The City is one of the most popular cars in India, and it is the one that established Honda as a mass-premium carmaker in the country. But the car seems to have lost its stronghold in the past few years. Here are five things that I observed about and around the Honda City after driving it for a few days.
The City remains to be one of the most comfortable sedans in India in its segment, and the rear seat comfort makes it a good option for a chauffeur-driven car. The centre armrest and the extended side cushioning add to the comfort factor, though the lack of adjustability for the headrests is a bit of a bummer.
One of the most impressive aspects for me was the ability of the car to restrict outside noises from seeping into the cabin. Road and tyre noises are controlled to a great extent, and you feel like you’re sitting in a premium car.
The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine isn’t the most enthusiastic of the lot, and you feel wanting for more power. There’s no option of a turbo-petrol or a diesel engine, and the Honda City hybrid price in India is exorbitant.
The City has a smooth flowing silhouette and is one of the better looking sedans in the market. Its dolphin-like styling, long overhangs, stylish headlights and rearlights make for an appealing and cohesive design.
You’ll have to be careful over bad roads and taller speed breakers though, as the extended front overhang and lower ground clearance make the car scrape its underbelly quite frequently.