2022 Skoda Slavia vs Honda City - The automatic choice | Comparison | Autocar India

The Honda City has for long had a target on its back and taking aim this time is the new Skoda Slavia. Nikhil Bhatia thinks the Slavia is the new segment benchmark but will City fanboy Saumil Shah agree?
Camerapersons: Mritunjay Chakroborty, Pradeep Bhondave
Editor: Siddhesh Kadam
0:00 - Introduction
0:51 - Engines and gearboxes
1:23 - Skoda Slavia Style features
2:25 - Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI AT performance
3:36 - Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI AT in town
4:56 - Slavia Ride and handling
6:45 - Slavia rear seat
7:55 - Slavia digital dials, dashboard
8:29 - City dashboard, visibility
9:00 - City climate control, touchscreen, dials
10:04 - Honda City CVT performance
11:35 - Honda City handling
12:20 - Fuel economy
12:30 - City seat comfort
14:05 - City ride comfort
14:35 - Build and quality
15:07 - Features and safety equipment
16:08 - Boot capacity
16:31 - Design and styling
17:00 - Price, service and warranty
18:00 - Verdict
18:46 - Behind the scenes!
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[@hruaitearalte]

"I think we need to credit Skoda for reigniting our love for sedans." - NIkhil, 2022 And boy do I felt that!

[@ameyakabra449]

But think about it. The only reason we care so much about the Slavia is because of its ground clearance. It doesn't really bring that much new to the table. The similarly priced Elantra is bigger and has an engine of the same power, and the more expensive Octavia, Superb and Camry are more powerful, more luxurious and just flat out better cars. It's pretty sad, but I think the reason people like the Slavia is because it is the most SUV-ish sedan on sale.

[@bravevdk5317]

Naaaa

[@AdityaMadduri]

I would take a slightly higher ground clearance sedan/hatchback over a fake SUV anyday, here's hoping for more of them

[@VarunSrinivas]

The thing I feel is that not many people like to pull their cars to the redline, they prefer to drive sedately, but they really appreciate a well connected steering. They like to push the car with it's handling, not the engine.

[@raunaqsapra7160]

Finally, someone said this. About time automotive journalists and wannabe automotive journalists understood that not every "enthusiast" is hell bent on going flat out in a passenger car. We like to cruise and appreciate the machine over time.

[@ameyakabra449]

Well said, friend.

[@NikhilOnCars]

Surely, you'd like some mid-range punch?

[@summerslider2487]

You are right. But can’t put a number on it. The most sales are for people who drive normally tho. Most people in this range are not enthusiasts. I like Honda for the manual transmission. But I know most I know prefer automatic for the convenience.

[@piyushkanthak1087]

I would say that this is the most FIRECE battle I have seen in the automobile industry. Both cars have their own Pros and cons Both cars are brilliant in almost all aspects Both cars are feature loaded Both cars are fun to drive Slavia has better Ground Clearance is the toughest point for City to break City has surround view cameras, better equipped lower variants Its very tough for customers to decide between these 2 sedans.

[@pavneetsingh9161]

Being owner of City myself, I can say with much confidence that its an excellent package, Slavia does tick a few boxes extra but then trails behind City in other areas. Both are great offerings with different character. The only weak point of Honda City is its ground clearance, I have countless experiences of bottom of my car scratching, speed-breakers and potholes.

[@RaviKumar007]

Same, apart from GC and AVN I will still go for City anyday. I did manage to get 17 KMPL in highways using Zx CVT. Moreover you know your car will run for atleast 20 years without major issues. Waiting for Hev Zx CVT model launching on 14th. That will break the bone of Slavia in terms of power and milage.

[@Avaneeshabhyankar]

Nikhil saying I am 5feet 11inch has become an absolutely nostalgic dialog. We have been hearing it since forever.😂

[@NikhilOnCars]

I got it wrong! I'm not 5'11..."I'm just under 6 feet tall...." 😂

[@Avaneeshabhyankar]

@@NikhilOnCars 😂

[@Avaneeshabhyankar]

@@NikhilOnCars I am a great fan of autocar. Have been reading it since I was 10

[@shinajkm6399]

Nikhil please change your height in every video.

[@shahrcasm1759]

For people with a lower budget, the base model of the City makes more sense than the base Slavia. And for people with some serious cash reserve, the Slavia 1.5 TSI is unbeatable.

[@amoghbhardwaj1]

Dude I'd buy the slavia just by its looks man... I mean skoda has just nailed it with the design... It looks stellar⚡

[@sudhi5534]

The difference in fuel economy is huge at ~20% and this IMO is not a number one can ignore. If the coming hybrid is priced right, the Honda City will remain the champ for the foreseeable future.

[@rajoosolanky780]

I would definitely buy the tried, tested & trust worthy City than Slavia. Would buy any new Cars only after 2 years of their launch. Until than let them iron out defects, faults & realign their feature lists. People who buy at the launch would feel cheated as the corrections & feature offerings changes after 1 or 2 years without any change in pricing.

[@siddhantsharma2219]

Just got my Slavia..in love with it😍😍

[@chevvakulasrikanth9260]

Petrol prices are skyrocketing. The City gives more mileage. That's it. Decision made..😅😅

[@TheDeepSinghal]

Being an VW Owner. All i have to say Buying European is like Paying Full ON-Road price as Down Payment. and Service & Repair cost as Installments. In the end,Value justified.

[@ishannair2333]

I love slavia Though city is still the legendary Sedan But slavia is a new competitor

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

city>slavia 1.0 TSI Slavia 1.5 TSI>City

[@maneshs8379]

There is a correction required. Honda hiked the price silently by 5800 INR from April 1st 2022 onwards. I think, this is the second price hike in 4 months. Now, City Zx CVT Ex-Showroom Delhi price is 15,03,800 INR.

[@Max-tb1yd]

How many watching can't afford any of these... but dreams of owning a Rolls one day LMFAOO

[@cars2wiki899]

Dreams do come true so cheer up🌟

[@asmityadav4216]

Not a rolls Royce, but I'll for sure gift a good sedan to my family.

[@vac9996]

Liked the way you delivered your presentation 🙌❤ Good job as always !!! 👍👍

[@nandanrajeev2452]

City brings in the option of a diesel. Running a turbo petrol in start stop traffic would bankrupt the common man. Kudos to Honda for keeping the diesel option available. For larger cars a diesel is still a better buy as it gives a far better FE.

[@adarshbhavsar122]

Below 2K rpm. The turbo is at off position. So won't guzzle fuel

[@bujjub2679]

My vote is for Honda City still

[@abhishekgiri1201]

City is a legend but the Skoda slavia is just more good looking and with good driveability and handling !! And it looks hot !! Wait for the VW !!

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

nope slavia has good amount of bodyroll even with better suspension and tyres while city has basic suspension and tyres still decent handling

[@kaje.4778]

OOOOOOO FINALLY AUTOCAR MADE THE COMPARISON VIDEO IVE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR

[@krishsarath]

Brain says Slavia, but heart says City

[@rtj396]

And wallet says second hand nano😁😁😁

[@ramboog2654]

Go for the 💜 heart

[@nithinjs88]

it's the opposite.

[@rohitsinghchauhan9737]

Honda City has the best back seat in its competition

[@abhinavajayshenoy8522]

that point on air conditioning was spot on...really appreciate that and I hope u will tell that point on all the reviews in the future as well...no other channels do it..👌its a very important point on deciding a car....THANK YOU AUTOCAR INDIA😍

[@karthiksv8628]

City is the best, milage, customer service, engine refinement, that vtech!!!!! And don't get me started on the "luxury feel" and driving comfort!! Amazing...

[@prabhuiyer]

Both you guys have hooked me from start to end, very good presentation 👌👏

[@homeofthegamer7421]

I was waiting for this comparison, a big on space car versus a big on space car. Ps. It's good how they've started adding behind the scenes! keep it up :D

[@nithinjs88]

Great comparison from autocar. No wonder they are the most reputed auto media house in India. Bought honda city for my parents looking for a comfortable and reliable car. Me being an enthusiast will buy slavia/virtus with 1.5 TSI and DSG.

[@boopesh3794]

A Big big appreciations to team skoda as Honda city is long term leader in its segment but now the time has changed to become a leader its slavia jem for the driving

[@gowherulislam5480]

Tough choice, but going by the choice of enthusiastic drivers slavia wins but if one like normal drive with concern on fuel economy considering the daily increase in fuel price then City is a great choice....and remember slavia has not yet proved its reliability in india

[@swarupyadav1418]

By the way all your team is perfect.. All of you guys are awesome in presentation and in knowledge of the subject too... Best wishes to everyone..

[@pranavp386]

City would be my choice. 1)Reliability = Peace of mind and VAG products are just unnecessarily complicated. 2)Would take the extra cylinder over the turbo due to refinement, fuel efficiency and lower maintenance. 3)The manual tranny on the honda is superb, the ratios are unnecessarily long but the shift quality is excellent. 4)I also expect better dealer network and decent spares availability from honda compared to skoda.

[@c.bulakh6231]

Skoda has improved on the reliability and service front so this japanese fanboyism mentality is not justified

[@charleyputh]

This review helped me decide and drive home a Honda City.

[@echoesmourn3108]

0:38 you're right, the Slavia 1.0 isn't the best sedan. The 1.5 is.

[@zagreus4866]

1.5 turbo price wise is all together a different segment

[@vishalpujar8632]

What does this video mean to me? Well, I instantly smiled and clicked when I got the recommendation Slavia vs City.

[@sachindhargalkar530]

How's city's suspension ? Bcz earlier citys doesn't have good suspension ! Pls reply !

[@aayushgupta4491]

Skoda Slavia and Honda City are just like BMW 5 series and Mercedes E-Class as competitors. The first one gives the performance, and the other is for comfort.

[@vishnukarthik801]

Finally someone acknowledges the CVT for city rides

[@ShubhamSainii]

Sedans have come and gone. CITY has stood its ground and it always will. CITY will run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari while Slavia will be parked in a Skoda workshop. That’s Honda reliability. ❤️

[@adarshbhavsar122]

Nice of you to assume that it isn't reliable lol. Have been using VW/Skoda cars from 2011. Their maintenance was higher back then. But parts costs have been significantly reduced

[@jatinbandhiwal1987]

@@adarshbhavsar122 I have two VW cars, been driving one for past 10 years not once has it been unreliable. This old, outdated idea that only Japanese car makers make reliable cars is parroted a lot in arguments. All automobile companies have come a long way in providing great value and reliability.

[@MrMiracles123]

I took test drives of both City and Slavia. Couple of times actually. My verdict was that City is a much more mature car. It feels comfortable both in ride and drive, spacious and has all the things that actually matter. Skoda while looked great could not generate the confidence while driving. It does pack the goodies but again the level headed choice made me go to City. Brought home the beauty a couple of days back :)

[@abhisheknayak5536]

Congratulations brother. You surely made the right choice

[@sreekanthkanneganti7051]

I am using Skoda Fabia Petrol from 10 years. No issues with the car and it’s design is ageless. Did test drive on Slavia 1.0 TSI automatic . Car is gem in drive and looks.

[@BipinKumar-cc1yd]

Fabulous autocar... Good job guys!!!

[@Sriram-cn9ed]

What a perfect time for this video. I was seriously confused between slavia and city right now.

[@_psych]

There is a city hybrid coming soon

[@hiteshwarmehla2267]

City Hybrid will improve on the 2 fronts that Slavia has the edge - ride and handling. So, wait for a month. Also, an amazing fuel efficiency is a welcome move. X factor will be back.

[@rajalakshmik6056]

Slavia in any parameter. Just go for it you won't regret it. Honda's interior is of cheap plastic which you will definitely regret

[@guneetsingh9750]

The two of them do it well, very few pairs in the auto journalism are kicking it better, should do this more often and nice comparo.

[@uchihapubg8724]

Booked Honda City Manual Petrol Variant..!!! Thank You For The Review ❤️

[@senthilkumaran1067]

Eagerly waiting to see Virtus.❤

[@vac9996]

ŠKODA Slavia will set a legacy , a benchmark in sedans segment 🔥🔥 ŠKODA always Simply clever 😊

[@tanmayrgup]

Loved the review mixed with humour it made for an entertaining video

[@timone1423]

There's no way ill go for skoda.. expensive to buy, high on maintenance, less mileage.. Honda city is a well rounded package

[@legendarygamerzffking3899]

A very honest review.My pick also A Skoda Slavia 1.0 Tsi At. Its a wow factor over the city isn't it? It is the most beautiful car in midsize Sedan segment.

[@abhishekspykes]

Honda City was and always be a Dream car for masses. The name only Honda City - competes the rest of the features with others

[@ChandanSharma-qu7dv]

1 suggestion to Autocar Team While comparing, please try to get both the cars in same colour. It will help neutralize any sort of viewer's bias and prejudice associated with a certain colour. Otherwise good video, its nice to see a bit of an informal touch and makes the viewing experience more fun.

[@multistrada5645]

For all its back seat glory, the city doesn't even provide adjustable rear headrest which you can get even in a wagonr. Also the central armrest just flops down into the seat making it too low

[@teamvac6254]

When VW Virtus will come this battle will be legendary But now ŠKODA Slavia is winning here 🔥

[@TheSiddhantp]

Virtus will smoke everyone.

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

not winning with 1.0 tsi 🤣🤣🤣

[@adarshbhavsar122]

@@Moonlight-hq3gi atleast VW and Skoda has a 1.5 tsi option. With city, you're stuck with the same old engine

[@zagreus4866]

@@Moonlight-hq3gi it did 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ishaan478]

We want more of this kind of videos with the same reviewers.

[@neel2665]

When it comes to petrol no one can beat the realibility of vtec❤ purest of the pure will choose city over any other rival😀❤ city is an emotion ... waiting for the hybrid one 😀

[@summerslider2487]

Perfectly worded.

[@adarshbhavsar122]

Don't underestimate TSIs bro

[@AjayKumar-lq6mv]

Anybody please advise me i want to buy slavia 1.0 MT is it gud or any issues now a days i m hearing to much negatives about car errors millage drops 😢 pls somebody help !!

[@ducatimultistradav4850]

I miss the PAKKA GERMAN FEEL in the Slavia somehow.

[@aavirbhavsingh5914]

Slavia is a very great competitor and also offers exclusive features like 60:40 split,ventilated seats,wireless android auto/ apple car play…and a good 1.0 tsi engine which is absolutely fun to drive. For me it’s the slavia hands down

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

city>slavia 1.0 TSI Slavia 1.5 TSI>City

[@jollyjohn6403]

Why is the Honda City so noisy inside the cabin while driving? is there something you could reach Honda and ask them to do, to improve or eliminate the cabin sounds?

[@TrxTr_Das]

Does the slavis has adas feature. Can we add it onn as a extra feature

[@vijuvlogs]

When you compare City I think you should always consider it's manual variant for highway drives and hill ascent and descent because you will enjoy driving it and is super comfortable and convenient with taller gear ratios

[@abhayprabhu4256]

Super proud owner of Honda City 5th gen any day...😎 what be the baised review...The Real owner knows what a gem Honda City 5th gen is...😎 Only the skoda Slavia style has the features... Ambition and Active varient has almost no features that honda city offers in it's equivalent variant...Skoda is trying to sell just the skeleton of car in these two variants...

[@anzy7263]

My brother has 2020 city automatic, it’s good but on highways it feels just ok. I have driven Slavia and it’s amazing and feels new the engine is the best. Although I bought Kushaq, Slavia feels much more modern, for example the infotainment system of city is very dated and laggy. People with open mind will see these glaring differences. Also, Skoda service has been phenomenal, it’s not as costly as others have made it sound like.

[@sunilpathania3711]

City always..sold 2016 City for 7.5 lac so has good resale value

[@MisterBongo]

Even though people complain about the GC of City, it’s enough. I took mine to East Sikkim and drove through slush, rocks and even snow. It didn’t scrape the underbelly and the ride was quite comfortable! Have made a video on my channel. Do check out!

[@summerslider2487]

Same. And I drive the 2009 city.

[@ketankakade6166]

Watched ur video, nice one ☝🏻

[@bibhasbiswas7541]

The GC is too low for mumbai speed breakers sometimes tho

[@adarshbhavsar122]

@@summerslider2487 your's city scrape the ground a lot. With weird speedbrakers here in my city. The ground clearance of city is low

[@tejvanshsingh5343]

I Agree on roads and small bumps gc feels adequate but our vento (gc 2mm less than city) almost scrapes the bumper while parking inside house, we have to be careful on slope so I think 20mm of extra ground clearance of slavia would be a peace of mind.

[@Rahul-by2zq]

Most awaited 👍

[@harshilbinda2503]

We want comparison of verna vs slavia 1.5 vs city hope autocar posts them soon

[@ramalingamraman7673]

What about Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI MT/AT vs Honda City? Can anyone guide?

[@shreyanschordia2454]

6:57 He's "Just under six feet" tall, and not "5feet 11 inches". *continuity mistake* 🤣🤣🤣

[@NikhilOnCars]

My bad, my bad....!

[@pattybavant]

Slavia's AT in town is slug? Dude, you got the paddles under your finger. Downshift and bugger off! It's not that hard.

[@Moonlight-hq3gi]

it's the 3 cylinder tsi engine which doesn't suit a heavy car like this gearbox combinations are still good the 1.5 tsi dsg is the better choice

[@bijoychacko2719]

The City is a product of decades of engineering not to say the Slavia isnt but the difference is Honda has got this decades of engineering in a single segment for years not to mention its other product line up isnt in their respective segments counting all the markets. Ps The joy of reving that 1.5 litre i vtec to its limit is still something really special. Do a manual comparo

[@charanbansal1]

Need a comparison b/w Slavia and Verna turbo

[@ajeshmanuelj3049]

For comfort City or slavia?

[@abhijeetghosh9253]

What about the all new Virtus getting into this sedan competition?

[@prashantneelapala]

I'm curious to know what is the life of the turbo charger associated with 1.0 L 3 cylinder petrol engine ?

[@Sai48577]

I drove both of them (automatic) and decided to go with slavia 1.5 , been 4 months, amazing to drive. Didn't go with honda is purely cause of the skoda engine it just felt slavia was so smooth at both low and high speeds but honda AT felt like it was a bit struggling to keep up.

[@barathagain]

6:57 Wait, did he just say 5' 11" instead of "juuust under 6 ft tall" Godamn

[@kitanurag3672]

Nikhil has the Dan from Slo Mo Guys vibe. Of course, he brings in his own personality but iykyk.

[@samarthdsd]

City and city and city......

[@sandeepprad362]

Autocar is notch above as compared to others when it comes to car review ❤️

[@bakuljavadekar6767]

Slavia has actually fallen between the two stools. Its 1.5 litre turbo engine is fantastic but overpriced. And it's 1.0 lire engine is underpowered for a car this big and heavy. It was good for a smaller Polo but for Slavia it's not good enough. After the initial thrill of the turbo burst of power at high rpm subsides you will miss the linear power delivery of a bigger naturally Aspirated engine. Every time you slow down you will have to downshift, sometimes 2 gears and rev the car hard. After a while this will tire you and irritate you.

[@rushikeshbhange8630]

Video isn't complete without Nikhil mentioning he's 5'11" tall

[@brijeshbthebigb]

That Cooper Dash inside is awesome in slavia

[@ZLone93256]

1.5 NA vtec + manual transmission+ above 5000 rpm is heaven

[@kedargadgil1364]

Am driving the 5th gen City V CVT and it's damn good. A premium feel sedan. Very comfortable to drive in city traffic. Smooth power delivery. Wonderful for highway driving and cruise control is just fantastic. You feel very relaxed even after having a 7/8 hours journey. Low ground clearance is the only and a major concern.

[@nishforfrnds2472]

U should compare skoda slavia 1.5 litre petrol automatic with honda city 1.5 lite automatic to get clear winner in comparison of same engine

[@ujellygumgum]

wait for city hybrid rs .. then do comparison

[@nmkr90]

Definitely Skoda is go for option... 🔥🔥🔥

[@reubendias18]

Whatever may be, I'd pick the 1.5 iVTEC MT anytime

[@Rishi.N.Mathur]

1.5 DSG is RS in disguise...so nicely put

[@swarupyadav1418]

I think for perfect comparison you have to put Slavia 1.5 with city 1.5.. Then only It will become neck to neck for better conclusion...

[@rishiacharya2290]

Nikhil is best as always

[@Mhatreffect]

CVT is damn good, wait for DSG box issue and you will be frustrated

[@NaveenKumar-rp4vs]

Verna vs Slavia would be great ❤️

[@avirupjana8165]

How many people actually buy automatics as compared to manuals? The City is a far more overall sedan when it comes to everything (including service access point, resale and spare parts) if you are getting a manual.

[@vinayjangir7587]

Can you compare these cars with Toyota Corolla Altis? Seems like people have forgotten this beautiful car

[@Felix-hl2wd]

Toyota Corolla altis doesn't come under this segment Skoda octavia and honda civic is the competitor of corolla

[@sasmit82]

And nobody talks about the reliability of these engines , just google about the intake valve deposits on the tsi engines and failures.

[@mollythelabro9907]

*Honda city is the king always 🤴🏽🔥🔥🔥*

[@SuperVinothR]

When you compare a turbo engine, you should have either picked a manual petrol or diesel engine from honda, slavia has a good powerband in the 1500 to 4000 range which provides instant pick up that a NA engine cant do. Second thing is city is built light compared to slavia. You cant beat the city in rest of the aspects.