This is the all-new third generation Honda City sedan, a car which Honda says is for young, urban dwellers. The interior is very stylish – Honda calls it a ‘Cool Lounge’ and check this out…
The stereo system is compatible with an iPod and most other MP3 players and digital audio sources. A USB port and auxiliary jack are located on the centre control panel.
When connected to an MP3 player, the central rotary selector provides the same control features as – for example – the thumbwheel on the iPod unit. To ensure high quality sound, there’s a 45 Watt, four-channel amplifier, four PP cone-type speakers and two hard dome tweeters – all controlled by a DSP - Digital Signal Processor - graphic equaliser specially designed to match the sound characteristics of the City’s cabin.
If you think the City is a just a Honda Jazz hatch with a boot, you’d be wrong. Although they share the same platform, the City doesn’t have the cab-forward-short bonnet look of the Jazz, it’s longer and lower and of course has this massive load area.
Honda Japan actually used a famous Aussie icon – the Coleman esky - to determine the dimensions of the boot. It’s a massive 506 litres and the company says that’s bigger than its own Accord Euro mid-size sedan and actually bigger than a Holden Commodore. The rear seat is a 60/40 split for even more load space.
There are two City models, the VTi and range-topping VTi-L which can be distinguished by these 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome doors handles and this excellent high quality leather trim.
Let’s see what the Honda City is like on the road...
Both City models are powered by Honda’s excellent 1.5-litre engine that delivers 88kW of power and 145Nm of torque. Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Safety features are impressive with both models coming standard with six airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes. Honda is developing Electronic Stability Control for Australian conditions, but this will not be ready until 2010.
As you would expect, with Honda’s world-class engineering, the City’s green credentials are impressive – CO2 emissions are as low as 148 grams per kilometre, the average fuel consumption is as low as 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres and at the end of its life, some 90 per cent of a City can be re-cycled.
The build quality is excellent, refinement levels are high and the ride and handling are certainly good enough.
The City is a good looker, it exudes quality and drives impressively. Compared directly with rival sedans like the Toyota Yaris, Kia Cerato and Nissan Tiida, the City has lots to offer, but with prices starting at $20,490 and $22,290, it does carry a premium.
