The all-new Honda City locks horns with C-segment leader, the Suzuki SX4. OverDrive (Nov. ’08) watches the fireworks.

The new City certainly has more than what it takes to grab attention with a unique shape and tremendously uncharacteristic details. The distinct striking sharp edges and pronounced snout are etched into memory cells at first sight, though beautiful or desirable are not the adjectives they bring to mind. Yes it holds the promise of being attractive but something is off kilter says Over Drive (Nov. ’08).  The profile view is nice, especially the front three-quarters one, where the ‘arrowshot form’ as Honda likes to term its design mantra, emanates a powerful aura and the new City has the most attractive butt on any car available in India. Over Drive loves the asymmetrical tail lamps and the sharp kink in the boot lid that lends it a sportier character than ever before. Though it seems inspired by the Civic, it is a far cleaner, leaner version that is well nigh ravishing.

Faced with the new City, the SX4 bastion no longer appears impregnable. In fact, it feels outclassed, oddball even. Plus te profusion of SX4s on Indian roads has further dulled its sit-up-and-take-notice appeal.  Actually placed side by side, the SX4 with its flared arches, bulging flanks and towering stature dwarfs the City longitudinally, horizontally and vertically, making the City seem diminutive even. However the sleeker silhouette of the City can be attractive to a discerning audience.

Sadly, neither car impresses in the material quality department. Both fascias feel too plasticky while trying hard to fake metallic finishes. The City interior décor can be seen in a new light at night as a thin slick LED strip runs through the dashboard accentuating and heightening every aspect. The orange glowing instrument console radiates warmth and opulence unlike any other car in the segment. The clocks are large and easy to read and you also get a multi function display. The steering wheel – sourced from the Civic – is a fantastic addition and also sports audio controls. The SX4’s interiors on the other hand do little to bring cheer despite it trying to insert two-tone upholstery.

At a Glance – Honda City 1.5 S MT

Price: Rs. 8.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) Engine capacity: 1497cc, inline-4, i-VTEC Maximum Power: 118PS@6600rpm Maximum Torque: 146Nm@4800rpm Acceleration: 0-60kph – 5.07sec, 0-100kph -11.53sec, Top Speed -182kph Economy: City – 10.82kmpl, Highway – 18.20kmpl Verdict: 4/5

OverDrive (Nov. ’08) definitely does not like the City’s low seating that requires one to stoop to enter the car. The SX4 scores over the City in this regard. Both the high ride height and the higher seats allow easier ingress and egress, making the SX4 the more ergonomically sound car.

On the engine front, Honda has introduced an all-new full-blown VTEC mill in the new city. Peak power of 118PS from a 1.5-litre engine makes this the most powerful engine in this segment as well as the most powerful VTEC to ever grace the City lineage. Part of the L15A1 engine series, this mill has been tuned and refined to produce more power. Therefore 118PS is available at 6600rpm while the redline starts at 6800rpm. It makes a humble 146Nm of max torque, a large chunk of it spread between 3000-6000rpm and peak coming in at 4800rpm. On paper this offers moderate drivability and ensures you shift gears less often to let the engine stay within the power band. At low rpm especially below 4000 revs this engine is highly refined. But past 4500rpm, the high speed denotations thanks to all four valves in the VTEC system being engaged, gets a bit too audible. This incessant roar was absent in the City ZX, but the new City does not have adequate sound deadening abilities. At full clip the engine is plain noisy.

At a Glance – Maruti Suzuki SX4 Zxi

Price: Rs. 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) Engine capacity: 1586cc, inline-4, M series Maximum Power: 103.4PS@5500rpm Maximum Torque: 145Nm@4200rpm Acceleration: 0-60kph – 5.03sec, 0-100kph -11.89sec, Top Speed -179.92kph Economy: City – 10.12kmpl, Highway – 18.01kmpl Verdict: 4/5

The SX4’s 103.4PS max power is certainly no match for the City’s. However the SX4 makes 145Nm of max torque at 4200rpm which means she can offer better drivability in principle, though the difference between the two cars is wafer thin. The Sx4 also has lower NVH levels with better insulation keeping the engine quiet at all times. That does not mean its silent, just a little less audible than the City. Both cars utilize 5-spedd manual transmission though of quite different operating characters. The Sx4’s gearshift has short throws and feels more precise and direct. The City’s is also as precise though the throw is not as short and exudes a more relaxed feel.

The new City rides on skinny 175/65 tyres and the suspension is sprung softer than before. So body roll is more pronounced than in the last generation car which does compromise stability says OverDrive (Nov. ’08). When pushed hard, the City will stray from the intended line. There is more than a hint of understeer and the chassis is also not as communicative. The steering though is no longer over-servoed like in the older car but is well balanced to handle high or low speeds with precise and direct control.

The SX4 is ironically more dynamic. Ironically because at 190mn it has a much higher ground clearance and at 1560mn is also 90mm taller than the new City. By the laws of physics this gives it a higher centre of gravity. Yet the SX4 provides the most engrossing drive with incredible stability and poise compared to any car in its segment because the suspension is firm bordering on hard and there’s extremely wide 205/60 footwear all around. All of these cohesively bond to give it more than just a firm print. It makes it simply marvelous to pilot fast.

The City offers better ride quality than the SX4. High capacity compliance bushes, a revised spring rate and a new H-beam design offer better shock absorption. Where the SX4 feels harsh and uncomfortable, the City is compliant, providing a higher degree of comfort especially to rear seat occupants.
Thus the superior performance of the City can squarely be accredited to it being 50 kilos lighter and having lower rolling resistance thanks to its skinny tyres. The weight difference gives the City a 20PS per ton advantage over the SX4s 80PS per ton power-to weight ratio. The City clearly demonstrates its superiority in the roll-ons. This has everything to do with the gearing which is taller than that of the SX4 and therefore lets the City hold power longer. Efficiency is another aspect where the VTEC asserts its authority. In urban cycle, the new City clocks a healthy 10.82kmpl, while on the highway with a light foot on the throttle that same litre is stretched to 18.2kmpl. However Suzuki’s engineering prowess enables the SX4 to return 10.12kmpl in the city and 18.1kmpl on the highway. Close!

Honda has never offered ABS and a passenger airbag in the City. But now both of these features are standard equipment across all variants, while the SX4 only offers dual airbags and ABS only on its top model. Both cars are also designed with pedestrian safety in mind, therefore the rakish hoods that absorb energy.
Choosing between the two is one tough ask. OverDrive (Nov. ’08) likes the vastly improved City. The styling is striking, the interiors not that grand but a great steering wheel and the MP3 music drive is welcome. The ride quality is good though without passion and the car finally includes all safety features.
The SX4 in similar fashion evokes mixed feelings. But today’s consumer is seeking individuality and the new city doles it out in spades. But it comes at a price, Rs. 70,000 roughly more than the SX4’s.

Yes, the SX4 is engrossing and fun and placing your bets on it would be wise, especially in light of the price difference. But if you aim to roll with theties, the new Honda City it must be to add sparkle to the festive season.