Honda City

City Overview

Honda City received a mild refresh back in 2017 with changes primarily restricted to aesthetic updates. Available in just two variants VTi and VTi-L, the City sedan is priced competitively in the range of $17,990 to $24,704 (MLRP). The price gap between the base and top-spec variant indicates the lack of features in the entry-level variant. The mechanical set-up comprises a single 1.5-litre petrol unit with manual and an optional automatic gearbox. Colour options available on the Honda City carline include rally red, cosmic blue, modern steel, platinum white and lunar silver. Belonging to Honda stable, the City sedan gets a standard 5-year unlimited KM warranty and protection against rust perforation for 6 years. 

Honda’s smallest sedan in the Australian market measures 4,455 mm long, 1,694 mm wide and 1,477 mm high. One of the prominent changes made to its face is the bold chrome strip on the front grille that meets with the segmented headlamps, appearing a single unit. A thin chrome line is placed at the bottom of the radiator grille, which also ends into the headlamps that come equipped with integrated LED daytime running lights. The lower bumper sports fog lamps ornate with a dash of chrome trim. As we move to the side, body-coloured door handles, power adjusting outside rearview mirrors with integrated indicators can be seen. Sixteen-inch Alloy wheels are restricted to the top-spec trim, whereas the base grade makes do with 15-inch steel wheels. A shark fin antenna is equipped atop though it misses out on fog lamps at the rear. The bumper at the back has also been revamped just like the front unit. 

The interior is stretched across a 2,600 mm long wheelbase and is spacious enough to seat five adults in the cabin. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel controls, multi-information display, etc. are standard on the carline. Bluetooth connectivity, AUX port, USB port are part of the pack, while built-in satellite navigation comes with the VTi-L only. Connectivity tech such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been left out. The automatic climate control with electrostatic touch panel is missing in the base trim, though it gets auto/up-down for the driver’s seat. Black leather-appointed seat covers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-covered gear knob are reserved for the top-spec grade. 

Under the hood, it gets Honda’s 1.5-litre, SOHC i-VTEC, in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine with a choice between a five-speed manual unit and a continuously variable transmission. The steering-mounted paddle shifters are available with the VTi-L only. 

Honda has packed City sedan to the gill with active safety features which include anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Additionally, there is emergency stop signal, hill start assist, traction control system, vehicle stability assist, child seat anchorages, head restraints, 3-point seatbelts, seatbelt reminders, multiple SRS airbags and parking sensors. A multi-angle reversing camera with modes, engine mobilizer and security alarm system complete the safety brigade on the Honda City sedan.