Driving and the City

Driving in Metro Manila — one either loves it or loathes it, right?

When I got the chance to test-drive Honda’s all-new City, which the Japanese car manufacturer has built around the concept “Advanced Energetic Smart Star,” I fell in love with driving in the metro. I also fell in love again with the Honda City.

For starters, the new City is designed in such a sexy and high-tech way that I did get quite a few stares as I stopped in the traffic-laden streets.  And, I must not forget, that fuel efficiency is one of the leading things going for the City.

Stop and stare

The refreshed look of the City makes it truly one of the coolest cars on the road these days. The City is equipped with a redesigned front fascia that sports a low and wide stance, and a truly sporty presence.

I really liked how seamlessly the front design complements its rear and gives the City a sharper and more aggressive look.

The new City is also now equipped with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), while the top variant VX+ comes with LED headlights and LED fog lights.  Adding to the sporty look of the new City is a new front grille, and exquisite diamond-cut aluminum alloy wheels (16-inch for the VX and VX+ variants and 15-inch for the E CVT variant). The VX and VX+ variant also get power folding side mirrors for added convenience.

But, as any driver knows, the proof of great driving is the comfort one experiences while behind the wheel — and there’s lots of comfort behind the wheel of the City.

For starters, the City has what the Japanese manufacturer likes to call “a rich and sophisticated interior” that flaunts a high-tech design, decorative panel, and plush leather seats (for the VX+).  These features highlight the new City’s sporty feel.

Many times while I was humming my way through traffic I imagined myself as a Formula One sports car driver in my super-cool Honda City.

The new metallic trim around the air-conditioning vent and gearshift, and Gun Metallic panels are great little touches lending a more functional beauty to the interiors.

The City’s gauges, which are all within reach, and Push Start Button, have been redesigned for an elegant touch. For added convenience, the VX and VX+ variants are now equipped with Cruise Control that maintains a steady driving speed set by the driver.

Not to be missed is the new seven-inch touchscreen audio system for the E CVT, VX and VX+ variants that consist of Bluetooth Hands-free Telephone and Audio Streaming, and USB connectivity. The VX and VX+ variants are equipped with a navigation system with a multi-view reverse camera with guidelines, voice command, Miracast and Cube User Interface (UI).

Just drive

As I drove through the streets I had a perpetual smile on my face because the City is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 120PS at 6,600rpm and 14.8kg-m of torque at 4,800rpm. The engines come in two variants: either a 5-speed Manual Transmission (for the base E variant) or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Earth Dreams Technology that delivers a dynamic and fuel-efficient driving performance.

I was a happy camper behind the wheel of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Honda’s Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON button and eco-coaching ambient meter, promotes smart and fuel-efficient driving habits — which we all know are musts in today’s ever-polluted world.

The new City further establishes itself as one of the smartest choices with its uncompromised safety and security. All variants are equipped with a G-CON body structure, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Dual SRS Airbags. The VX and VX+ variants are also equipped with a smart entry system, while the VX+ variant will get additional side and side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) for added safety.

What traffic?

Being behind the wheel of the new Honda City is pure driving pleasure — no matter the small humps in everyday driving. Everything is smooth and dandy in the Honda City.

Drive on.