PROS
-A well tuned suspension thats good to drive and has a comfortable ride
-Well calibrated steering system with good heft and feels direct unlike many others in the segment.
-VTEC engine loves revving hard for a spirited drive.
-Hybrid is super smooth with seamless shifts between EV mode and Hybrid mode
-Great fuel economy being hybrid
CONS
-5 lakhs premium for hybrid version is too steep and does not justify paying extra for fuel economy
-New infotainment system is difficult to read in daylight
-360 camera quality is mediocre
-tyre size could have been wider for a better stance
INTRODUCTION- SURVIVOR
1998 was the year when Honda officially came to India with their first offering as a premium midsize sedan named Honda city. Soon it became a family favourite by giving a sense of luxury on a budget with Honda reliability. Petrol-heads loved the high revving Vtec engines while others liked the status of a premium Japanese sedan. 28 years is too long, especially for a car, not to mention a sedan to survive in a market which had shifted towards diesel SUVs and MPVs. Facelift was really a surprise contrary to the assumption of Honda even exiting India.
EXTERIOR – SPORTY FACELIFT FOR A CAR
The main change comes to the front fascia which made dramatic improvements to provide a sporty and sharp looks to go along with the VTEC character which we will get back to later. Sleek headlamps matching with a repositioned bonnet line give it modern yet classy touch.
Clear rear-tailamps with white LED strip had been previously compared to BMWs, new update make it even sportier. New alloy-wheel design looks cool rather than classy design of the pre facelift version, although size still remains tiny for a car of this size = 185/55/R16
INTERIOR- FEATURED UP
New offerings like ventilated seats ,a larger touch infotainment with 360 degree parking makes it worthy for 20 lac car. However the camera quality is still mediocre and touchscreen is mostly not readable on a daylight which perhaps could ruin an otherwise excellent cabin experience with high quality materials and some clever features too like switchable wireless charging and sunblinds for rear window which feels nostalgic to millennials.
Rear seats experience is thrilled with abundance of space and comfort, more than adequate knee room with a footbed that’s little bit inclined to provide a more comfortable posture is simply Honda things.
ENGINES -CARRIED OVER
1.5 hybrid
Just like most Japanese hybrids, it is very smooth yet powerful providing excellent fuel economy. It runs on Atkinson cycle to facilitate better fuel consumption throughout. In most conditions it runs on EV mode with a ECON mode even making it run further on EV. It does feel powerful for most city commutes too. Nevertheless enthusiast should look elsewhere because of unexciting drive experience from a purists point of view. Rev it hard its only more noise without much momentum. Still the engine noise is sporty being a NA engine. So it is best driven in sedate manner for what it is meant to be. We do feel the electric torque during initial power-band that makes it very much effortless for city commutes.
1.5 VTEC –
This has to be the enthusiast choice. Period
This engine loves being revved even with the CVT gearbox. The power genuinely builds up in high rev range making the drive more desirable and fun with sweet engine note thats awesome like some sports cars. Its only the midrange that feels a bit weak which is acceptable for most NA engines. Triple digit speed is better held here unlike hybrid where there is a bit more drama and requires more effort to achieve so. High up the rev band VTEC shines whereas the hybrid feels powerful in the lower rev range. This could primarily attributed to the inherent nature of hybrid engine which runs on Atkinson cycle that priorities fuel economy over raw power.
In a nutshell, let’s say hybrid is best for high mileage users primarily having a relaxed driving manners whereas VTEC would be a better pick for those who seek a thrilling driving experience.
STEERING
The best steering system in the segment with a good amount of heft, and feels very direct unlike most others EPS system in the market right now.
RIDE AND HANDLING
Ride is unarguably an area where the honda city shines. It feels firm but is smooth over most broken patches with a sense of solidarity. At highway speeds it masks most undulations without being jittery. Hybrid variant does feel a bit more firm and weighty throughout the drive.
Handling is precise and sharp with good body control thanks to a direct steering thats great to hold as well. There is a good feel of connection with the car while driving it hard unlike many new age cars with lots of electronic intervention spoiling this sense of connection.
NVH
EV mode in hybrid is quiet as expected , revving the engine does makes things louder as from any NA engine note, however in VTEC too engine noise is almost nil at idle with ONLY VTEC roar at high revvs which does feel sporty. Road noise and Wind noise is well controlled without being bothersome. Surprisingly suspension noise is well filtered compared to past generations of city and on par with most midsize SUVS.
FUEL ECONOMY
Hybrids boasts upwards of 27 KMPL and VTEC claims around 18 KMPL. Real world results would expectedly depends on driving style and road conditions be it VTEC or hybrid. When driven with a light foot both engines might deliver excellent fuel economy, nevertheless in such scenario hybrid could deliver phenomenal results unbeatable for any normal engine. In city too hybrid engine would provide class leading running costs on par with most electric cars.
VERDICT
In an era where automobile industry is driven by SUVs, a sedan facelift may not be exciting to prospective customers, however Honda city comes as a more desirable option for those looking for no nonsense motoring and proven reliability. Better looks and enhanced features makes buying it even more reasonable for a car that is otherwise great to drive along with a comfortable and spacious backseat.
5 lakhs premium for hybrid does not justify the value quotient for what it offers as VTEC itself is reasonably economical to run if driven unenthusiastically. Having said that, my pick of the two engines would be the 1.5 VTEC as it feels more engaging to drive.
BOTTOMLINE
BUY HYBRID: for effortless driving experience with phenomenal fuel economy
BUY VTEC: for spirited and an engaging drive.