Honda Australia has announced the arrival of the facelifted version of the 6th-generation City compact sedan that will make landfall this April (though it’s labelled as a 2018 model year car) with a revised exterior and interior and more equipment as standard.
The spread of variants is as simple as ever, and will be available as either a base VTi, from which you’ll be able to choose between a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. Better equipment and trim are available in the VTi-L, which will only be offered as with a CVT automatic.
Prices will start from $15,990, and for that all Citys (Cities?) will gain over the outgoing model, a new front fascia, new front bumper, and new headlamps that incorporate LED daytime running lights.
There’s also a redesigned rear bumper, new wheel trims and new multi-spoke 16-inch alloys on the VTi-L, which it gains along with its own exterior package to set it apart even further from the VTi. Honda has also axed the two exterior metallic paint options - Brilliant Sporty Blue and Crystal Black pearlescent - but added a new Cosmic Blue colour into the mix.
Under the bonnet, the engine is unchanged from the pre-facelift version. The proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated four-cylinder still a very efficient performer, propelling the City by its front wheels along with 88kW and 145Nm while managing to return a claimed 5.8-litres/100km over a combined cycle.
Making our way inside, the interior has kept its familiar overall layout but the materials have been improved and a gunmetal accents have been applied to the instrument panel as well as silver toned trim around the air vents and gear knob for a more premium cabin ambiance.
In the centre of the dash sits a new 7-inch touch screen infotainment system that Honda says is more user friendly than the one it replaces. The VTi-L, however, also receives standard leather appointed seats over the VTi’s cloth upholstery as well as integrated satellite navigation.
Stephen Collins, Director of Honda Australia, said: “The Honda City has consistently been one of the preferred sedan models for private buyers in the Light car segment during 2016. This latest update for the City range delivers a range of enhancements that improve the value proposition of Honda’s small sedan, as well as giving it a stronger stance and bolder appeal, picking up key design cues from the 10th generation Civic.”
- 2018 Honda City VTi - Manual - $15,990
- 2018 Honda City VTi - CVT Automatic - $17,990
- 2018 Honda City VTi-L - CVT Automatic - $21,590
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