Skoda Slavia Sportline vs Honda City Sport: Which one should you choose?

Hindustan Times

25-06-2025

As the compact sedan segment continues to evolve, manufacturers are striving to offer not just functional vehicles, but also distinctive and stylish alternatives that appeal to modern car buyers. In this increasingly design-conscious market, Honda has introduced the new City Sport Edition—a limited-run variant priced at ₹ 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom)—to spice things up. Its arrival pits it squarely against the Skoda Slavia Sportline, a more permanent, sportier offering from the Czech brand. Honda has launched the City Sport Edition, priced at ₹ 14.89 lakh, targeting design-conscious buyers and competing with Skoda's Slavia Sportline, which offers a sportier design and features.
Both sedans have undergone cosmetic upgrades to set themselves apart from their regular versions. The Honda City Sport Edition features subtle yet effective blacked-out elements on the bumpers, ORVMs, and grey-finished alloy wheels. It is available in three exterior paint options, offering more customization to suit personal tastes.
The Slavia Sportline, on the other hand, leans more aggressively into its performance-inspired design. It gets a blacked-out grille, smoked tail lamps, a rear spoiler, and gloss-black alloy wheels. Though it offers only one exterior colour, the execution is more focused and lends the car a distinctly European sporty character. Feature-Rich Interiors
Inside, both sedans embrace an all-black theme to enhance their sporty credentials. Common features include paddle shifters, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, wireless phone connectivity, and wireless charging. However, the Slavia takes things a step further by offering segment-first features like a powered driver's seat, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Where Honda pulls ahead is in the safety department. The City Sport Edition includes Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a rarity in this segment.
(Also read: Skoda transforms Superb iV Wagon into L&K 130 hybrid pickup for 130th anniversary) Performance and Practicality
Under the hood, the Honda City Sport retains its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 118 bhp and 145 Nm of torque via a 7-step CVT gearbox. It's tuned for a smooth and composed driving experience, ideal for daily city use.
In contrast, the Slavia Sportline uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI engine producing 114 bhp and 178 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic. The turbo setup offers quicker throttle response and a slightly more engaging drive. Despite the different approaches, fuel efficiency figures remain closely matched.
When it comes to practicality, the Slavia scores better with more boot space, increased ground clearance, and a longer wheelbase, making it more versatile for varied Indian road conditions.
(Also read: Skoda Octavia RS spotted in India for the first time. Here's when it will arrive) Pricing and Positioning
While both sedans fall in a similar price bracket, the Slavia Sportline starts slightly lower at ₹ 13.79 lakh. However, Honda's City Sport Edition positions itself as a limited-time offering, potentially attracting buyers looking for exclusivity. Skoda's Sportline, meanwhile, is a permanent fixture, providing long-term availability without the pressure of a ticking clock.