Now lets come to the difficult part, things we like and dislike in the City.
What we like on the New City-
1. The i-VTEC engine, very refined and agile (2nd gear does 100kmph)
2. Short throw gear box a pleasure to use aided with the longer gear ratios.
3. USB dock is exactly where it should be and not in the glove box as the Linea.
4. Excellent seating height.
5. Sporty looks and dominating chiseled edges on the exteriors.
6. ABS and airbags standard on all variants.
7. Top notch handling aided with the improved EPS.
8. A few of the parts are carried over from the Civic’s bin.
9. Sensible use of space.
10. Excellent build quality, the car we tested had done 11k kms and not a single vibration or noise was heard, it even had the new car scent inside.
11. Very sweet sounding horn.
Which brings us to things we did not like on the New City-
1. Fog lamps absent and no provision on the bumpers to even fit them
2. Tyre size a bit narrow for a car in this segment.
3. Retractable or self folding mirrors absent.
4. The exhaust note could have been a bit more noisier – a personal choice
5. Rear headrests are not adjustable.
6. No rear bottle holders on the door panel.
7. No rear map pockets behind the driver seat.
8. 60-40 split seats missing.
9. Stereo is great but the speakers could have been better.
10. Glove box has no cooling nor light within.
11. No CD player!! I initially thought Honda were playing a trick on us by giving a media vehicle without it.
To know why spend 9 lakhs, you must go for long drive.
I recently bought VMT, after driving other cars in the segment, I was not able to get off from City. It was almost over budget for me but this is the car which I can drive for next 5-6 years.
In City I went from Delhi to Ahmadabad (app. 1000 Km) and the drive was amazing. I was not tired after driving 1000Km non stop.
Car is very much in control at 170 KM/Hrs, and you need to listen the roar of engine. Speed sharp turns are very much in control.
I agree that it appears over price when you look at the features and accessory. But looking at the comfort and reliability it is at par.
Rest is all up to you. You should go for the car which you feel good for because it may be best for someone but not for you.
@ Jaz
You know what….According to you a car worth 9 lakhs with no auto climate control, no alloys, no fog lamps, no cd player is a great buy. From your review, I was able to make out only this. Hope to see better unbiased reviews next time.
At 9 lakhs, one can buy great diesel cars….then why should one buy the City…??!!!
@TG Fan – bhai, thank you for your appreciation. Hope you’re enjoying your new ride as much as we enjoyed testing this one.
@Anand Nayak – the alloy wheels are just for the pedestrians, but the lack of the CD player was kinda chilling.
IAB hits the nail on the head – a very crisp list of shortfalls and goodness in this very stylish Honda. We want to see some motion shots with smoke and stunts in the next review.
ABS and Airbags standard – cool
No CD Player, alloys – Uncool