Honda City Car Review

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed Honda City VTi 1.5 litre petrol 5 speed auto $22,790* Other models priced from: City VTi 1.5 litre petrol 5 speed manual $20,490* HerCar 3 word summary Affordable Family Car

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The Honda City just doesn't quite add up to me. It's big on room, but lacks in the power stakes. It has a stylish contemporary exterior, with an outdated looking dash. The driver has great visibility, but your rear passengers (particularly your small ones) struggle to see out. Nonetheless, it is a package that will appeal to some. You've got 2 models to choose from, the higher spec VTi-L and the VTi. Both offer manual and auto. Our review focuses on the VTi auto.

Driver Comfort & Visibility
The seats are comfortable with a stylish black/grey trim. Visibility is great out each window, particularly the front. Everything is in easy reach of the driver and is easy to use. Cruise control (which is standard) and audio controls are located on the steering wheel, for greater convenience. Power windows and mirrors are also standard.

The Drive
The auto is a very simple car to drive. Unfortunately the auto gear stick is reminiscent of something from the 70's and adds to the somewhat outdated interior look. The auto struggles up hills and tends to groan loudly to let you know about it. But don't worry, for scooting around town, particularly in peak hour, the City is just fine.

Safety
The Honda City has most safety features covered including front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist. The main feature missing is Stability Control. There are child proof door locks and 3 child seat anchorage points.

Storage
Storage is a plus for the City. There's 7 drink holders-2 in the front doors, 2 in the front centre and 3 in the centre console for your front and rear passengers. The glove box is a good size, with door pockets in the front doors and a pocket on the back of the passenger seat. The boot space is great, which can be made even larger with the 60/40 split fold rear seat.

Rear Passenger Comfort
There's good leg and head room for your adult passengers. For the little ones, it's a challenge for them to see out as the seats are low and windows high. Child seats will overcome this problem. There's also a centre armrest that can help you divide and conquer any backseat arguments.

Green Factor
The fuel consumption is good, consuming 6.6 litres per 100kms. If you want slightly better fuel consumption, go for the manual. Although, according to my rough calculations, it's only going to save you about $60 a year on your fuel bill. The City also scores 4 stars in the Green Vehicle Guide rating and 7.5 /10 for its greenhouse rating.

Overall View
While our review is not glowing, the City does offer some good features including space, safety and fuel economy. It is really easy to drive and park and looks good sitting in the driveway!

If you're considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla, Proton Persona and Ford Focus.

To go to the Honda City website to find out more information click here.

Features of Model Reviewed

* Manufacturer's list price. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government charges.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.

Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Honda dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: June 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye