Honda City

Exterior and Interior

The fourth-gen Honda City is nearly half a decade old. Despite that, it’s easily among the best looking in its segment. With the update, the design has only become sharper and the new LED elements look super slick. We also like the new two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, and that sharp character line that runs along the side of the car. It’s a well proportioned design that’s sure to age well.

If you yell inside the cabin of the Honda City, you might just hear an echo. It’s THAT spacious. The knee room on offer in the rear bench can put cars from one class above to shame. What the City also has in oodles is style. The futuristic looking dash with sweet-looking stitched portion above the glovebox look good. In terms of equipment, you’re treated to quite a lot, including a touchscreen paired with a stellar 8-speaker sound system, a touch-controlled automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. In terms of safety, dual airbags and ABS are offered as standard across the range. The top-spec variant get side and curtain airbags too.

Specifications

The Honda City can be had with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel motor. The petrol motor makes a healthy 119PS of power and 145Nm of torque, whereas the diesel unit is good for 100PS and 200Nm. With the petrol, you can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 7-step CVT. With the diesel, there’s only a 6-speed manual on offer. We’ve tested both petrol variants of the City and we’ve got to say it’s quite a hoot. While refinement levels aren’t class-leading as they used to be, it continues to be the most fun in the segment. The City petrol manual clocked 100kmph in a shade under 10 seconds, whereas the CVT took nearly 12 seconds to hit the ton. Real world fuel efficiency stood at 13.86kmpl (City) / 19.21kml (Highway) for the manual 11.22kmpl (City) / 16.55kmpl (Highway) for the CVT.

Variants

You get to choose between a total of five variants - S, SV, V, VX and the ZX. Honda hasn’t been super stingy with the feature list, so no matter which variant you choose, you do get your money’s worth. If we could nitpick, we’d say the automatic should’ve been offered from the base variant, just like the Yaris. If it’s a value-for-money package you’re after, pick between the SV and the V variants.

Competitors

Hyundai Verna: Looks suave, is loaded with features you didn’t know of, and most importantly - doesn’t ride like it’s got pogo sticks for wheels. If you can make peace with the limited room at the rear, it’s the best Verna ever!

Toyota Yaris: The Yaris isn’t a mass-pleaser. It will appeal to those who appreciate nuances like a sure-footed ride, and low NVH over gimmicks such as LED headlamps and sunroofs. If you needed a petrol sedan that will outlast you, your search ends here.

Volkswagen Vento: It’s aging, but it’s far from being dated. If you’re keen on driving (fast) yourself, the dual-clutch transmission on the Vento will be a more-than-willing partner in crime. It’s got a stiff ride, but the basics of space, practicality and ergonomics have been nailed to the T.

Maruti Ciaz: There’s nothing that makes you go ‘wow’, but it doesn’t let you whine either. Yes, it’s a bit boring to drive and it could do with some more features. But, if you need a no nonsense car to be chauffeured around in without burning a hole in your pocket, the Ciaz should be in your garage.

Skoda Rapid: There’s not much to dislike about the Skoda sedan. With the facelift, it looks as premium as ever, and packs in more tech. If you feel the Vento is a bit out of reach, pick the Rapid. It’s practically the same package delivered with a smaller pinch to the wallet. Yes, it’s a tad bit old and it could do with some more features - but that build quality does make up for a lot!

ZigSays

The City continues to be the most desirable sedan in this lot. It’s got the looks, the tech and more importantly - that oh-so-illustrious ‘H’ badge on the grille. It’s fun to drive, and has enough space to shame cars from a segment above. Looking for a big car experience? Dial H for Honda.