Honda City review: Price, performance, specs, features & more!
The Honda City was once a popular light car option in Australia, but Honda Australia discontinued the model in 2020. This decision reflected declining sales in the small sedan segment, with Honda citing the segment as ‘dying’. Despite a new-generation City being introduced elsewhere in Asia, the current model sold only 625 units that year, a far cry from its launch-year success.
Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Spacious interior
- Reliable engine for smooth driving
- Competitive price
Cons:
- Lacks advanced safety features
- Parts and service availability might be an issue
- Higher maintenance costs
- New cars not available anymore
Discontinued in Australia, the Honda City carved a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency in the small sedan segment. On the used market, a City could still be a good buy, offering a frugal 1.5-litre petrol engine and comfortable seating for five in its four-door sedan body style. However, the trade-off is the lack of newer cars' latest safety features and technology. Parts and servicing might also become more challenging. The Honda City prices could range from $13,250 to $20,400. While you won't find the car new anymore, you can still find a used Honda City for sale at CARS24.
So, should you consider a used Honda City in 2024? Let’s find out!
| Variants | Price range (2019) | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda City VTi | $13,250 - $18,200 | Petrol | 5.8 L/100km |
| Honda City VTi-L | $15,000 - $20,400 | Petrol | 5.9 L/100km |
Exteriors
The Honda City showcased a stylish, contemporary look in Australia with a standout front grille and crisp angles.
Styling elements
While the Honda City is no longer gracing Australian showrooms, its exterior design sported an interesting evolution. Early models leaned towards a boxy silhouette, offering a practical and no-nonsense aesthetic. As the Honda City matured, the design language embraced a sleeker, more contemporary look. The final generation, for instance, featured a prominent grille and sharp body lines, giving it a more dynamic presence. However, practicality remained a core principle. The four-door sedan body ensured easy passenger entry and decent cargo space for a car of its size, while the compact dimensions made navigating tight city streets a breeze.
Colour options
The stylish Honda City sedan is offered in five eye-catching colours: Rally Red, Cosmic Blue, Lunar Silver, Platinum White, and Modern Steel.
Wheel design
The Honda City sedan rolls on 175x65 R15 tyres, paired with 15-inch rims for balanced performance and comfort. This setup ensures stability and smooth handling, is ideal for city and highway cruising, and enhances the overall driving experience.
Interiors
The interior design of the Honda City in Australia focuses on functionality, providing passengers with a comfortable and practical space.
Interior layout and space
The four-door sedan offered seating for five with decent headroom and legroom, particularly for a small car. The car's wider cabin results in a shoulder room of 1260mm, providing ample space, complemented by a legroom of 870mm. The dashboard layout prioritised usability with clear buttons and dials to easily control essential functions. While the fabric material of the seats might not be the most luxurious, they are durable and easy to maintain.
Comfort and ergonomics
The main focus was to design a cosy environment for daily commutes. The seats provided good support, and the straightforward control layout reduced distractions during driving. A Driver's footrest is included for added comfort behind the wheel.
Boot
The Honda City's spacious boot capacity of 506 litres ensures ample room to accommodate luggage and cargo for various needs, whether daily commuting or road trips. This generous capacity enhances practicality, making it suitable for carrying a range of items comfortably and efficiently.
Technology and infotainment
Although you can no longer find a new Honda City in Australia, let's explore the technology and infotainment features it had when it was still being sold.
Infotainment & connectivity
The Honda City featured a modern infotainment system centred around a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen display. This advanced interface served as the central hub for accessing various vehicle functions, eliminating the need for traditional buttons and knobs. The touchscreen interface is designed for ease of use, allowing drivers to effortlessly control music playback, access navigation (if equipped), and manage phone connectivity. Its intuitive layout minimised distractions, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
Multi-function steering wheel controls
The Honda City's steering wheel has integrated controls, enhancing convenience. These controls will enable drivers to adjust audio volume, take calls, and navigate through infotainment menus while keeping their hands firmly on the wheel.
Multi-information display
Complementing the infotainment system is a seamlessly integrated multi-information display within the instrument cluster. This display provides additional trip details and essential vehicle information beyond the standard gauges, enhancing the driver's awareness and convenience.
Performance and engine
The Honda City in Australia prioritised reliability and fuel efficiency over high-performance figures. This focus is evident in the car's engine and overall driving experience. The Honda City comes with a 1.5-litre engine naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine isn’t known for raw power but delivers a smooth and predictable driving experience.
Engine specifications
The Honda City comes in two variants. The Honda City VTi and VTi-L are powered by a 1.5-liter aspirated petrol engine, delivering 118 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. These engines provide sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising, ensuring a balanced performance suitable for everyday commuting and occasional long-distance trips. The similarity in power and torque between the VTi and VTi-L variants underscores their focus on reliable performance and fuel efficiency, catering to diverse driver preferences and needs.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda City VTi | 4cyl 1.5L Aspirated Petrol | 118 hp | 145 Nm |
| Honda City VTi-L | 4cyl 1.5L Aspirated Petrol | 118 hp | 145 Nm |
Transmission
The Honda City offers two types of transmission: a 5-speed manual for a more hands-on driving experience or a variable-speed CVT for smooth gear transitions, making your drive comfortable and effortless on any road.
Handling
While the Honda City in Australia wasn't a champion on racetracks, its handling focused on practicality for city driving. The compact size and lightweight build made navigating tight streets and parking a breeze. The suspension prioritised a smooth ride over sharp handling, ideal for bumpy city roads but less suited for high-speed cornering. Some models had electric power steering, offering a light touch at low speeds but not providing the desired feel for highway driving. Overall, the city's handling aimed to ensure comfort and manoeuvrability in everyday driving scenarios.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is definitely a strong suit for Honda City in Australia. While exact figures might vary depending on the model year and driving conditions, the Honda City is known to achieve fuel consumption of 5.8 to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km). This translates to excellent real-world mileage, making it a cost-effective option for daily commutes, errands, and even longer road trips.
Safety features
The Honda City, no longer available in the Australian market, may not boast cutting-edge safety technology given its discontinued status, which makes current official safety ratings unavailable. However, it likely came equipped with fundamental safety features that were standard for its time, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags. While Honda has a strong reputation for safety, emphasising impact absorption and occupant protection, it's essential to note that advanced driver-assistance systems, now commonplace, may not be present. If prioritising the latest safety technology is crucial to you, it's advisable not to rely solely on the City's historical safety credentials.
Some of these safety features include:
- Multiple Airbags: Front, side, and rear airbags for enhanced protection
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Control System
- Seat Belt Warning
- Rear Camera
- Crash Sensors
- Engine Check Warning
While no longer available new, the Honda City boasted a competitive 5-star ANCAP safety rating before its discontinuation in Australia.
Ownership experience
The Honda City owners' consensus about owning the car leans towards positive aspects like good fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and decent comfort during driving. However, some owners have reported issues, such as a slight swaying sensation when driving over 120 km/h on highways, particularly with the E spec model. This is attributed to smaller rims, prompting suggestions to upgrade to larger ones. There's uncertainty about whether higher-spec variants face similar issues or offer better stability. Suggestions from the community vary, with recommendations ranging from installing a strut bar to upgrading tyre sizes as potential solutions. Overall, while there's an appreciation for its practicality and efficiency, concerns over stability at higher speeds highlight areas where improvements could enhance the driving experience.
Major strengths
- Excellent fuel efficiency, making it cost-effective for daily commutes.
- Spacious interior with ample legroom and headspace for passengers.
- Reliable engine performance ensures a smooth and consistent drive.
- A user-friendly infotainment system enhances driving comfort and convenience.
- Competitive pricing in its segment offers value for money when purchasing.
Major drawbacks
- Small rims may affect stability, particularly at speeds exceeding 120 km/h.
- Limited advanced safety features compared to newer models in the market.
- Availability of spare parts may become an issue after discontinuation.
- Potential for higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages.
- Mixed reviews on handling and manoeuvrability, especially in tight urban settings.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
Under Honda's warranty terms, the City model is covered for five years with unlimited kilometres for vehicles used non-commercially. The warranty extends to five years or 140,000 kilometres for commercial use, whichever comes first. Additionally, Honda offers capped servicing for five years, requiring maintenance every six months or 10,000 kilometres, with an average cost of $309 per service. This capped servicing plan totals $3,090 over the five-year period, providing clarity and predictability in maintenance costs for City owners.
Verdict
The Honda City may no longer be available as a new car in Australia, but it definitely left its mark during its time in the market. Known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and dependable engine, this car has become a sought-after option in the used car market. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. While it offers practicality and affordability, you may miss out on the latest safety features and technology present in newer models. Additionally, finding parts and servicing might pose some challenges. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences. The Honda City could be a great choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly, reliable vehicle for city driving and occasional road trips. But if you prioritise advanced safety features and are concerned about long-term ownership costs, exploring newer models might be a better option.
The Honda City was once a popular light car option in Australia, but Honda Australia discontinued the model in 2020. This decision reflected declining sales in the small sedan segment, with Honda citing the segment as ‘dying’. Despite a new-generation City being introduced elsewhere in Asia, the current model sold only 625 units that year, a far cry from its launch-year success.
Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Spacious interior
- Reliable engine for smooth driving
- Competitive price
Cons:
- Lacks advanced safety features
- Parts and service availability might be an issue
- Higher maintenance costs
- New cars not available anymore
Discontinued in Australia, the Honda City carved a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency in the small sedan segment. On the used market, a City could still be a good buy, offering a frugal 1.5-litre petrol engine and comfortable seating for five in its four-door sedan body style. However, the trade-off is the lack of newer cars' latest safety features and technology. Parts and servicing might also become more challenging. The Honda City prices could range from $13,250 to $20,400. While you won't find the car new anymore, you can still find a used Honda City for sale at CARS24.
So, should you consider a used Honda City in 2024? Let’s find out!
| Variants | Price range (2019) | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda City VTi | $13,250 - $18,200 | Petrol | 5.8 L/100km |
| Honda City VTi-L | $15,000 - $20,400 | Petrol | 5.9 L/100km |
Exteriors
The Honda City showcased a stylish, contemporary look in Australia with a standout front grille and crisp angles.
Styling elements
While the Honda City is no longer gracing Australian showrooms, its exterior design sported an interesting evolution. Early models leaned towards a boxy silhouette, offering a practical and no-nonsense aesthetic. As the Honda City matured, the design language embraced a sleeker, more contemporary look. The final generation, for instance, featured a prominent grille and sharp body lines, giving it a more dynamic presence. However, practicality remained a core principle. The four-door sedan body ensured easy passenger entry and decent cargo space for a car of its size, while the compact dimensions made navigating tight city streets a breeze.
Colour options
The stylish Honda City sedan is offered in five eye-catching colours: Rally Red, Cosmic Blue, Lunar Silver, Platinum White, and Modern Steel.
Wheel design
The Honda City sedan rolls on 175x65 R15 tyres, paired with 15-inch rims for balanced performance and comfort. This setup ensures stability and smooth handling, is ideal for city and highway cruising, and enhances the overall driving experience.
Interiors
The interior design of the Honda City in Australia focuses on functionality, providing passengers with a comfortable and practical space.
Interior layout and space
The four-door sedan offered seating for five with decent headroom and legroom, particularly for a small car. The car's wider cabin results in a shoulder room of 1260mm, providing ample space, complemented by a legroom of 870mm. The dashboard layout prioritised usability with clear buttons and dials to easily control essential functions. While the fabric material of the seats might not be the most luxurious, they are durable and easy to maintain.
Comfort and ergonomics
The main focus was to design a cosy environment for daily commutes. The seats provided good support, and the straightforward control layout reduced distractions during driving. A Driver's footrest is included for added comfort behind the wheel.
Boot
The Honda City's spacious boot capacity of 506 litres ensures ample room to accommodate luggage and cargo for various needs, whether daily commuting or road trips. This generous capacity enhances practicality, making it suitable for carrying a range of items comfortably and efficiently.
Technology and infotainment
Although you can no longer find a new Honda City in Australia, let's explore the technology and infotainment features it had when it was still being sold.
Infotainment & connectivity
The Honda City featured a modern infotainment system centred around a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen display. This advanced interface served as the central hub for accessing various vehicle functions, eliminating the need for traditional buttons and knobs. The touchscreen interface is designed for ease of use, allowing drivers to effortlessly control music playback, access navigation (if equipped), and manage phone connectivity. Its intuitive layout minimised distractions, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
Multi-function steering wheel controls
The Honda City's steering wheel has integrated controls, enhancing convenience. These controls will enable drivers to adjust audio volume, take calls, and navigate through infotainment menus while keeping their hands firmly on the wheel.
Multi-information display
Complementing the infotainment system is a seamlessly integrated multi-information display within the instrument cluster. This display provides additional trip details and essential vehicle information beyond the standard gauges, enhancing the driver's awareness and convenience.
Performance and engine
The Honda City in Australia prioritised reliability and fuel efficiency over high-performance figures. This focus is evident in the car's engine and overall driving experience. The Honda City comes with a 1.5-litre engine naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine isn’t known for raw power but delivers a smooth and predictable driving experience.
Engine specifications
The Honda City comes in two variants. The Honda City VTi and VTi-L are powered by a 1.5-liter aspirated petrol engine, delivering 118 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. These engines provide sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising, ensuring a balanced performance suitable for everyday commuting and occasional long-distance trips. The similarity in power and torque between the VTi and VTi-L variants underscores their focus on reliable performance and fuel efficiency, catering to diverse driver preferences and needs.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda City VTi | 4cyl 1.5L Aspirated Petrol | 118 hp | 145 Nm |
| Honda City VTi-L | 4cyl 1.5L Aspirated Petrol | 118 hp | 145 Nm |
Transmission
The Honda City offers two types of transmission: a 5-speed manual for a more hands-on driving experience or a variable-speed CVT for smooth gear transitions, making your drive comfortable and effortless on any road.
Handling
While the Honda City in Australia wasn't a champion on racetracks, its handling focused on practicality for city driving. The compact size and lightweight build made navigating tight streets and parking a breeze. The suspension prioritised a smooth ride over sharp handling, ideal for bumpy city roads but less suited for high-speed cornering. Some models had electric power steering, offering a light touch at low speeds but not providing the desired feel for highway driving. Overall, the city's handling aimed to ensure comfort and manoeuvrability in everyday driving scenarios.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is definitely a strong suit for Honda City in Australia. While exact figures might vary depending on the model year and driving conditions, the Honda City is known to achieve fuel consumption of 5.8 to 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km). This translates to excellent real-world mileage, making it a cost-effective option for daily commutes, errands, and even longer road trips.
Safety features
The Honda City, no longer available in the Australian market, may not boast cutting-edge safety technology given its discontinued status, which makes current official safety ratings unavailable. However, it likely came equipped with fundamental safety features that were standard for its time, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags. While Honda has a strong reputation for safety, emphasising impact absorption and occupant protection, it's essential to note that advanced driver-assistance systems, now commonplace, may not be present. If prioritising the latest safety technology is crucial to you, it's advisable not to rely solely on the City's historical safety credentials.
Some of these safety features include:
- Multiple Airbags: Front, side, and rear airbags for enhanced protection
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Control System
- Seat Belt Warning
- Rear Camera
- Crash Sensors
- Engine Check Warning
While no longer available new, the Honda City boasted a competitive 5-star ANCAP safety rating before its discontinuation in Australia.
Ownership experience
The Honda City owners' consensus about owning the car leans towards positive aspects like good fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and decent comfort during driving. However, some owners have reported issues, such as a slight swaying sensation when driving over 120 km/h on highways, particularly with the E spec model. This is attributed to smaller rims, prompting suggestions to upgrade to larger ones. There's uncertainty about whether higher-spec variants face similar issues or offer better stability. Suggestions from the community vary, with recommendations ranging from installing a strut bar to upgrading tyre sizes as potential solutions. Overall, while there's an appreciation for its practicality and efficiency, concerns over stability at higher speeds highlight areas where improvements could enhance the driving experience.
Major strengths
- Excellent fuel efficiency, making it cost-effective for daily commutes.
- Spacious interior with ample legroom and headspace for passengers.
- Reliable engine performance ensures a smooth and consistent drive.
- A user-friendly infotainment system enhances driving comfort and convenience.
- Competitive pricing in its segment offers value for money when purchasing.
Major drawbacks
- Small rims may affect stability, particularly at speeds exceeding 120 km/h.
- Limited advanced safety features compared to newer models in the market.
- Availability of spare parts may become an issue after discontinuation.
- Potential for higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages.
- Mixed reviews on handling and manoeuvrability, especially in tight urban settings.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
Under Honda's warranty terms, the City model is covered for five years with unlimited kilometres for vehicles used non-commercially. The warranty extends to five years or 140,000 kilometres for commercial use, whichever comes first. Additionally, Honda offers capped servicing for five years, requiring maintenance every six months or 10,000 kilometres, with an average cost of $309 per service. This capped servicing plan totals $3,090 over the five-year period, providing clarity and predictability in maintenance costs for City owners.
Verdict
The Honda City may no longer be available as a new car in Australia, but it definitely left its mark during its time in the market. Known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and dependable engine, this car has become a sought-after option in the used car market. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. While it offers practicality and affordability, you may miss out on the latest safety features and technology present in newer models. Additionally, finding parts and servicing might pose some challenges. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences. The Honda City could be a great choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly, reliable vehicle for city driving and occasional road trips. But if you prioritise advanced safety features and are concerned about long-term ownership costs, exploring newer models might be a better option.
