City versus Skoda Rapid-Luxury sedan power

Honda launched an evolution product of its plush City sedan, the all new City during the early periods of 2014. It comes with revolutionary Exciting H Design and iDTEC diesel engine technology. The launch of the car has created sleepless nights among other rival firms. The new City has been a best seller since launch, and has taken the competitive luxury car market by storm. It has become the prime package of luxury cars, and consumers barely remember the other lavish models in town. With that said, how does the new City fare with Skoda Rapid, let’s find out.

New Honda City

Exteriors:

The new City is a creative variant of the old one, and the styling is now more aggressive and racy. It is the new innovative ‘Exciting H Design technology that adds an additional shine layer to the car. The rear and front section of the car is modified, on the front is a signature horizontal grille covered with shiny chrome layer, the grille extends to the bumper. The arty double barrel headlights are now wider. There are neat vertical creases on the bonnet, and the side profile is great too with imaginative creases.

Interiors:

The material quality of new Honda City is plusher than its predecessor; the intense vibrancy is created by the black and beige colour theme. The most loaded car has leather upholstery and the base model has fabric trim. The steering wheel is re-structured and has buttons for cruise control, phone control and audio connectivity. The instrument cluster has three units, one on right that displays information of fuel consumption and fuel gauge, the centre button is for speedometer and left for tachometer. There is a five inch LCD touchscreen, charging points and climate control.

Engine:

The new City is sold in diesel and petrol power trains; the diesel car is equipped with an efficient 1.5 litre i-DTEC engine also used in Amaze. The engine pumps out 200Nm and 98bhp. The petrol car is a i-VTEC 1.5 litre unit that produces 145Nm and 119bhp. The diesel car is coupled to six speed manual gearbox and the petrol is matted to five speed manual CVT transmission.

Price:

The new City costs Rs 7.2 to 11 lakhs

Skoda Rapid:

Exteriors:

Skoda Rapid is a popular sedan; the new car is not significantly different from the old model. The company has launched a Black Package to give the vehicle a new look. It has radiator grille, fog lights, outer rear view mirror caps, alloy wheels, and projector headlights. A signature feature that defines the true nature of Rapid is radiator grille, its elegant side profile is characterised by body colour door handles, outer rear view mirrors and black B pillars. The rear has arty C contoured tail light cluster and triangular shaped tail gates with solid chrome treatment.

Interiors:

The insides of Rapid are elegant and vibrant caused by the unique Mocca and Ivory colour theme. The cabin space is enormous packed with glove box, air vents, new steering wheel and centre console. The steering wheel is covered in premium leather and there is a world class 2-Din audio system with rear and front speakers.

Engine:

Rapid is offered with diesel and petrol engines, the diesel car moves on 1.5 litre capacity and releases 250Nm and 103bhp. The petrol car moves on 1.6 liter engine and pumps out peak powers of 153Nm and 103bhp.

Price:

It costs Rs 7.4 to 11.2 lakhs

Conclusion:

The fashion statement of City is more appealing than Rapid, and so is the level of luxury.