People carry affections in things that have differentiated meanings to them. More often than not, the object rekindles fond memories of the past, just like how this particular car does for me. The City was the first car I ever laid my hands (and foot) on. For the first time I was able to experience the joy of motor-induced motion.
Truth to be told, the predecessors of the current City were mediocre in styling. The first generation spawned in the new factories in Thailand never quite look the bit, and the one that followed felt queer in proportions with its long rear overhangs.
Those were hardly a fault. Instead, the public gradually warm to the City’s practicality – the compact sedan had proper seating for four, five with a bit of squeeze, and a very usable boot to go with it. Without doubt, its price point played a big part in the receptivity.
In 2008, Honda gave the City its well-deserved revamp. Donning a more squat and purposeful overall, the latest City is the best looking one just yet. And with the recent facelift on the 2012 model, things are just about to get better.
Exterior
Aesthetically, the facelifted City comes visually aligned with its predecessor. Apart from slight tweaks such as the updated chrome grille, and new front and rear bumpers, the 2012 model retains much of the looks we have grown to like about the compact sedan.
Tapered ends on the front and rear ends gives the City a more dynamic outlook. Chiselled bumpers at each corners, for instance, hides the heft of the car, allowing it to retain the capacious dimensions without looking overtly clumsy.
Interior
Honda has been known for its ingenious interior designs, coupling functionality with aesthetics wellness. The ‘entry-level’ model is no exception. The helm’s seat is genuinely a nice place to be in, with a pleasant and functional tri-gauge line-up on the instrument panel. Our personal favourite is the three-spoke steering wheel, which puts many pricier contenders in the market to shy. One however may be disappointed by the absence of steering-mounted controls, though it hardly dulls the sporty feel of the helm.
Taking centre stage is an aftermarket unit, in favour of the factory-fitted audio that came with the pre-facelift model. The new system features touch-screen capabilities, and more notably the 6.1-inch monitor doubles as a display for the reverse camera – a feature that rarely comes fitted as standard for cars in its segment.
Honda has been known for its ingenious interior designs, coupling functionality with aesthetics wellness. The ‘entry-level’ model is no exception. The helm’s seat is genuinely a nice place to be in, with a pleasant and functional tri-gauge line-up on the instrument panel. Our personal favourite is the three-spoke steering wheel, which puts many pricier contenders in the market to shy. One however may be disappointed by the absence of steering-mounted controls, though it hardly dulls the sporty feel of the helm.
Taking centre stage is an aftermarket unit, in favour of the factory-fitted audio that came with the pre-facelift model. The new system features touch-screen capabilities, and more notably the 6.1-inch monitor doubles as a display for the reverse camera – a feature that rarely comes fitted as standard for cars in its segment.
As a compact sedan, the City packs commensurate utility. There is generous legroom in the rear quarters, with adequate headroom to match. Breadth wise, it seats two adults comfortably. The City’s voluminous boot comes to good use for loads lugging too, not to mention that at 506 litres, it is leading the segment.
The Drive
Honda cars have always been bestowed with enjoyable and engaging driving experiences.
Pulling duty in the City is courtesy of a 1.5-litre engine. The 120bhp and 145Nm of torque suffices for potting around our small island. Even on the highway, the City feels relatively effortless. Off the line, however, the car does feel lethargic, as most of the torque seems to be absent at the lower revs.
The engine is blessed with the free-revving characteristic that has grown synonymous with the firm’s offering. That said, let’s not forget the City was never meant to be a sports model. Instead, it urges to be driven sensibly. With an eco-minded foot, the car will do 13km/L – not far from the 15.2 stated in the specs sheet.
Transmitting the power to the wheels is a conventional five-speed automatic with lower gear lock-in selections. No doubt they have been around for a while now; the gearbox still does its job adequately, shifting through the ratios without feeling strained.
Honda cars have always been bestowed with enjoyable and engaging driving experiences.
Pulling duty in the City is courtesy of a 1.5-litre engine. The 120bhp and 145Nm of torque suffices for potting around our small island. Even on the highway, the City feels relatively effortless. Off the line, however, the car does feel lethargic, as most of the torque seems to be absent at the lower revs.
The engine is blessed with the free-revving characteristic that has grown synonymous with the firm’s offering. That said, let’s not forget the City was never meant to be a sports model. Instead, it urges to be driven sensibly. With an eco-minded foot, the car will do 13km/L – not far from the 15.2 stated in the specs sheet.
Transmitting the power to the wheels is a conventional five-speed automatic with lower gear lock-in selections. No doubt they have been around for a while now; the gearbox still does its job adequately, shifting through the ratios without feeling strained.
Handling wise, the electric-assisted steering gives great ease when piloting at city speed around tight corners. Out on open highways, the City feels numb, with limited steering feedback resulting in the less-involving drive.
Conclusion
Honda’s compact sedan has grown out of its diminutive beginnings to become one of the leading contenders in its segment, attributed by the class-leading cabin and boot space.
The dynamic looks too bring up its ‘value-for-money’ in the base model, helped by the functional and engaging interior.
Then, there is the less-involving drive that would put down many driving enthusiasts. But for those looking for a daily commute that is practical for the family, the City is without doubt a strong contender to consider.
