Honda City VTi-L quick review

TELL ME ABOUT THIS CAR

The Honda City is a light sedan that is based on the Honda Jazz hatchback but with a longer wheelbase and added boot, which gives it exceptional interior and boot space.

It’s available in two main variants, the entry-level VTi, and VTi-L which has extra features including leather appointed interior, satellite navigation, power mirrors, foglights, climate control, keyless entry/start, security alarm, and alloy wheels.

The City is powered by an 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with a CVT auto gearbox. Unlike the VTi there’s no manual option for the VTi-L.

The Honda City VTi-L is priced from $21.590.

5

STRENGTHS

• The Honda City’s 4455mm length and 2600mm wheelbase is longer than most comparable sedans and hatches, including its Jazz sibling. It feels more planted on the road than most city cars and, unlike the Jazz, you don’t feel like you’re about to be blown away in strong winds.
• The extra length makes it one of the most practical sedans in its class. Boot space is a cavernous 536-litres, which is better than some SUVs, while rear legroom rivals some medium-sized cars.

5

• The CVT does a good job in getting the 1.5-litre engine up to speed and includes a Sport mode if you really need to dial in some extra revs.
• It’s not a car built for thrills but the addition of paddle shifters offers some hands-on driver enjoyment.
• The interior is well laid out and the dashboard presentation is neat with most displays and buttons intuitively located.
• Rear seat passengers get two 12v outlets to recharge devices.

5

• The chassis handles tight bends surprisingly well, yielding little in terms of lateral movement.
• Road and engine noise is well supressed even out on the highway.

WEAKNESSES

• The infotainment system is underwhelming with no Apple Car Play or Android Auto, whereas its messy radio interface and out-dated satellite navigation graphics make it look like its directing you back to the 1990s.
• Headroom in the back seats is limited by the sweeping roofline.

5

• Hard plastic surfaces on the dashboard and door trims undermine the decision to spend more on leather appointed trim.
• There’s no active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, which is becoming more common in the light car segment.

ANY RIVALS I SHOULD CONSIDER?

The Mazda 2 GT is the only light sedan on the market with similar features and price tag north of $20,000.