Since this is my first time to write here (pretty much anywhere), I’m gonna keep it short. First of all let it be known this review is the result of my experience; not my study about the product. I am not too much into data mining about products anyway.
Bought my Honda 3 months back and its been a fair deal so far. I got an EXI since I didn’t think the bells and whistles in GXI are worth the extra cost (except the beige interiors). The people at the dealers’ were cordial and supportive. Although they try to sell their “Authorized” accessories a little too hard.
Why Honda? Mainly because driving a 100 kms every day, good mileage was one of important factors and I am not a fan of diesel cars. However, I did try one other diesel car – Accent CRDI. CRDI is fine but I think the technology is kind of overrated. So I decided on Honda. It was supposed to give me luxury with mileage. And I’ve been satisfied with the performance so far. Here’re the pros and cons that I’ve faced. Now some of these problems cud be only with my car (piece defect or something) so don’t take my word for them. Just go and check for those things too.
PROS:
- The mileage. Although I was told it’d give me around 15 KM/L, I’m only getting 13. Since it runs on normal petrol (not premium), the mileage is as good as my Xing and I am happy with it.
- No Sound. You have to be in it to believe it. You start the engine, close the doors and you would think you’ve gone deaf. Not even the sound of your engine running. Luv the car for this.
- Space. It really is BIG and luxurious from inside compared to Accent VIVA CRDI which is 20K more expensive. Regardless of you stature you can lean in the car. The boot is huge and with some effort you cud fit Arnold Schwarzenegger in it.
- The look. Now there’re many point of views about this. From where I stand, I see a cool car. Less corporate than the old Honda City but more sporty, sleek and contemporary. It’s a subjective thing though.
- The interiors. Definitely better than all the cars in its segment, the interiors have been well thought out from the aesthetic as well as utility perspective.
- Air-conditioning. Summer in Delhi can be mean. The cooling in the car is good especially so for the rear passengers which is a good thing.
- Maneuverability. The car is easy to handle. I had a flat tire once and didn’t know until I reached office.
CONS:
- Power. For a 77 BHP it was kind of understood that the car will not have the pick-up compared to its peers. So no surprises here. The car does not have pep at all which is kind of a paradox with its sporty look. Switch on the AC and I’m sure what’s left would be less than 70 BHP.
- Suspension. I don’t care what everyone else says, the suspension in the car sucks. A small speed breaker and you WILL have to brake the car. Accent handles suspension much better. This problem has been observed in 3 Honda Citys I know of.
- The Fuel indicator. You start the car and drive it for 50 kms and the fuel indicator needle will not budge a millimeter. Then you turn off the engine, restart the car and you see the needle in a different (correct) place. Makes it harder to assess the current level of fuel. This could be a problem with my car only as I have not confirmed it with other Honda owners.
- Too common. For a C segment car, they’ve sold a little too many of them. You stop on a crossing and you’ll surely find at least 2 more Honda Citys. Not the same with Optra although Corolla is catching up in this area.
- Blocked View. While turning right side, you get a blocked view because of the frame. A little inconvenient.
- I still have to receive my RC for the car.
Overall, I think it’s a good buy if fuel economy is one of your concerns and if you can live with relatively less pep in your engine. So go ahead, get one for yourself and fill the roads more with these. Remember NEVER to put premium petrol in it.
Happy Driving.