Introduction to Honda City Facelift
Recently, we added the Honda City facelift to our collection for long-term evaluation. I was eager to drive this sleek Obsidian Blue sedan equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). After being accustomed to the robust Tata Safari Storme 4×4 manual transmission as my everyday vehicle, this compact sedan presented a refreshing and enjoyable change, especially in the busy streets of the national capital. The timing could not be better, as my diesel Safari is often restricted during severe air quality conditions, which can be quite frustrating.
Exterior Appearance
One of the first things that stood out to me about the 5th-generation Honda City was its stylish design. With its facelift, the sedan now has a more youthful vibe, complemented by sharper bumpers and a revised grille. The Obsidian Blue color enhances the car’s premium look and adds to its appeal. Compared to my older 4th-generation Honda City, this new model truly grabs attention.
Handy Features
A small but impressive feature worth mentioning is the remote start function on the key fob. This tool is fantastic for warming the car up during chilly winters or cooling it down in the hot summer months of Delhi. However, it’s important to note that even with remote start, you must press the engine start button after stepping inside the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will shut off when you attempt to shift into drive.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The facelifted City comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which is particularly helpful for long drives on highways. However, I tend to keep this feature disabled in city traffic because it can be somewhat distracting. Unfortunately, the system resets every time you start the car, meaning you have to turn it off from the instrument settings each time, which can be a bit inconvenient. Thankfully, accessing these settings is simpler than in some other models, requiring just a few clicks on the steering wheel.
Upgraded Interior Quality
The interior of the 5th-generation City represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. The use of premium materials and a well-thought-out symmetrical design make the cabin feel upscale. A feature that particularly impressed me was the return of physical controls for the climate system, which are easier to use while driving compared to the troublesome touch-sensitive controls of my older model.
Infotainment System
Although the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system may seem basic with its average user interface, I had no issues with it. The screen is large enough to prevent distractions at night, and it automatically connects with wireless Apple CarPlay upon starting the vehicle. However, I felt that the addition of a 360-degree camera would have greatly enhanced visibility. The Lane Watch Assist feature, which helps eliminate blind spots, is a handy touch.
Performance Under the Hood
The 1.5L i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine continues to impress in the new model. This engine remains one of the best in its class—smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient. It possesses enough low-end grunt to enable seamless acceleration when needed, although it doesn’t provide the sudden burst of power that some turbocharged competitors offer. Instead, its performance is steady and easy to handle.
Driving Experience
Transitioning from the manual transmission of the Tata Safari to the City’s CVT was a breath of fresh air. Driving in Delhi’s notoriously congested traffic became effortless with the automatic gearbox. Compared to my previous experience with the Amaze CVT, the City’s larger engine offers a more responsive driving feel. It does tend to get noisy when accelerating hard, but decent throttle modulation can keep the noise down while enhancing fuel efficiency. I managed an impressive 13 km/l while navigating through Delhi, and I look forward to sharing my highway performance next.
Enhanced Ride Quality
The 5th-generation Honda City also displays noticeable improvements in ride quality. The vehicle absorbs bumps and potholes more adeptly than its predecessor. The overall handling remains sharp and agile, although I did observe some lateral movement when taking sharp corners. The ground clearance of 165 mm may seem low, but I haven’t encountered any issues while driving.
Conclusion
Overall, the Honda City facelift strikes a balance between comfort and enjoyable driving performance. It has been fun to experience the dual personality of this sedan—providing a comfortable commute by day and a thrilling experience when pushed to its limits at night. I look forward to sharing more insights and my experiences with this vehicle in my upcoming reports. The blend of practicality and fun makes the 5th-generation City a compelling option in its segment.
Final Thoughts
As I continue to explore the features and performance of the Honda City facelift, I’m excited about the potential it holds. This vehicle promises a driving experience that is not only efficient but also enjoyable. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway, the Honda City has a lot to offer. Stay tuned for more updates!
