Honda City

The new Honda City is probably the most successful model marketed by Honda in the ASEAN region.The best part of the new City VTEC is the L15A VTEC engine. This is a 16V SOHC version of the L15A engine. It is rated for 110ps and has 4 extra valves and is equipped with VTEC, using the standard 1 spark-plug per cylinder.

The City’s cabin has been designed to maximize space and there really is a lot of space inside it. The City VTEC is really very comfortable – plush and comfortable, loads of legroom and headroom. Yet the City VTEC is not perfect. On the highway, at medium to high speeds, a slight amount of wind noise can be heard inside the City’s cabin. Simple, ergonomic controls, uncluttered dashboard layout, an adjustable steering wheel, easy to read instruments make everyday life with this car as hassle-free as possible.

The engine’s selling point is its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control mechanism. This increases the combustion efficiency and enhances the power delivery characteristics.

The City VTEC is equipped with a very slick five-speed gearbox which transfers its 101PS to the front wheels. The City VTEC won’t provide astounding performance though since it has a kerb weight of 1065 kilos, which can be hauled by the 101PS only to a limited extent. The City VTEC goes from zero to 60km/h in 5.46 seconds, from zero to 100km/h in 11.52 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 185km/h. Since it has a light clutch, really smooth gearbox and a tractable engine, driving the City VTEC over long distances leaves you relaxed and comfortable. The car also averages a very economic 17kmpl, so there is a nice mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

The City VTEC’s suspension system employs McPherson struts at front and H-type torsion beam suspension at the rear. Spring and damper rates have been tweaked and have been firmed up at both front and rear. Since it has 14-inch wheels running on 175/65 rubber, road holding is quite adequate. The VTEC gets disc brakes both in the front as well as in the rear.

The City VTEC’s weight to power ratio is better than any other car in its class. The 16 valve MPFI engine provides 100 bhp in the 1.5 litre engine model and 90 bhp for the 1.3 litre engine. Other features include internally adjustable rear view mirrors; rear centre armrest, body colour bumpers, remote fuel cap release, remote hood release, childproof rear door locks, trunk light, driver’s tray and pocket, intermittent wipers with mist plus optional alloy wheels are available as well.