Driveline
The familiar 1,498 cc four cylinder i-DTEC diesel mill from the Amaze makes it to the City, in exactly the same state of tune. This means statistics of 100 PS at 3,600 RPM and 200 Nm at 1,750 RPM, harnessed by a new six-speed manual transmission.
The petrol engine from the previous generation is the well-known 1,497 cc four cylinder i-VTEC developing 119 PS at 6,600 RPM and 145 Nm at 4,600 RPM. Customers can choose from between a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
On The Go
Start up the i-DTEC engine and you know immediately that it is a diesel! The gear lever does not slot in too smoothly; that being said, there is very little turbo lag, but enthusiasts will rue the absence of more top-end power.
The i-VTEC engine is as smooth and quiet as ever – I infact did not realise the engine was on and ended up pressing the Start/Stop button and switching it off! The CVT however holds on to the revs till quite high up, and then suddenly eases off; the paddle shifters though lend a sporty feel. The CVT also includes an ‘Eco Lamp’ which, when pressed, optimises the engine characteristics and air conditioning to maximise fuel efficiency.
Ride and Handling
Honda has got the suspension setup just right, with a proper balance between a comfortable ride and fairly sporty handling.
Less-than-smooth surfaces typical of city roads pose no problem for the City – the suspension sufficiently smoothens out most bumps and ensures a compliant ride. At higher speeds and on highways too, the ride is very composed and you are assured of reaching your destination in comfort.
Handling for both engine variants is also very good, and the car grips the road well especially on turns. Even rapid lane changes, often necessitated with the way people drive on our roads, do not throw the car off its line.
In Summation
The City has enormous expectations to live up to. In its previous avatars, it has been the king of its segment, and only recently has competition usurped its crown. The fourth generation model doesn’t change much on the styling front, but the suspension allows for comfort and some fun too. So, if you want the premium and reassuring feel of a Honda car and can live with the largely indistinguishable looks, pull out your cheque book and drive away!
Story: Gaurav Nagpal
Photography: Rommel Albuquerque
