A New Look for the Honda City
After an unofficial fourth generation release in the global market, the Honda City has still not gained the consumer’s love, even after the fact that it is a pioneer in bringing to us revolutionary technologies like i-DSI and CVT automatic transmission. Hailed by many as delivering “just enough” in terms of power, these innovations have not been enough to make car lovers world wide ignore the lack of power, so-so audio systems and the overall unattractiveness possessed by Honda’s rep to the subcompact category. This year Honda is determined to help endear us back to the City with a design and an engine that tells they have been listening to us all those years.
Is it really Bigger?
Though a lot of early reviews admit to the City looking a bit bigger, the fact is that is is actually around 5 and 15 millimeters less in its length and height respectively compared with the older model. Admittedly, the extra 15 millimeters is not enough for a noticeable increase in its perceived size. One feature that I think adds to the new City’s seeming increase in size is its new look which is a little chiseled giving it a semblance with the CRV or the Accord.
The front part is closest to the Type R Civic though the three slat grille looks most like that of a CRV’s. It does posses the blocky nosepiece which gives it a more macho look especially when combined with the front turn signal assemblies and sharply raked headlamp.
New details
Added welcome details to the City are chromed door handles in its E variant as well as bubble type side mirrors with their distinctive turn signals. These add a very stylish touch to the new City which I think will make those into details give it a positive nod or two.
Wheels, wheels, wheels
Definitely noteworthy in the 2009 Honda City is its awesomely designed 15-inch alloys. Sold as Modulo in many countries, these have multiple antler like spokes which is very much reminiscent of BBS LM and RS wheels. With its 175/65 rubber, the new magwheels give the Honda City that look of being not only bigger, but bolder.
Booty Call
What’s good about the city is that it is a beau from the front as well as from the rear. This year, Honda decided to get say goodbye to its boomerang lights and instead opted for thick, chunky and angular clusters which add to the City’s amazing profile. Mention a spacious 506 liter rear load which allows bigger objects to be fitted at it.
Skin deep: Interiors
The designers of the Honda City did some welcome improvements on its interior as well which boasts of an awesome four speaker system in its E variant with a USB cable called flew which allows ipod connectivity without messy wires of cheap adaptors. Sounds from these are just amazing, though those with the A and S variant have to settle for the two speaker system with CD and MP3 support.
The inside is spacious enough with just enough legroom for the driver as well as all passengers. The seats are comfy with extra gems like an armrest (which is very rare in subcompacts) dash lighting and airbags in the shotgun seat.
Beauty from the inside
The most important yet not immediately evident improvement in the City is its more powerful engine. The i-DSI becomes a thing of the past in favor of a 1.3 and a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine for the lower and upper variants. These are then managed by either of the following:
- five speed manual transmission (1.3A and 1.3S)
- five speed slushbox (1.3S)
- or a five speed auto with paddle shifters (1.5E)
This will mean that the new model is more powerful but is fuel efficient and environment friendly at the same time. The new transmission systems also improves the car’s responsiveness and drivability, which results in improved acceleration and speed. Honda certainly did not just put in the same bunch of Honda auto parts in this promising new release. All binders are either disc or a combination of disc and drum for the E and A/S variants respectively.
It seems to me that all those years, Honda actually listened to many of the complaints from consumers all over. Now, they have ditched out their answer which promises to offer a full package for a subcompact that boasts of a driving experience unlike any other we’ve had from the line. We have yet to see how people will warm up to the new City with it’s new and bold look. Honda is definitely taking a risk on it given today’s economy which paints a bleak scenario for the auto industry. One thing is for sure though, The Honda 2009 City is one tough car built for the tough roads of the present time.
