Here are 4 sedans that present a strong case against the well-established City sedan, each with its own set of pros and cons:

1. Hyundai Verna (Rs. 11.07 Lakh – Rs. 17.55 Lakh)

Launched in 2023, the 4th-gen Verna is a feature-packed sedan that offers multiple powertrain options. In fact, it is the only sedan in its segment that still offers a diesel engine. Apart from offering ample space for passengers, the 2025 Verna also offers several safety features including 6 airbags and ADAS, giving it a 5-star Global NCAP crash rating. 

Key features of the 2025 Verna include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, Bose sound system and a sunroof.

Pros Over Honda City:

• More Powerful Engine Options: The turbo-petrol engine offers significantly quicker acceleration, making it the fastest in the segment.
• Feature-Loaded: Boasts a more extensive list of modern features, including a larger touchscreen, digital cluster, and comprehensive ADAS.
• Bold and Modern Design: The new-generation Verna has a striking and futuristic design that stands out.

Cons Over Honda City:

• Ride Comfort: Some might find the Verna’s ride slightly firmer compared to the City’s plush setup.
• Long-Term Reliability Perception: While improving, Hyundai’s long-term reliability perception might still trail Honda’s for some buyers.

2. Volkswagen Virtus (Rs. 11.56 lakh – Rs. 19.40 lakh)

Volkswagen replaced the ageing Vento sedan with the Virtus in 2022. Featuring a sleek European design and powerful turbo petrol engine options, the Virtus quickly made a name for itself among Volkswagen enthusiasts. 

Like the Verna, the 2025 Virtus offers a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, sunroof, ventilated front seats, and more. However, it does not offer 6 airbags as standard and neither does it offer ADAS. Despite these missing features, the Virtus secured a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP for both adult and child occupant protection.

Pros Over Honda City:

• Enthusiast-Focused Driving Dynamics: Offers superior handling and a more engaging driving experience, especially with the turbo-petrol engines.
• Stronger Performance Feel: The turbo-petrol engines provide a more immediate and punchy power delivery.
• Excellent Safety: Holds a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, emphasising its robust build.

Cons Over Honda City:

• ADAS Missing: Lacks ADAS features offered in the City.
• Interior Design: Some might find the interior design less airy and premium-feeling compared to the City.

3. Skoda Slavia (Rs. 10.34 Lakh – Rs. 18.24 Lakh)

The Skoda Slavia shares its platform and powertrain options with the VW Virtus and they share a similar feature list as well. To my eyes, the Slavia offers a more mature design than the sporty-looking Virtus. So if you are looking for a good looking car but do not necessarily want to stand out too much on the road, the Slavia is a great choice.

Key features of the Slavia include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument cluster, sunroof and ventilated front seats. Unlike the Virtus, however, Skoda offer the Slavia with 6 airbags as standard across the range, and it too scored a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.

Pros Over Honda City:

• Enthusiast Appeal: Offers a comparable engaging driving experience and potent turbo-petrol engines like the Virtus.
• Strong Safety Credentials: Boasts a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
• Different Styling: Offers a distinct Skoda design language for those who prefer it over the Volkswagen.

Cons Over Honda City:

• Feature Parity with Virtus: Doesn’t offer any significant feature advantage over the City and also misses out on ADAS.
• After-Sales Service Perception: Skoda’s after-sales service perception might be a concern for some buyers compared to Honda’s established network.

4. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (Rs. 9.42 Lakh – Rs. 12.31 Lakh)

The oldest and most affordable sedan on the list, the Maruti Ciaz is a great option if you are on a tight budget. However, take note that there are rumours of Maruti discontinuing the Ciaz sometime in 2025 due to falling sales. Nonetheless, the Ciaz is known for its reliability and Maruti Suzuki’s service network is unparalleled.

Key features of the 2025 Ciaz include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, comfortable rear seating and spacious cabin. Unlike its rivals, the Ciaz does not offer good-to-have features such as a sunroof and ventilated front seats. 

Pros Over Honda City:

• Significantly More Affordable: Offers a much lower starting price, making it a budget-friendly option in the segment.
• Exceptional Rear Seat Comfort: Known for its spacious and comfortable rear bench, making it ideal for chauffeur-driven buyers.
• Reliable And Fuel-Efficient Engine: The 1.5L petrol engine is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.

Cons Over Honda City:

• Outdated Feature List: Lacks many modern features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, digital instrument cluster, and ADAS.
• Less Powerful Engine: The normal petrol engine offers noticeably less punch compared to the City and its rivals.
• Lower Safety Rating: Doesn’t have a comparable safety rating to its competitors.
• Archaic Automatic Transmission: The Maruti Ciaz automatic continues to use an ageing 4-speed torque converter automatic while rivals have moved on to more sophisticated CVTs and DCTs. 

While the Honda City remains a strong contender with its blend of reliability, comfort and safety, these 4 alternatives each present unique strengths. The Hyundai Verna appeals with its powerful engines and extensive features, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia cater to driving enthusiasts with their performance and safety, and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz offers exceptional value and rear-seat comfort at a more accessible price point. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on individual priorities and what buyers value most in a sedan.

Here’s a quick comparison of the powertrain specifications of the 2025 City and its rivals:

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