Update:
I am made to write this update because of some fraudulent claims made by dealer earlier. Based on dealer’s assurance about the mileage (16 for 1.6L petrol), I went to book the car, but to my horror I found out from the guy sitting next to me in the test drive that it returns close to 10. This is what they were getting from the very first day, but claimed otherwise. So I asked the dealer after coming back frm the test drive and he said that the car will return at most 12 kmpl under ideal driving conidtions (an extra km for 1.4 L petrol).
I walked out of the dealership and booked a Honda City the very next day. I request all the readers of this review to take a thorough test drive of the vehicle and talk to the mechanic who takes you around for the drive.
I have found that the USP is diluting in a big way once the car has been driven for about a 1000 kms (from the odometer of test car).
And if FE is not a consideration, go have fun in the baby....
This is one car, which can make Honda bring down the prices of coveted city. Dealers are claiming a return of 16km per litre of fuel for 1.6 petrol version. And this is based on the performance of test cars that they have (I have checked with three dealers, two in Chd and one in Noida).
Performance of 1.6L petrol is unmatched and diesel will eliminate competition (read Accent CRDi) from the market.
Here are a few reasons to buy this new model from Ford:
Good build Quality - more on lines of Octavia than Esteem.
Aggressive Stance - will stamp its authority wherever it goes, though looks are more traditional than contemporary (given the fact that Honda has a different idea of future cars)
Useful Interiors - With all kinds of goodies thrown in (leather steering and upholstery, aluminium inserts, useful features on dash)
Performance - best in class performance. At least that is what I felt after test driving Fiesta 1.6, City GXi and Accent 1.5
Suspension - best in the class. this is one car you will hate to give to your driver. you can throw it around the corners with the confidence of a Hummer (tho I have never driven one myself). Handling is best in class.
Good low end torque - this is applicable to petrol 1.6L. I tried it during the test drive in Noida traffic. Did about 5-6 kms in 5th gear even with speed touching 25 kmph.
Price - its a steal...
downside -
-no fifth alloy wheel (such a pity),
-ABS in not optional on 1.4 L petrol.....why why why????
-Airbags absent from top-end model (why do you have to follow Honda?)
-wiper controls and indicator on the wrong side - learn something from the Indian market...we also pay to buy your cars....when rest of the world is rejecting them
-rear seats are not foldable in 1.4 L (both petrol and diesel) -- please wake up Ford...this should have been standard