Volkswagen Virtus vs Skoda Slavia vs Honda Metropolis e: HEV Comparability Evaluation: Compact Sedan Shootout

The compact sedan house has again and again held its personal regardless of the shifting choice for SUVs. The Honda Metropolis is arms down the undisputed king right here, however the re-entry of the Europeans rekindles the battle for supremacy. Each the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus add a breath of recent air to this extremely difficult phase that has been dominated by essentially the most rounded mid-size sedan for over twenty years. All three-look trendy, are sensible, and are available loaded to the brim with the most recent options, however the million-dollar query is whether or not it is sensible to purchase a sedan when SUVs are the trending flavour?

Design

All three automobiles look spectacular within the newest variations. The Virtus has the entire Jetta vibe occurring for it, and we’re glad that the automobile preserves the VW appeal gracefully. The Slavia pays homage to the Octavia with crystalline components together with the butterfly grille on the entrance. 

All three have a particular face that units them aside. 

The sloping roofline, curves alongside the boot lid, and the C-shaped LED rear lights all sync collectively distinctively. And what can we are saying concerning the Metropolis, it has essentially the most quintessential three-box design. In its hybrid model, the automobile doesn’t get too many visible adjustments over the usual model, however the RS-inspired components add an entire new character to the automobile. Metropolis additionally advantages from LED set-up for each its headlamps & fog lamps whereas the opposite two revenue from a projector set-up. 

The sloping roofline curved alongside the boot lid is a attribute styling of a three-box design.

Nevertheless, all three automobiles sit on 16-inch wheels with a novel design for the alloys. Seems are subjective, and with all due respect, irrespective of how a lot we harp about which one is the better-looking automobile, it in the end boils all the way down to your style and choice. 

All three automobiles sit on 16-inch wheels with a novel design for the alloys. 

Dimension

There’s not a lot to separate these automobiles in the best way all of them look, however it’s clearer on paper. Allow us to clarify. The Virtus is the longest within the phase, scaling 12 mm and 20 mm greater than the Metropolis and Slavia respectively. By way of width and peak, the Slavia is at par with the Virtus, as each get an edge over the Metropolis. The Metropolis even loses out on wheelbase, by a wholesome 51 mm, however we are going to get to the sensible a part of these numbers quickly. What binds them although is the truth that all three automobiles look way more premium, virtually as luxurious because the automobiles from a phase above. 

All three look way more premium, virtually as luxurious because the automobiles from a phase above. 

Tech & Inside

Inside, it’s the intricate particulars that separate the three. The Virtus has essentially the most engaging cabin within the phase. The gloss black sprint and the contrasting colors for the seats are tastefully accomplished. The air vents look plain however have a exact throw. The Slavia’s cabin has way more aptitude than its sibling. The dashboard appears an identical to the Virtus’ with the gloss black theme however feels plush. The bronze band throughout the cabin is a nice contact and so are the round air vents. 

All three function a premium cabin with upmarket supplies, and a dual-tone remedy on the dashboard.

Each automobiles get a air flow function for entrance seats, however VW will get a particular point out for putting each switches on the motive force’s facet of the gearbox. Even the door lock change is inside attain on the Virtus. Our Slavia and Virtus check items get the bigger 10.1-inch touchscreen, however with the worldwide crunch in parts, Skoda has swapped this unit for a a lot smaller 8-inch display screen, which is disheartening as a result of the preliminary patrons acquired the bigger unit. The digital instrument cluster is an identical with ample info introduced in several themes.

The Honda Metropolis e: HEV (L) has essentially the most snug seats adopted by the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia. 

Transferring to the cabin of the Metropolis e: HEV. To start with, there’s not a lot to level out right here as a result of it carries the identical structure as the usual model. The black & beige theme is soothing, whereas the plastics are of barely superior high quality in comparison with the Europeans. The cabin is even less complicated than the opposite two and in reality, works in its favour. Tender contact supplies are ample within the Metropolis, whereas the Slavia and Virtus miss out on it altogether. 

The instrument cluster on all three encompasses a plethora of knowledge.  

The 8-inch unit is fundamental compared. We’d’ve cherished a digital instrument cluster within the Metropolis however should do with an analog speedometer. The data displayed although is brilliant and clear, and the structure is barely tweaked to accommodate knowledge from the hybrid powertrain. 

All three automobiles include a sunroof as a typical fitment.

Practicality

It’s time to put the side about dimensions we spoke about earlier to check. Though the Europeans are superior in virtually each space, the Metropolis advantages from marginally higher legroom and knee room for the entrance passengers. It even provides a wider squab for snug seating. 

The rear seat house on the Honda Metropolis (backside proper) is far superior in comparison with the opposite two.

Whereas headroom & shoulder room is an identical for all automobiles, the Metropolis has cosier seats with its bench set-up for the rear passengers and may simply match three adults. The opposite two can finest accommodate two adults and a toddler within the center seat. By way of consolation although, all three get well-cushioned seats, perfect for long-distance journeys. Ingress/egress is sort of clean in all three automobiles, though the Metropolis advantages from increased positioned seats. 

The Honda Metropolis e: HEV (backside proper) has the smallest boot within the phase courtesy battery pack situated on the rear axle.

The Virtus and the Slavia get a bonus over the Metropolis with a superior boot house of 521-litre in comparison with the 306-litre within the latter. Keep in mind the bench seat set-up within the Metropolis we spoke about a number of moments again, properly that haunts the automobile as each the Europeans can broaden its cupboard space to 1,050-litre with a 60:40 cut up whereas the Metropolis can’t. 

Engine & Gearbox

When you crave efficiency, then each Slavia and Virtus include two turbocharged petrol engine choices. If gasoline effectivity is what you need, then nothing comes near the Honda Metropolis. The introduction of the e: HEV model solely provides to the dominance and builds on the cult standing of the Metropolis. And whereas most examine on displacement, we selected to pit the best-selling variations of the Slavia and the Virtus with essentially the most fuel-efficient model of the Metropolis. And so, our check automobiles are Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI and Virtus 1.0 TSI up towards Honda Metropolis e: HEV.  

Each the Europeans chosen for this comparability are the smaller but highly effective turbocharged petrol engines, whereas the Metropolis is the most recent e: HEV hybrid model.

All three function computerized transmissions on this compact sedan shootout.

Journey & Dealing with

There’s little or no to separate the three with regards to the experience high quality. The Virtus, Slavia, and the Metropolis supply an especially snug experience absorbing potholes effortlessly. The suspension is tuned on the firmer facet in all three automobiles, however the Metropolis is a bit harsher than the 2. It softens up on highways although. 

The VW Virtus has essentially the most pliant experience and sticks to the bottom comfortably whereas on tight corners. 

Each Slavia and Virtus supply a much-relaxed experience, however the Virtus has higher damping so NVH ranges are a tad bit higher than the Slavia.

The Skoda Slavia has greater than enough suggestions from the steering whereas taking fast corners. 

Each the automobiles are assured round corners as properly. The slick gearbox has exact shifts, virtually like a mind-reader. The Metropolis has a way more relaxed drive with a good bit of efficiency. It’s no slouch thoughts you, however don’t anticipate the urgency from the usual i-VTEC because the hybrid motor takes time to realize momentum for fast overtakes. 

The Honda Metropolis e: HEV is tuned for consolation so cornering just isn’t one of the best. 

Gasoline Effectivity 

The Metropolis e: HEV makes up with excessive returns on gasoline. Throughout my time with all three automobiles, the Slavia and Virtus returned a real-time common between 11-12 kmpl, whereas the Honda Metropolis e: HEV returned a wholesome 19 kmpl. As spectacular because it sounds, the Honda Metropolis e: HEV has long-term advantages if visiting a gasoline station just isn’t your perfect approach of passing time. 

Security Options

There’s little to doubt who has a bonus right here. The Honda Metropolis e: HEV is the one automobile within the phase to supply a full set of ADAS functionalities. There are flaws right here in fact however not within the capability of the Metropolis. It wants clear markings on the roads for the Lane Maintain Help to work however the remainder are like clockwork. Having that further layer of security absolutely helps. Brakes are even barely higher on the Metropolis, however the Slavia and Virtus are proper up there. 6-airbags are commonplace throughout all three, together with the standard set of passive security options. 

The VW Virtus has higher damping so NVH ranges are a tad bit higher than the Slavia and the Metropolis e: HEV.

Costs & Variants 

By way of value, all three automobiles fall in the identical vary. The highest-spec variations of the Virtus and the Slavia are essentially the most worth for cash whereas even the bottom model of the Metropolis is satisfactorily specced. However the hybrid model of the Metropolis is way superior in the long term due to its low value of possession and naturally much less frequent visits to the gasoline pump. Nevertheless, as soon as the automobile goes on the street, the value shoots above the Rs. 20 lakh mark which forces you to assume twice earlier than buying it. However if you happen to finally do, then the Honda Metropolis e: HEV is by far essentially the most cost-effective within the phase. 

We acquired the bottom gasoline effectivity determine from Skoda Salvia. 

Verdict 

To conclude, the Skoda Slavia and the Volkswagen Virtus are probably one of the best automobiles within the compact sedan phase. Nothing even comes nearer. The 1.0-litre TSI items are a hoot, it’s enjoyable and interesting and the plush inside is provided with one of the best of options. Need a automobile with driving chops? Then both of those two makes for a great addition to your storage. 

Though, the Honda Metropolis e: HEV is the most costly proposition right here, the lower than frequent journeys to the gasoline station will assist justify the upper price ticket in the long term. 

But, for the cost-conscious purchaser, there may be the Honda Metropolis e: HEV. With the advantages of a hybrid powertrain, good cabin, and efficiency that’s at par with the Europeans, the Honda Metropolis e: HEV is a whole package deal.