The Hindu Business Line : The City goes sleeker

THE latest Honda City is an extremely focused and relevant product in the C-segment. But it had come under fire from car enthusiasts for its lack of power vis-à-vis at least one of the variants of its predecessor.

The old City was no cannon ball, but those who own its VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) version are obviously proud of the more powerful, hi-tech engine, as also some of the other features such as the twin exhaust.

So, despite being an extremely practical, fuel-efficient and VFM (value for money) car, it was only to be expected that the new City would be criticised for its lack of pep, especially as the old VTEC was still being preferred.

Even as the new City continues to be a hot favourite in the C-segment with a waiting period for delivery, Honda Siel Cars has chosen to redo the car that will make it look more `cool'. It has also brought back the VTEC. Perhaps just as well, for the City will soon have to face fresh competition from the recently-launched Ford Fiesta and, possibly, the new Hyundai Accent.

The new City ZX (pronounced ZEE-EX) will replace the existing City across all the variants. The ZX has seen considerable work done on the outside and so the car's exterior looks completely refreshed, though the overall body structure and profile havenot been tinkered with.

The ZX gets a new V-shaped front grille, its chrome garnishing exuding sophistication, and, of course, featuring the `H' brand. The headlamps are new ones and exude a blue charm. The three-dimensional projection lens headlights are meant to provide the best light distribution for wider lighting reach to improve safety and visibility. In addition to the unique blue parking light, the new headlamps are expected to help reduce eye fatigue during long night driving.

A crease that runs across the hood on the City, now cuts right through the chrome grille and even through the bumper, bettering its looks from the front. Honda says that the advanced shape provides excellent aerodynamics with sound aesthetics. Also the ZX sports a larger air-dam and new fog lamp design.

The ZX is also being offered with a novel roof-mounted antenna for better performance, minimal wind noise and superior aesthetics. The antenna is made of flexible material and can be easily unscrewed before washing or covering thecar.

At the rear, the ZX will feature new wrap-around tail-light clusters with a circular theme. The new tail lamps extend into the trunk lid, gel well with the in-built boot spoiler and highlight the ZX's character through its distinctive swept-up look.

The rear bumper has been redesigned. It is wider and looks sportier and elegant, thanks to the curved lip running the length at the bottom. New 14-inch tubeless tyres are fitted with newly designed wheel caps, which also have a three-dimensional `H' mark right in the centre.

Inside, the ZX gets a more hi-tech, high-grade, 2-DIN stereo with CD/ MP3 player and AM/FM tuner. The dual-tone grey and beige colour theme has been carried forward as have the unique three-dial instrument cluster and wood inserts. Other additions include the chrome inner door handles and the retractable cup-holders.

The old City was a bit unkind to `plus-size' drivers as it did not offer tilt steering. The ZX not only comes with a speed-sensitive electric power steering, but also offers tilt adjustment for a more customised driving position.

The ZX will offer better seating with firmer, better-designed seat squabs. Improved seating will include increased seat size, firmer support and enlarged frames. The improved seatback support (with protruding, firm foam material) will be complimented by an in-built armrest for rear passengers.

The other features of the current City which have gone well with its owners — the short 4.9-metre turning radius, superior suspension, efficient tropicalised air-conditioning, three-layer paint finish for the exteriors and the fuel-efficient i-DSI engine — have been retained.

In addition to the existing 1,497cc, dual spark plug, i-DSI (intelligent dual and sequential ignition) engine, Honda has now brought back its VTEC technology engine. The VTEC engine is the same size (1.5 litre) as the other power plants that the City is being offered with, but is much more powerful.

The 16-valve, VTEC engine generates a maximum power of 100 PS at 5,800 rpm, compared to the i-DSI engine's 77 PS at 5,000 rpm. The differential between the two engines in the peak torque department is not that high though, with the VTEC having an edge at 13.5 Kg-M compared to the i-DSI's 12.8 Kg-M.

However, the i-DSI engine is able to offer most of the peak torque at 2,700 rpm, much lower than the VTEC's relatively high 4,800 rpm.

Honda has completed all the requisite formalities for the launch of the new variants and also obtained the homologation certification. The new City ZX range will be available at Honda dealerships across the country by the end-November. Prices will vary from Rs 6.7 lakh to Rs 8.2 lakh depending on the variant and city of purchase.

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