I t has been some time now that Honda Cars India has introduced the fifth generation City sedan in India and then followed it up with the e:HEV version of the same car. The e:HEV, in addition to the hybrid powertrain also introduced a whole set of driver assistance and safety features. Meanwhile, Honda continued to sell the fourth generation City alongside the fifth-gen model.

Now, the fourth generation model has been discontinued and the gap has to be covered. Plus, competition is hotting up with other brands promising to bring in featureloaded competitors in the same segment. So, it was time to tweak the City portfolio to cover all the bases.

Honda let us have both a petrol manual and an automatic to drive to check out the new stuff they come with. There was also the e:HEV available, which we did not try to drive since little had changed apart from the introduction of a V version of trim that slots in under the ZX version that was introduced earlier. And the petrol versions now get an entry level SV version trim. So here are our impressions.

(l-r)Smart looks that are not polarising is a strong point, The rear end looks much the same apart from but the carbon fibre finish inserts in the bumper that mimic the looks of a diffuse

THE EXTERIORS

The first sight of the vehicle in the metal was a ‘finally’ moment for us. We had never quite been fond of the heavy chrome bar that Honda has been using across the front grille in its sedans for the last few years. So it made us quite happy to see it substantially slimmed down and we liked the wrap-around treatment too. It, along with the muted black of the rest of the grille, makes the car look really sleek from the front. So, we started off on a positive note.

Also, the front and rear bumpers now have bits with a carbon fibre finish. There’s the splitter up front and bits that mimic the diffuser look at the back. These sporty motifs are also designed to imply the performance orientation of the vehicle, but more on that later. The 16-inch alloy wheels are new too and have a smart design. The last new thing is the Obsidian Blue Pearl colour. It is very nice. There are some other small bits and pieces and all these perk things up bit.

There is a proper head restraint for the middle passenger in the rear too and a shade to keep out some sun

THE INTERIORS

Most of the changes here are under the skin. So the infotainment system now gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger for phones has been installed in the centre console, rain sensing auto wipers have been installed and a there is the addition of a PM 2.5 cabin air filter to the aircon that should keep most of the dust and bugs out.

Further, the Honda Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), branded Honda Sensing, has been now introduced in the petrol version as well in addition to the e:HEV, in which it was launched earlier. It comprises Collision Mitigation Braking System that brakes the car automatically when it senses that the car is likely crash into the vehicle in front; Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, the latter added to the suite already available in the City e:HEV; Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keep Assist System; Lead Car Departure Notification System, which alerts the driver with visual and audio when the preceding vehicle starts moving at, say, traffic lights; and Auto High-Beam. Most of it works well but one needs to override it sometimes.

The dashboard layout is familiar with some new materials but it must be mentioned that every time we drive a Honda we cannot but appreciate how everything falls so neatly to hand

THE DRIVE

The City is remains a fun car to drive. The CVT, predictably, is for a more laid-back style of driving, notwithstanding the paddles. It is actually quite amazing how far the CVT technology has come with virtually none of the infamous ‘rubber-band effect’, which slowed down the reaction time to throttle inputs, being evident. Slot it into Sport mode and the throttle response gets sharper, we are guessing it will also get thirstier. The manual is the funner car to drive. And, as always, that gearbox remains fabulous with slick shifts that click in with a tactile certainty. Plus, it is easier to carry the revs if one feels inclined to do so. Grip is good too. But that said, noise levels rise disproportionately to driving pleasure at higher revs. So mid-rev range is where it strikes a nice balance.

THE CALL

We like this car. Period. And think it should certainly be in the consideration set if one is looking for a vehicle in this segment.

(l-r)While the Honda City works very well as a driver’s car, the rear passengers get a very roomy space with oodles of legroom, arm rest, et al, The console now has a wireless charger, two USB ports and a 12V socket as well

HONDA CITY IN NUMBERS

What: Premium sedan L x B x H: 4,574mm x 1,748mm x 1,489mm 2,600mm

Boot capacity: 506 litres

Weight: 1,107-1,153kg

Engine: 1,498cc, 4-cylinder, 16- valve, i-VTEC DOHC with variable valve timing

Peak power: 121ps at 6,

Wheelbase: 600rpm

Peak torque: 145Nm at 4,300rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual or constantly-variable automatic (CVT)

Wheels & Tyres: 15” or 16” steel or alloy; 185/60 R15 or 185/55 R16

Price: Rs 11.55 lakh to Rs 15.97 lakh, ex-showroom Kolkata