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5th-gen Honda City Petrol CVT: Initial Ownership Experience

9th August 2021, 16:02 by Rahul Nagaraj

Overtaking is also quicker compared to the previous generation Honda City model. Maybe this new DOHC layout has given an adequate rush of power.

BHPian Rudra28 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Generations have seen Honda Cars and Honda has proved their ability in the game. I wanted to write a small informative review about my new car with a few pics because all our experts & senior BHPians would have already posted 1000s of pics and my information would definitely not outweigh their experienced reviews.

Details:

Honda City 5th-Gen

Model: May 2021
Colour: Golden Brown Metallic
Variant VX CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Dealer: Dakshin Honda, Bangalore

Options considered: None.

My impressions:

Likes:

Classy design, elegant, No Nonsense or swanky or sporty looks
Finally after 2 decades, DOHC layout adding extra 2 BHP
Quality interiors, spacious cabin, Best in class seating
Partial Digital cluster with GMeter, DTE, IC, Tyre deflation status & many more
Safety first value proposition from Honda is great - VSA, Airbags, TDFS, VSA, HHA
Sunroof for VX variant
16-inch Spare alloy
Infotainment system - Though display should have been better, I liked it
Engine guard
Auto dimming mirror
Nicely designed seats - Feels premium and comfortable
No interior dashboard/ door noise
Powered with technology - Alexa, Honda Connect app loaded with features like Find my car, trip log, service booking etc.

Dislikes:

No Wireless charging, ventilated seats
Poor reverse camera
Limited Alexa functionality
Very light weight
Engine cacophony sometimes (Verna Petrol Automatic seems more refined I felt). Insulation could have been improved
Bridgestone Ecopia tyres - Ultra crap
Low 165 mm GC
Hit 80 km/h and above; you get annoying alarms

What would have been good for this price range?

Wireless charging, ventilated seats
A 1.5L Turbo engine with at least 20 kg.m torque (If by chance Honda comes with this option, price would be Rs 25 lakhs)
Sturdy body
195 tyres
Tyre pressure monitoring system with PSI reading.

Driving Impressions:

With burgeoning petrol price (Special thanks to our government), fuel efficiency is of utmost importance where I get 8.5 km/l to 10 km/l in Bangalore city driving conditions (80% City/ Drive mode & 20% ECO mode based on traffic conditions). Long drive yet to make. However, a small drive in NICE Road for about 50 km gave me a fuel efficiency of 18.5 km/l with 'Sports' mode paddle shifters, maintaining a speed range between 100 to 120 km/h. Please note that fuel efficiency figures are from MID. Cruise mode was ON intermittently. I run with Nitrogen - 32 front & 31 rear.

I felt a smoother driving experience in the new Honda City with good power delivery at all speeds, though turbo component is missing. Overtaking is also quicker compared to the previous generation Honda City model. Maybe this new DOHC layout has given adequate rush of power. I personally liked that Sporty noise at higher rpms. Honda should have increased torque by 2 or 3 kgm, for better cruising. Cornering capabilities are quite ok, but you don’t get that confidence because of the 185-section tyres. Many say Honda has soft suspensions, but I feel it is stiff - Soft suspension better than the old Honda Citys. Steering is much responsive and tighter as compared to its closest rival, the Hyundai Verna.

Car manages minor road bumps and potholes easily. GC is always a matter of concern with Honda. Probably, getting ROGER AB suspension buffer helps. I have to try it out soon.

Braking is directly proportional to the level of confidence a driver gets, especially in highway driving. Honda needs to improve on this aspect. I witnessed puffiness while applying brakes. Need to check it during 1st service.

Accessories from showroom:

Rear bumper centre garnish - 3699
Front bumper centre garnish - 2599
Window chrome molding - 3099
Rain visor with chrome lining - 4500
Basic accessories with Pathetic mats, which I got free of cost; I disposed it next day itself.

Accessories fitted outside:

OEM fitting Stanley Touch Classic leather seats from Epona Lifestyle. Basically, wherever the body is in contact, its Stanley leather and sides / backside, its PU leather. You do not feel any difference in colour. It's beautifully tailored / custom-made. Additionally dashboard trim, door trim, armrest both front & back are fitted with Stanley touch classic leather. All for 30 K. Just a suggestion - If you are getting the fitment outside, please do consider Airbag sensor fitted properly else you get a notification. Please do not get non-OEM seat fitting; it looks ugly and shabby for such a premium car in its segment. I purchased TurtleWax Luxe leather cleaner and I must say, it does the job perfectly and no complaints. Just spray and wipe using Micro Fibre cloth. That is all you need to do maintain leather seats.

3d Beige colour Kagu mats for 8k in Konark - The House of Car Accessories. I made a mistake and purchased old gen Honda city mats. Nevertheless, it fits well and gives premium feel

Technology:

Technologically, it’s a superior car in the segment, but Hyundai is way better in terms of technology transformation. Hyundai change cars technology features faster than software regression test automation suite upgrade.

Honda City Alexa feature is fun and needful as well. Especially during summer, you can ask Alexa to start the Engine and AC a few minutes before you get inside the car. I also liked Honda Connect App where you can book service, track the car, completed trips, driving score, boot open, check car lock/ unlock status etc.

One comedy is that sales guys do not have any idea on how Alexa works. When I asked them to configure, they said - Sir, you need have Alexa Echo device. Honda connects to that device and that device connects to your car. Then I asked them, what if I turn-off that device or what if the WIFI is off. They said sorry sir, it should be ON always. Lol. I asked them to share the tech document and I showed them how to configure. They cut a sorry face and says this dealership does not train / mentor us. Lol. You see technically incompetent people selling premium cars.

Dealership experience:

The goods: On-time delivery, discount on accessories, faster loan processing, accessories, registration. I got Zero Dep insurance outside at just 37K where dealer quoted 52K.

The odds: Sales guys with Alexa capabilities. Lol.

Well, I conclude with this. Please let me know your feedback. With all your wishes, I am hoping to enjoy drives safely and responsibly.

I do have a few questions. Need expert opinions:

Honda has Mineral, Synthetic, Synthetic 2.0 engine oils - Which one is better and which one is used? And is it good to change after 3000 km run, to avoid mirroring? I asked service guys - some say Mineral and some say Synthetic
Would Roger AB buffer help? I know it increases GC, but it may also give painful butt-bumps
Any need to get K&N or BMC air filter?
Headlights - Philips or Osram? If so, which model? I do not want to get electricals changed.
Does 195 tyres feels heavy? Does it impact FE?