- Good
- Refined engine
- Generous cabin space
- Huge boot
- Solid build quality
- Bad
- Expensive for segment
- Engine needs more torque
- Average dynamics
- Stability control not available until 2010
Price and equipment
The sedan, starting at $20,490, carries a premium of between $500 and $800 over the equivalent Jazz. Drive has already criticised the Jazz for being dearer than its rivals, and the City’s pricing pushes it closer to the lower end of the small-car segment where bigger engines are the norm.
The City has just two trim levels compared with the Jazz’s three, with the VTi and VTi-L offering virtually identical equipment to the hatchback’s mid- (VTi) and top-spec (VTi-S) models.
After recently stepping out of the similar sized and priced new Kia Cerato, the City’s standard features list feels a tad stingy.
The VTi includes 15-inch steel wheels, air-con, keyless entry, power windows and a single-CD audio. Pay another $2500 to step into the VTi-L (starting from $22,990) and additions include (very stylish) 16-inch alloys, foglights, leather steering wheel, higher-spec trim, rear armrest and a chrome exhaust.
Under the bonnet
Honda engines have a reputation for preferring high revs over mid-range torque, and the City’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder – shared with the Jazz, remember - is no different.
Peak power of 88kW (joint highest in the class with Ford’s new Fiesta) arrives at 6600rpm, though the engine’s best work is done a few hundred revs shy of that mark.
While more pulling power would be beneficial, revving the engine isn’t an unpleasant experience when it’s mated to the standard five-speed manual (the auto is less inspiring). While the 1.5 starts to get loud at higher revs, it’s never coarse.
It is noticeable on the freeway, though, sounding busy with 3200rpm at 110km/h.
The manual gearbox provides a positive and accurate shift action and combines nicely with the City’s well weighted clutch pedal.
Choose the five-speed auto – a rather pricey $2300 option – and it will do a good job of picking the right gear and keeping the engine on the boil around town. It also ensures the City is no slouch off the mark.
The City weighs about 40kg more than the Jazz but is actually slightly more fuel efficient – 6.3L/100km (6.6 auto) – thanks to its more slippery aerodynamics. Fuel economy isn’t class-leading, though.
How it drives
The City’s suspension – whether on 15-inch (VTi) or 16-inch (VTi-L) tyres - is reasonably effective at soaking up bumps, with only sharper road joins and deeper potholes jolting occupants.
The springs and dampers, though, are biased towards comfort rather than sporty. When the road starts to wend, you’ll know why this car isn’t called the Honda Country.
While the tyres offer decent grip, the City turns into corners without much enthusiasm and once it does there’s plenty of body roll.
The body just gets flummoxed if you ask it to change direction quickly.
The electric steering is another nail in the City’s dynamics coffin. Inconsistent weighting and general vagueness forces the driver to make constant steering inputs while cornering.
At least the brakes are strong, though they felt better in the VTi-L we tested with a manual gearbox. In the auto VTi, the brakes were grabby and lacking in pedal feel.
Wind, tyre and engine noise can all be noticeable at higher speeds, though none is ever intrusive.
Comfort and practicality
The Jazz boasts the best packaging of any hatchback in the light-car segment, and there are flow-on benefits for the City. The sedan’s 510mm-longer body and rising beltline help to create a cavernous boot that, at 506 litres, is even bigger than the Holden Commodore’s. There’s even a full-size spare wheel.
The City’s interior, though, isn’t as cleverly versatile as the Jazz’s for accommodating large pieces of luggage or lifestyle equipment. The rear seats split-fold 60/40, but they don’t fold flat or flush to the huge rear boot.
There’s no problem fitting adults in the rear. A 50mm wheelbase stretch over the Jazz delivers generous legroom for rear-seat passengers, though tall occupants will be brushing their hair against the roof lining.
Storage options are not in plentiful supply. There are only seat map pockets and three cupholders in the rear, while up front the glovebox and console bin (VTi-L only; VTi has three extra cupholders instead) are both small. Doorpockets are also limited in size, moulded to hold water bottles with the words Mount Franklin rather than Pump.
Parts of the dash and door trim have been designed to look like soft-touch material, but hard plastics rule the City’s roost.
There’s a more pleasing quality to the tactility of buttons throughout the cabin, even if Honda continues to give the impression it builds its cars for myopics by serving up more large switches and dials that also feature big lettering.
Even if you’ve got 20/20 vision, you won’t find presets for the City’s radio.
The driver’s seat is comfortable, though only the VTi-L offers a steering wheel with both tilt and reach adjustment.
Safety
Six standard airbags are commendable, though because the City shares its mechanicals with the Jazz it means it joins the hatch in missing stability control. Honda Australia says it will be able to offer stability control with both models in 2010.
Overall verdict
- Three Half Star
The City impresses with its driveline refinement and build quality (the doors and boot shut with a pleasing thunk, for example). And though the sedan’s interior misses the clever flexibility of the Jazz hatch, there is an abundance of space for both passengers and luggage.
However, while other new cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Mazda3 have a maturity that can transcend their respective segments and not disappoint buyers downsizing from a segment above, the City feels, looks and drives like a light car. Yet it’s priced more like a small car – and misses out on stability control.
Nuts & Bolts
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| Price | From $20,490 |
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| Country Of Origin | Thailand |
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| Engine Size/Type | 1.5-litre four-cylinder |
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| Power | 88kW at 6600rpm |
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| Torque | 145Nm at 4800rpm |
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| Transmission/Driven Wheels | five-speed manual; (optional) five-speed auto |
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| Fuel Consumption | 6.3L/100km (manual) and 6.6L/100km (auto) |
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| Safety Equipment | six airbags. Stability control not available |
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| CO2 emissions | 148g/km (manual) and 156g/km ( auto) |
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| Resale | The increasing popularity of lights cars is keeping resales healthy, though the City is predicted slightly faster than the rival Toyota Yaris sedan. |
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