Production Models

The Honda City first was sold in the country as an entry-level subcompact four-door sedan. It has steadily grown with each generational makeover to near compact sedan size but remains being presented and sold as a subcompact.

The latest iteration of the Honda City in the country comes in five variants - the base model 1.5 S CVT, the 1.5 E MT, the 1.5 E CVT, the 1.5 VX Navi CVT and the 1.5 VX+ Navi CVT - ranging in price from Php 820,000 to the top in line Php 1.06 million pesos.

In this Car Review, we check out the Honda City 1.5 E CVT priced at Php 876,000.

The Honda City, with its angular lines and sharp creases, cuts a rather sleek figure on the road at 4440 millimeters long, 1695mm wide and 1477mm tall with 2,600mm-long wheel base and a 150mm ground clearance.

The City 1.5 E CVT exterior sports multi-reflector halogen headlights with LED Guide Type Daylight Running Lights, halogen foglights, fender-mounted turn signal lights, bulb type rear taillights, and high-mount stop lamp.

It also comes with body color door handles and sideview mirror housing, chromed trunk garnish, chromed front grille, a rear diffuser with integrated reflectors and shark fin antenna.

The 15-inch alloy wheels and 175/65 R15 tires also lend a touch of sporty to the 1.5 E CVT.

One attribute that stands out about the Honda City is its roomy interior for an entry level sedan.

The classy dark gray interior is complemented by the fabric upholstery of the seats.

The Gun Metallic console panel adds a bit of sporty character.

The front seats have adjustable headrests, and slide and recline. The driver's seat gets an added height adjuster, with 3-spoke steering wheel that tilts and telescopes help find the best driving position.

The fixed-type rear seats are comfortable while providing adequate leg-room for passengers.

The City comes with the standard conveniences like power windows, door locks, power-adjustable side view mirrors, airconditioning with manual rotary controls, map and dome lights.

Other conveniences include 2 cupholders, 4 bottle holders, ticket holder on sunvisors, coin and cardholder, grab rails, front and rear defoggers, day/night rear view mirror.

Onboard entertainment comes from an audio system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, a USB port and Bluetooth connection, plus audio controls on the steering wheel. The system plays through 4 speakers.

The Honda City 1.5 E CVT is powered by a 1,497cc gasoline 4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC engine with i-VTEC. This Euro 4 engine generates 120 horsepower at 6600 revolutions per minute and 145 Newton-meters of torque at 4800 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels via Honda's Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission.

Ride and handling benefit from Electric Power Steering and well-balanced tuning of a suspension system that features Independent MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer in Front and H-Shaped Torsion Beam with Stabilizer in the rear.

Stopping power comes from brakes using front ventilated discs and rear drums.

Safety in the City starts with the G-Force Control body structure. Then, there are active and passive safety systems. These include Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, side door beams, and Heel Protector for driver and front passenger.

The Honda 1.5 E CVT also comes with dual airbags, 3-point ELR seatbelts for all five cabin occupants, and Isofix child seat anchor.

Security comes from a keyless entry system that comes with Wave Key with Trunk Release Button, Alarm and Immobilizer.

The -Ber months are said to be the season for buying cars. The auto industry is counting on passenger car sales to help in its recovery as the economy slowly returns to normalcy. The Honda City should help in this.