Quick review of my 2023 Honda City ZX MT after using her for 20 months

It is probably the best NA engine out there, maybe even better than NA engines of a more premium segment. The engine is super smooth, powerful and effortless to drive.

BHPian HycroBiteVFire recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hey BHPians,
This is my first actual post on the platform after receiving a very warm welcome from BHPians, thank you so much for that. I'll keep it very brief today by telling you 6 likes and 3 dislikes of the 2023 Honda City ZX MT after a year of ownership (more than that actually).

What I love about the car-
1- Looks: Yes, looks are subjective, but what the Honda City offers definitely makes it stand out from competitors. The front grill, after they reduced the chrome on the grill in the facelift, makes it look ever sharper and it just feels like the car speaks for itself. Since we were one of the first owners of the facelift, I was approached by a few people (probably City owners) asking If I had modified the car.
2- I-VTEC performance: Of course, after all it's a Honda. It is probably the best NA engine out there, maybe even better than NA engines of a more premium segment. The engine is super smooth, powerful and effortless to drive. Once you cruise on a highway, you don't feel like the car is at a 100. Comparing it with our 2011 City, well that car used to make us feel tiresome and made us realise how much load it's taking to drive, but this oh-> brilliant.
3- Seat Comfort: I've spent most of my time in the rear seat and I must say, for someone around 5'9, the seats are fabulous. The cushioning is probably the best in the category. The colours, the comfort of the seats makes you feel as if you're sitting in a much more expensive car. Leave the dashboard, only look at the seats, I bet you'll fall in love with this car.
4- Instrument Cluster: In a time where digital instrument cluster is somewhat a need in cars, I think Honda has done a fabulous job. Providing us with a semi digital cluster where you can check your fuel economy, adjust for ADAS while keeping that traditional feel with analogue dials is an enthusiasts' dream, no? Again, a personal choice but the new digital clusters just don't look appealing to me, rather look very "un-car" type. And yes, the white borders and colour scheme of the cluster looks very premium.
5- Fuel Economy: Yes, a surprise factor. The company claims around 17.8 KmPl however, we managed to extract 18.7 KmPl. I think the main reason was the use of adaptive cruise control whenever possible, which not only increases fuel economy to the maximum but also makes the drive so effortless. Even I was shocked to see how much we could manage there. However, don't know how, after that 18 to 18.7 range for a year, we had a major accident (will cover later) and ever since then, it just hasn't gone above 16.
6- ADAS: I think people have very mixed perceptions for ADAS in India saying that it isn't suitable for Indian conditions but honestly, after experiencing for a year, I think it is a need in Indian conditions. The City has more than adequate ADAS features, however, a radar based one would've been appreciated since camera doesn't operate in foggy and rainy conditions much. The automatic emergency breaking is a very useful feature to have. It has genuinely saved minor scratches and bumps multiple times due to some biker crossing the road randomly. Additionally, as mentioned above, adaptive cruise control for long highway journeys is a delight.

What could've been better-
1- NVH Levels- The car has very bad insulation. I've sat in multiple cars of a segment lower and they're damn silent but all Hondas have this shared problem of poor NVH levels. You can hear the wheels, engine noise which somewhat doesn't complement its premium package and makes you feel as if you're lacking privacy.
2- Features: Honda just hasn't been the best at giving features. Not like all the features are needed but some definitely are a must. Few of the biggest misses are ventilated seats-> In Delhi NCR manufacturers should offer ventilated seats instead of sunroof for real. Now Honda offers them as accessories but always nice to have a company-fitted one. Additionally, as mentioned above, a radar based ADAS setup to cater for the rear and sides would've been even better. And yes, the wireless charger is a mess. You either use the wireless charger or the cup-holders and given how often we use both, it just doesn't add up. Good to see they've improved it on other models.
3- Dated dashboard and interior: Oh my! This is such a major dislike from my side. Given that they've launched the new Amaze with Elevate-ish interior, City's dashboard just feels a decade old. A very small, basic infotainment screen, old school dials make it feel very cheap. Not every old thing counts as class. At places, the plastic, even though durable, feels way too weak for an 18 Lakh car. Interior is something Honda could've definitely done better at.

So yes, the car hasn't really been at fault throughout these 20 months but of course, if "her" cons were rectified, don't think there's a better car in this price range.
(I genuinely love her.. but maybe love the Hycross a little more)

Thank You!
HycroBiteVFire

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