Quick comparo - Honda City vs Ford Fiesta
FIRST, THE ESSENTIALS
Honda City
Price (Ex-showroom, Mumbai) Rs 7.33-10.72 lakh
ENGINE 1497cc, I-4, petrol 116.3 bhp@6600 rpm
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual/ 5-speed auto
DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) 4420/1695/1480
WHEELBASE 2550 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 165 mm
KERB WEIGHT 1100 kg
Ford Fiesta
Price (Ex-showroom, Mumbai) Rs 8.24-10.43 lakh
ENGINE 1498cc,I-4, petrol 108 bhp@6045 rpm 14.2 kgm@4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual/ 6-speed auto
DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) 4291/1722/1460
WHEELBASE 2490 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 168 mm
KERB WEIGHT 1150 kg
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS CAR?
Honda City
Hey, Honda makes brilliant engines and builds cars around these works of art. Despite that, the City is not bad looking. It has this futuristic look that no other car in its class has. Ergonomics are superb while it is cleverly packaged to offer a flat floor at the rear. Of course, the City is also a fun-to-drive car with a good power-to-weight ratio.
Ford Fiesta
Everyone knows Ford makes cars that are great to drive. And the new Fiesta may be slightly expensive, but I get a car that is unconventional, especially with that stubby boot that makes it look like a hatch. It has an aggression that no other car matches. Inside, it’s funky and has plenty of features to play around with.
WHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS GOING TO SAY BEHIND YOUR BACK ABOUT THIS CAR?
Honda City
We are sure he wouldn’t have bought this car if not for the price cut. The City feels quite bare inside compared to rivals. And where’s the solidity in this car? After all these years of being in India, Honda is not offering a diesel option – it will pinch when the price of unleaded goes up more. Wait till he loads his family in and comes across a speed-breaker... it will be fun to watch.
Ford Fiesta
Is that a sedan he is buying or a hatchback? It may have aggression, but where’s the boot? Besides, it looks like his Papa has enough money to throw at him – can’t see much value in the Fiesta. He only stands out in a crowd because there aren’t too many around. It may offer the best handling in its class, but the petrol motor is rough and doesn’t have enough power.
IS IT A CAR TO DRIVE OR BE DRIVEN IN?
Honda City
The motor is refined, with the right amount of power, and simply loves being revved. It accelerates beautifully. Its light build and 116 horses are a fine match. The steering feel is also good and is precise as well. If it wears proper tyres, the City is also chuckable around curves. Ride quality is good when the roads are good.
Ford Fiesta
Heck, the reason the Fiesta is here is because it’s an FTD car. The Fiesta is a brilliant car to go corner-carving in. It is the best handler in the segment – give it a set of twisties and you can treat yourself to an awesome time. The steering feedback is also the best in its class, and it feels good to hold and is of the right size. That apart, its ride quality is also pretty decent, so rear-seat passengers will be comfortable.
WHAT WILL YOUR NEIGHBOURS THINK OF YOU WHEN YOU BUY IT?
Honda City
That you are unimaginative. The City is now old; despite the facelift, you know the fundamentals of the car are unchanged. The segment is booming and you buy the safest option available. It may be fuel efficient, but your neighbours will also think you have plenty of unaccounted money around, since you can afford petrol.
Ford Fiesta
That you’re gullible. You went out to buy a Fiesta Classic and ended up with this. Others will also think you are a risk-taker – because the people who buy cars in this category usually go for the City, as it has an excellent ownership track record. You can try hard to convince them that this is the best driver’s car.
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