Car Of The Week: Honda City

As 2016 is approaching its end, we have decided to start something new before we enter the new year. Each week, we will select one car and will brief you about the selected car. Our this week’s pick is from the lineup of one of the most prominent Japanese automakers, Honda. Yes, our first pick is Honda City, which has ruled the roads of multiple countries for several years. Though the car needs no introduction but, as Honda has released the teaser images of updated City, our first car of the week could not have been any other.

Interesting Facts

We are not sure how many of you are aware of the following facts but, we hope you find them interesting: -

It is more spacious than Toyota Camry: Despite Toyota Camry stands way higher in the segment, this sedan from Honda has managed to offer more cabin space over the executive offering from Toyota. Though the wheelbase of Honda City is smaller than Toyota Camry, the cabin room is slightly more in City. It is best-in-class as claimed by Honda.

On passive safety, it exceeds NCAP requirements: Most of the automakers tend to design their cars in a way that can achieve maximum ratings on the NCAP’s (New Car Assessment Programme) crash safety performance but, Honda claims that it has designed Honda City beyond the lab-based NCAP scores. The NCAP crash test has only one test but, Honda conducts its G-CON standard crash test which involves crash against bigger cars like a large sedan or SUV at various angles. And in the G-Con test it was revealed that the latest Honda City maintained the cabin space when it was crashed into a larger car.

Brief History

The car made its entry in the market in 1996. The second generation City was introduced in the year 2002 and the third was introduced in 2008. Currently, the City is in its fourth generation which was introduced in 2014 with a diesel mill. The new Honda City also shares its platform with Honda Jazz.

Brief Review

 

The ‘Solid Wing Face’ of Honda City makes a strong impression on the road while curves and creases perfectly reflect its executive kind of character in an effective manner. The new city offers 50 mm more wheelbase and is 10 mm wider than the previous version, which again leads to more comfort for the occupants. The rear also grants rich feel, which makes Honda City a stylish sedan in the segment. The current model is good to go with the current trends but, in the next update, we expect some significant changes.

The teaser images of the next update are already out and the upcoming all-new City looks more aggressive and competent.

Considering the cabin, the two-tone colour scheme, a range of advanced features and enough cabin space, all leads to a positive impression on the occupants, making City one of the strongest contenders in the segment.

Under the hood, a 1.5-litre i-VTEC SOHC four-cylinder engine powers the City, which pumps out a maximum power output of 120 PS with peak torque of 145 Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a CVT gearbox. With fuel economy ranging between 17-18 kmpl, the sedan is a value for money option in its respective segment.

Market Reputation

Since its global debut, Honda City is delighting the Filipinos and gathering a lot of appreciation. The flagship model of Honda has not only accumulated a huge sales number till date but, has also managed to maintained segment-leading position for a long time. The current year was quite the same for City, as Honda Philippines managed to sell a decent number of models. The overall results will be revealed later but, it is quite evident that the sedan has performed as per the expectations.

Our Take

The front-runner of the segment is one of the best options in the respective segment. Though options like Toyota Vios, Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Accent are still persisting in the segment but, City is still that car in the segment which achieves significant ratings in each aspect. The car is perfect for someone who is looking for a high fuel economy without compromising on the comfort front. Though you won’t get hardcore engine performance but, Honda’s engine refinement will take care of most of your rides in an effective manner.