage here with its slightly longer wheelbase of 2,600mm (Vios has a 2,550mm wheelbase) and its “D-segment space in a B-segment size” cabin design.
Both cars have deep boot space, but the City wins with a 536-litre boot (compared with the 506-litre boot in the Vios).
Vios has 506-litre boot.
City has best-in-class 536-litre boot.
As for stopping power, the Vios has all-round disc brakes while the City has front disc brakes and rear drums.
In terms of safety kit, the City V is clearly the winner with its 6 airbags, and extra features like Hill Start Assist (HSA).
The City has a Asean NCAP maximum 5-star rating for adult occupant protection, and 4-star rating for child occupant protection.
The 2016 improved Vios has not been tested by Asean NCAP.
The City V also gets more premium road illumination with light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, fog and tail lights while the Vios G has projector halogen headlights.
City V gets premium LED head, fog and tail lights.
The City's steering wheel is tilt and telescopic for the driver to better adjust the driving position, while the Vios' steering wheel is only tilt adjustable.
The City V also wins with extra comfort features like touch-panel automatic air-conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents and 8 cup holders.
City V has tilt and telescopic steering, and automatic air-conditioning.
Both cars have a 6.8-inch touchscreen and reverse cameras, a USB port, and Bluetooth but their in-car infotainment systems are slightly different.
The Vios G offers a 2-DIN head unit with DVD playback and voice recognition, while the City V has a HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port for smartphones, and 3 accessory ports.
Vios G offers DVD playback and voice recognition.
The City V also has a 8-speaker audio system compared with 6 speakers on the Vios.
Still, do note that the Vios G comes with Toyota Premium Security and Solar film, which includes a security layer to delay grass breakage - this is an important buying consideration as high quality window tint film doesn't come cheap.
In summary, the City V is a couple of notches ahead in terms of safety and comfort kit, and storage spaces although the Vios G is the cheaper option, and is also very well-equipped.
City V has rear air-conditioning vents.
READ MORE:
2016 Toyota Vios comes standard with Dual VVT-i engine & VSC
Honda City facelift launched, more kit same price, from RM78,300
