The subcompact sedans segment is the gold mine of car brands in Mexico. The Honda City is the proposal of the Japanese firm for this segment, where the interior space, the level of equipment and fuel efficiency are crucial factors to please most consumers.
Looking at the second half of its generational life, the Honda City receives an aesthetic update and changes its origin; From now on, it is imported from China a fact that is not very relevant because the quality is the same as before. The real question is: in an increasingly competitive market, does the Honda City have what it takes to be a relevant option? We have put it to the test.
In Honda City, Genetics Rules
In the front, which is where the changes are centered, we find more stylized headlights that premiere daytime running lights. There is also a new bumper with features similar to those of the Honda Civic. At the rear, the news is summarized in a new design for the lower area of the bumper.
In everything else, the Honda City remains as we know it. It measures 4.45 meters and is consolidated as one of the largest subcompacts in its category, thanks to a platform shared with Honda Fit. The rear bench is able to perfectly accommodate three adults, at least along the length thanks to an almost flat transmission tunnel and a generous space for legs and head. Wide is where there are more limitations usual in the segment – so there will be two who travel best.
The Interiors Comply, but a Technological Review is Needed
The interiors of the Honda City are a technological bipolarity. On the one hand we have the wow factor of touch controls even for the air conditioning, but in the day to day they are not so practical, because the fidelity is not the same as touching a button or a knob. It happened to us that the windshield began to fog up with the moving car and locating the front defogger was a greater distraction than it would have been simply to feel the button.
On the other hand, is the infotainment system with 7-inch touch screen, which even has an HDMI connection port, but is not compatible with Android Auto or CarPlay or has navigation, in addition some graphics already accuse the passing of the years. Of course, it has Siri Eyes Free to control the voice commands of the Apple virtual assistant from the steering wheel.
In terms of finishes, the Honda City complies, although it is far from being the benchmark of its category. All plastics are hard and, although the assemblies are solid, we would have loved to find the same quality of the Fit in this car, because Honda City price range merits it. It is now manufactured in China, but Honda maintains its quality standards; if they don't tell us, we wouldn't have noticed.
The equipment qualifies as complete, although the car's label suggests some extra elements, such as automatic lighting of lights, leather garments – although the quality of the fabric is quite good -, sunroof or navigation. As standard, this EX version has LED daytime running lights, smart key, audio controls and cruising speed at the wheel, infotainment with 7-inch screen, reverse camera, electrical equipment, 16-inch aluminum wheels and automatic air conditioning.
From the Steering Wheel is a very Comfortable Sedan
In the driving plane, the first thing that attracts attention is a very comfortable and easy to find driving position, in addition there is good visibility to all directions. At the wheel, the Honda City is a pretentious sedan, whose sole purpose is to take us from here to there without much difficulty. It is completely oriented to comfort and its calibration of suspensions knows it well: it correctly absorbs the multiple irregularities of Mexican streets.
The power is sufficient and the CVT transmission knows how to find a balance between performance and consumption. It maintains that artificial sensation of acceleration, but justifies it with good fuel efficiency: 12.4 km / l in urban environments. There is not a drop of fun in its handling, but it moves correctly … although, in our opinion, in the corner zone it leans more than we would like. Matter of being prudent.
The Product is Correct, Honda City Price
Thus, at first glance, the Honda City has just what the Mexican consumer is looking for in a sedan of this type: Reliability, interior space and good fuel efficiency. However, to be the leader, something else is needed.
For the 287,900 pesos that this version costs, the Honda City becomes one of the most expensive models in its category. It is very worthwhile in terms of space and consumption, but falls short in connectivity, quality and, above all, security. It would be a recommended product if it cost at least 40,000 pesos less; With rivals like KIA Rio Sedan, SEAT Toledo or even Dodge Neon, we don't know where the almost 290,000 pesos City costs go WapCar.my.
