In 3 months time I have done 7000 Kilometres in my NHC i-vtec VMT and I already feel it was a good buy.
For long drives I get an average mileage of 18kmpl with full time A/C. I have never got an average mileage below 14.5 calculated on a full tank. If you are living in a hilly/rough terrain area then this is not a recommended car. If you often hit the highways for long drives then you will love it.
It is missing some features which we see available in other cars in the segment like Climate control, remote boot opener etc. You might see more features in vento, sx4 etc. I agree that honda is stingy in the matter of adding features. The plastic quality has gone down from the previous honda citys. The lower ground clearance is also an issue especially when the car is fully laden. They have their reason for lower ground clearance and the stability and comfort you feel in the fast driving defines it.
Still, there is no car in its segment with a perfect design like this. The elegant design will look up to date even after 10 years. The driveability, braking, engine refinement(you wont know if the engine is running when idling) are at its best compared to any petrol cars it this segment. Another point is fuel efficiency, which is best for a sedan of this size and power.
For people in Kerala I recommend Cosmic Honda. They serve real good.
positives I see:
1) refined engine
2) fuel efficiency
3) Perfect design and looks
4) stability, comfort
5) Good inbuild music system
6) nice boot space
7) Best resale value
negatives I see:
1) Ground clearance is less
2) Not good for harsh roads or rough terrain though the suspension is pretty good.
3) Missing features like climate control, foldable mirrors etc even in the full option car.
4) better plastic could have been used for door trims etc.