New 2014 Honda City review, test drive

Even from outside, this new Honda City is a good looker. Ignore the glaring band of chrome on the grille for a second and you will agree that the slim, almost delicate headlights look quite pleasing. The racy ‘arrowhead’ profile of the earlier City is also in use here. However, this City looks bigger and sits more confidently on the ground, the skinny tyres notwithstanding. The long slash down its flank makes it immediately distinctive too. The rear looks fantastic, with slim lamps spilling onto the boot. Since the car has grown longer by just 20mm and is no wider than the outgoing car, Honda has ensured the City remains apt for urban use.

 

So Honda’s fourth generation City is undoubtedly its most complete package yet. Its back seat will pamper passengers and the equipment list will rewrite expectations. However, it is the responsive and frugal motors that will form the bedrock for the City’s assault on the mid-size saloon category. The new Honda City has been priced competitively for its class, and quite aggressively against its main competitor, the segment-leading Hyundai Verna. The petrol range starts at an attractive Rs 7.42 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the manual in E trim, going up to Rs 10.98 lakh for the top-end VX automatic. The diesel, meanwhile, starts at Rs 8.62 lakh for the E trim and goes up to Rs 11.10 lakh for the fully loaded VX trim. It's clear that Honda is no longer simply charging a premium for its badge, and has instead tailored its product (and its price) to the demands of its buyers.