The new Honda CITY ups its ante

Carrying on the recent fad carmakers have adopted in an attempt to provide their new models with better visibility in the market place, the new Honda CITY — deliberately capitalised so you have to shout about it — has arrived in the UAE. But is it anything to shout about?

The refreshed model has reportedly refined its ‘Arrow Shot Form’ with more definitions on the body, giving a greater dynamic presence on the road.

The front fascia with its chrome grille renders a slightly more sophisticated sedan appeal than its predecessor. Well-defined front and rear bumpers accentuate this appeal and new rear tail lights add to it.

The character of the CITY (shush, people are starting to stare) is enhanced with new design 16” alloy wheels (available on EX grade).

In addition to the exterior styling modifications, the new Honda has also received improvements to its interiors. For example, the display graphics have been upgraded to a Tron-like blue colour and a chrome touch has been added to the centre console panel for a sporty look.

Following the tradition of Honda’s ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ concept, the CITY provides a lounge experience to customers with its spacious cabin. Reclining rear seats, along with ample storage spaces, accentuate the car’s versatility. It provides a lower driving position and thus maintains a good head clearance and class leading cabin space. The 506-litres of trunk capacity available is equivalent or better than vehicles above its segment. The CITY comes equipped with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine delivering 118hp while providing good fuel economy.

Unique in its class, the CITY is also equipped with five-speed automatic transmission, which not only provides an improved drive performance but also improves fuel efficiency. The “Paddle Shift” option (for EX grades) brings a more sporty driving performance analogous to the Honda pedigree.

The vehicle features an Advanced Integrated Audio System. This system offers customers the choice to integrate with any of the music-playing devices, including an iPod, MP3 player, USB memory or cell phone with MP3 Player by connecting via a USB jack. The system promises high quality sound with advanced features like a DSP Equaliser. On the EX grade models, the audio system can be controlled with steering-mounted controls. Much has been made of the extras on the EX grade, so here is a breakdown of exactly what you get with said grade and the standard LX.

Standard features include body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, power mirrors and windows, electric power steering, an advanced audio system, air conditioner, fuel consumption display, ABS, SRS airbags, front seat belt pre-tensioner and a load limiter.

The CITY EX includes additional features such as fog lights, chrome door handles, side mirror with turn lamps, exhaust pipe finisher, audio control on the steering wheel, keyless entry, driver seat height adjuster and reclining and folding rear seats.

The CITY is also covered under Honda’s standard warranty of three years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first).

david@khaleejtimes.com