With an all-new design, upgraded platform and reworked mechanicals, this really is actually the fifth-generation Honda City, due for launch in July. Currently, the City has a strong brand remember in India, and in nature, it’s the product that formed Honda’s fortunes in the country. So much so, that it has continued its dominance in the midsize sedan section since its debut, and even manages to take the fight to the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. And also to appeal to a broad array of buyers, the All New City will be sold along with the current-generation version.
The 2020 Honda City features an evolutionary design and brings cues in the Honda Civic. The tapering nose, flowing the coupe-ish tail brings out the sporty styling of the sedan. What adds personality to the fascia is the large chrome pub on the grille and the exquisitely-designed full-LED headlamps. The profile is highlighted by the sloping roof and the dual-tone 16-inch alloys, while the wraparound LED taillights with a Z-shaped light touch adds a fantastic touch to the rear.
How can it be about inside?
On the inside, you are welcomed to a well-thought-out cabin with dual-tone colors that help elevate the premium experience. The clean dashboard layout is complemented by the classier-looking faux wood trim along with the leather end. And compared to this earlier touchpad controls of the ACC device, we particularly enjoy the physical climate control switches, which enhances functionality. There are enough cubby holes and the large door pockets readily gobble a one-liter jar. While the plastic quality is on par with the competition, some tough plastics lower-below might have been of better quality
Front seats offer generous side boosting, which enhances driving comfort. And the large glasshouse and narrow A-pillar offer an unrestricted view of the environment. However, the highpoint is the rear seat that offers acres of distance, which may put cars from a segment-above to pity. The chair provides liberal under-thigh support, along with the backrest angle, flat floor and wide seat make it a decent five-seater. On the flip side, the 506-litres of boot space, coupled with a very low loading lip makes it sensible for a weekend trip or the usual airport runs.
The All-New City features an eight-inch infotainment system replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets the next-gen Honda Connect connected automobile tech that allows you to remotely control 32 characteristics of the car, including SOS alerts, real time entry, find my vehicle, book a service and a whole lot more.
How’s it like to Drive& Engine Performance?
The New City can be obtained with three engine/gearbox mixes. There is a 1.5-liter gas unit using manual and automatic (CVT) transmissions and a 1.5-liter diesel with a manual. We’re driving the 1.5-liter gasoline version, which is coupled to a six-speed manual. This is a totally reworked engine using a DOHC setup, also benefits from VTC (Variable Valve Timing Control). The iVTEC engine offers two camera profiles the lesser one for superior efficiency and combustion, and also the high camera for performance.
The free-revving engine seems refined and is barely audible at idle, but as the revs rise past 4,000rpm, it starts sounding raspy. There’s adequate torque available lower down the revs, so even with small throttle inputs, the engine responds quickly to keep up with the traffic. And, should you wish to make swift progress, there is dollops of torque available in the mid century past the 2,500rpm mark. With this, a gentle dab on the throttle is sufficient to overtake the vehicles ahead, while it also makes keeping triple-digit speeds on the highways, simple. What’s more, if you’re in for some spirited driving, there’s a fantastic surge of electricity throughout the broad power band, before it starts tapering down around 6,500rpm.
The gearbox provides short throws along with well-defined gates, which essentially does not necessitate much attempt to work through the gears. But, it felt somewhat notchy to function. Otherwise, the elastic gearing permits you to run a higher equipment at lower rates; for example, we were able to drive in third gear between 20-30kmph, without having to downshift. On the flip side, in case you need to create a quick overtake, you would have to downshift to whizz past traffic. Nevertheless, the tall nature of the higher gears means that you can maintain cruising speeds at low rpms, which should translate to greater fuel economy.
Coming to the ride piece, the suspension rounds off bumps nicely and provides sufficient cushion over sharper edges. And as you build rate, the suspension cleans out undulations and maintains composure superbly. It is only when you suddenly encounter a tough patch at high speeds, when the ride unsettles slightly. Honda appears to have found a good balance between relaxation and sporty. It’s a good heft at city-speeds and weighs up adequately as the rate increases. And although it isn’t vague at the centre, we’d have expected more feedback. On the contrary, the wheels lack first bite but offer very good progression and stopping power. But you get a wooden or weathered texture in the pedal.
Should I buy Honda City 2020?
The All-New City is a persuasive package in the midsize sedan section that offers a sporty design, is filled with features, and features a comfortable and spacious cabin. The new City must appeal to the family man as well as the enthusiast in you, with its neutral street manners and the engaging drive encounter. And, in addition to the Honda connected car tech, it also receives a comprehensive security kit that includes six airbags, vehicle stability assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist and much more. What’s more, it also comes with a five-star safety score in ASEAN NCAP. If anything, then we would’ve appreciated a better infotainment system and quality plastics in the lower parts. However, these are not a deal-breaker for what the All-New City provides.
