Old Favorite

MANILA,Philippines — Another rise in fuel prices has taken hold and no doubt, many are already re-evaluating their current mode of transport. Most likely they’ll lean on choices from the subcompact category where cars like the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta will likely come to mind. Of course, it’s hard to hand over a verdict without revisiting one of the older players in this game. One of those is the Honda City 1.5 E and it’s not hard to see why. 

The car exudes speed and energy with its design. The new chromed front grille and headlights combine to produce a futuristic angled shape that still keeps it looking as modern today as the day it first appeared. The three bars now feature larger slats in between while the headlights continue a line that tapers towards the sides. There’s a tasteful mix of edges and curves in its shape. There’s also uniformity in the design idea with the new tail lights, with white out signal and reverse lamps that continue the arrow theme; protruding outward diagonally from an invisible line suggested by the alignment of the door handles. A more dynamic rear bumper, now with sports car-inspired diffusers and corner reflectors updates its look.

Inside is an alluring interior that subtly hints of sports car inspiration. The shoulder line outside is reflected in the interior, extending from the doors and arching around the dashboard. The interior takes on a black (thankfully opting away from the passé carbon fiber trim) and silver color scheme. The front seats wrap around one’s body and better bolster both driver and passengers, and a whole range of height, tilt, and telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel are available.

Dials in the instrument cluster take on a blue and white color ambience. Vital info is separated into three dials while in the very center dial sits a fuel efficiency computer that provides real time and average fuel consumption along with estimated range. A new “eco” light has been added that lights up and encourages the driver to drive efficiently. Closer to the driver is the steering wheel that now has audio controls to keep hands safely on the wheel.

The flush piano black and matte silver center dash holds the stereo and climate controls on a bib that seems to hang from the arched dash. The stereo plays radio and CDs through four speakers and will easily accommodate MP3s and iPods through its auxiliary input and USB cable at the bottom of the center stack. As for climate, the interior is quickly cooled thanks to additional vents on the rear seat floor. 

The rear is usually a source of complaint for this kind of class, yet the City remedies this with a floor that is nearly flat and offers some additional storage space under the seats. There is also an abundance of cup holders, pockets and storage bins that will hold drinks and snacks on the go while the cavernous 506-liter capacity trunk can take up to four 9-inch wide golf bags.

Under the hood is a competent 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that produces a hefty 120 hp and 107 pound feet of torque. Unlike some of its rivals, you have a selection of five gears to shift through (using the paddle shifts either in D or S) or left for the computer to decide. Grade logic control and shift hold, cleverly keep it in gear for you during inclines or curves for better response when it is needed. With all that bundled together, you can expect to achieve high fuel efficiency figures of 10 km/L in the city and 12.5 km/L in the highway. Macpherson strut suspension in front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear provide for a comfortable ride and good stability. 

Then, there’s the safety factor. Dual airbags and discs on all four wheels coupled with ABS, EBD and brake assist bring passengers and car to a brisk but safe stop. Collision compatibility design assures passengers that their lives are in good hands even in impacts with larger vehicles. Finally, even those outside the car have been thought of with pedestrian safety impact absorbing components in front.

What makes one hesitate to buy into the City is the price of P836,000 for this particular model. Then again, few other cars in this category can offer 120 horsepower with a 5-speed auto and still return the kind of mileage a 1.3 liter would usually get. Other than that, there’s very little argument against it besides the price and a tempting new selection of colors, like this sparkling brown and its new wheel design, should renew interest.

2012 Honda City 1.5 E

Engine: 1.5 liter DOHC 16 valve

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Max Power: 120 hp / 107 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-speed A/T

Seating: 5 passengers

Brakes: Discs and drum with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist

Suspension: MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear

Wheels & tire: 15 inch alloy on 175/65 series tires

Price: P836,000