The Honda City has been through a total of five transformations now. The first two generations were chic-looking urban dwellers that came in three-door hatchback trim. A two-door convertible was even available on the first City. As such, you could say they were nothing like the compact sedan that we have grown to know.
It was in 1996 when the automaker decided to bring back the 'City' moniker on a compact sedan. The City was also the first model to roll out of Honda's new plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
This sixth generation continues the motive of offering cost-effective motoring to the masses. But from first impressions, the new car has 'matured' quite a fair bit, and feels more premium than before.Exterior
Design of Honda cars has always been towards the 'edgy' side. The new City extends that tradition with a relatively boxy overall. However, you can tell from first glance that more efforts have been spent in crafting the sheet metal.
It was in 1996 when the automaker decided to bring back the 'City' moniker on a compact sedan. The City was also the first model to roll out of Honda's new plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
This sixth generation continues the motive of offering cost-effective motoring to the masses. But from first impressions, the new car has 'matured' quite a fair bit, and feels more premium than before.Exterior
Design of Honda cars has always been towards the 'edgy' side. The new City extends that tradition with a relatively boxy overall. However, you can tell from first glance that more efforts have been spent in crafting the sheet metal.
The body panels, for instance, are now more sculptured, and help to portray off a more trendy image. And while we wouldn't go as far as saying we've fallen head over heels for the new City, it is definitely more appealing than its predecessor.
The City may not look substantially bigger, but Honda has added more inches to the new car. Measuring 4,442mm from tip to tip, it is now 47mm longer.
Wheelbase has also been increased by a significant 50mm to 2,600mm. As such, it now has the longest wheelbase in its class, edging over the Toyota Vios' 2,550mm and the Nissan Almera's 2,590mm.
The City may not look substantially bigger, but Honda has added more inches to the new car. Measuring 4,442mm from tip to tip, it is now 47mm longer.
Wheelbase has also been increased by a significant 50mm to 2,600mm. As such, it now has the longest wheelbase in its class, edging over the Toyota Vios' 2,550mm and the Nissan Almera's 2,590mm.
Interior
We reckon the biggest change in the new City has to be its cabin. Although the car still keeps to its Thai origins, the interior is a notch up from the previous. In fact, you would have believed if the car was made in Japan.
The dash emits a gentle blue hue that is both easy to read and pleasant to look at. At the same time, the colour-changing display will constantly remind you to adopt a more eco-friendly driving style by giving you the 'green light'.
We reckon the biggest change in the new City has to be its cabin. Although the car still keeps to its Thai origins, the interior is a notch up from the previous. In fact, you would have believed if the car was made in Japan.
The dash emits a gentle blue hue that is both easy to read and pleasant to look at. At the same time, the colour-changing display will constantly remind you to adopt a more eco-friendly driving style by giving you the 'green light'.
For those who rely heavily on their smart phones and electronic gadgets, the City has two USB charging ports and no fewer than three power outlets situated conveniently around the cabin. The touchscreen infortainment system also has Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree and music streaming function.
Benefitting from the long wheelbase, the cabin - especially the rear quarters - are generously spacious. Likewise, boot space is a functional 536 litres that can easily swallow a weeks' worth of groceries, or a couple of large suitcases should you be running any errands to the airport.
Benefitting from the long wheelbase, the cabin - especially the rear quarters - are generously spacious. Likewise, boot space is a functional 536 litres that can easily swallow a weeks' worth of groceries, or a couple of large suitcases should you be running any errands to the airport.
The Drive
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder plant from the predecessor has been carried over to the new City, albeit with revisions. Power figures, however, remain the same at 120bhp and 145Nm of torque.
Ditching the conventional five-speed automatic, the City receives a new CVT gearbox with seven-speed overriding function. Like most CVTs, gear shifts are vague and less involving than conventional automatics.
That said, there's little doubt that the new gearbox is much more efficient. Even without trying hard at it, we recorded a fuel economy of 15km/L.
Compared to 13km/L garnered from the previous generation, it is a notable improvement - especially when you consider that both cars sport the same powerplant.
But like before, the City feels light at the helm and does without much steering feedback. The powertrain, too, seems to react hyperactively to any jabs from the accelerator.
We reckon, then, it is best driven in a less enthusiastic manner. With its well insulated cabin and refined mannerism, cruising can be an enjoyable affair.
Conclusion
The City retails for $109,900 at press time. It sits in between the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera - $10k costlier than the latter, but $2k cheaper than the base grade Vios.
The extensive list of equipment on the new City, no doubt, gives it a compelling preposition. And that could very well be the edge it needs to win over its closest rivals.
We reckon, then, it is best driven in a less enthusiastic manner. With its well insulated cabin and refined mannerism, cruising can be an enjoyable affair.
Conclusion
The City retails for $109,900 at press time. It sits in between the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera - $10k costlier than the latter, but $2k cheaper than the base grade Vios.
The extensive list of equipment on the new City, no doubt, gives it a compelling preposition. And that could very well be the edge it needs to win over its closest rivals.
