2024 5th Gen Honda City MT: Few Observations after 1 month / 1100 km

There is no issue with ground clearance - the vehicle managed monstrous speed breakers with 5 on board without bottoming out even once during the entire trip. So, I can safely say that those having qualms about ground clearance can rest assured.

BHPian saket77 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The car completed 1 month yesterday and the current odometer stands exactly at 1100 KMS (65% highway and 35% city driving). It is also due for first service which would be done shortly.

During the highway drive with 5 adults and half boot luggage, after the first 160 kms, the FE displaying on MID was a staggering 25KMPL. Then after some mixed driving conditions and some frequent start-stops, the FE settled at 19KMPL after almost an 800 km drive with 100% AC.

Some observations after using the car for a month and after the long drive:

• There is no issue with ground clearance - the vehicle managed monstrous speed breakers with 5 on board without bottoming out even once during the entire trip. So, I can safely say that those having qualms about ground clearance can rest assured. The car is unlikely to scrape the bottom. Do note that I am riding on 195/55 against the 185/55 (stock).
• Even with outside temperature @44 degrees, the AC can chill the cabin and keep it that way for your entire journey. However, a car parked in sun, will take at least 10-15 minutes to cool down to your comfort. But once cooled, it can chill you to the bone.
• Fuel efficiency is respectable. The car can manage 19-20 KMPL with ease while cruising on highways.
• Wireless Apple Car play works very well for maps and music.
• Fixed armrest remains a sore point. I am 5'9" and wanted the armrest to be a little forward. A further drop in steering rake would have been preferred but not something that bothered much.
• Coming from Civic, I miss the bigger engine. This 1.5L is good but to get some serious performance, it needs to be revved hard. Thankfully, this loves revving but the Civic would blow this out of water in terms of in-gear acceleration, especially in the 4/5/6th gears. I don't know if there are performance differences between BS-6 and BS-4 engines of the City. Would love if someone who has a taste of both 4th Gen and 5th Gen City can elaborate on performance front.
• LED headlamps do not shake/ vibrate on regular highway rumble strips. However, some shake is noticed on rumble type speed breakers & may be some potholes when taken at some speed. Not a deal breaker by any means for me. But these LEDs are no match for halogen bulbs. They are alright in total dark but feel inadequate in dusk/ incoming traffic situations. Even at high beam, the throw doesn't reach that far and left me wanting for more. An upgrade might be needed in future.
• Driving dynamics of the car is good. High speed behaviour & braking ability are satisfactory with 195s on duty.
• Yokos BluEarth-GT tires are very grippy and dead silent on well laid tarmacs. On asphalt/ concrete roads, they surely generate some noise like any other tire. The BluEarths are definitely recommended.

Small Addition to the car:

The car has 2 USB ports- one exclusively to play music through a flash drive/ wired Carplay or Android Auto; while the other to power any 5V accessory. Since the 5V USB port is already in use for powering the dashcam, it is an issue if someone wants to charge their phone through cable. So, bought this small USB hub to create additional ports for power. It has a small form-factor and works well. However, due to position of the USB port on the car, the fast charge port cannot be used due to space constraints. This cannot be used on the music port as that doesn't support any hub.

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