I have bought this Honda City SMT in Oct 2013 without knowing that a brand new version was due in 2014. Anyways the story goes like this that I had almost made up my mind and finalized Amaze Petrol top model till on of my colleagues told me that City SMT is available for 8.7 lacs! It was a great deal which I could not resist and I restarted my R&D and shortlisted City SMT and Verna EX which were of the same price. The final verdict went to City coz I asked almost 10 people and everybody suggested if its petrol it has to be City.
I used to own an Indica Xeta and out of the excitement of owning a new car and the very first in my life I wrote a review by saying that Xeta is at par with swift which was a bit biased due to the initial excitement . Hence I have decided to write the review after three months wherein the feeling has sunk in. Coming to the delivery, the car was delivered to me all in a hurry by Pearl Honda Gurgaon as if they had to catch a train and did not inform me about a lot of things which I subsequently found out on my own and the dealer guys do not pick up your phone.
The car started to make a noise from the very third day for which I gave my car thrice and every time the noise came back. Finally after a lot of pressure from my side and a bit of threats, they really looked into the car and found out that some bolts below the seat were missing/loose. Again not expected but the problem has been solved now.
The other issue was regarding the CNG kit details engraved on a small plate in the bonnet which is still a mystery and no one has been able to tell me as to why its there as the car is not CNG fitted. Again not expected. There was a dent on the car for which I had given the car under insurance and after 7 days when I went to take the car delivery they told me that some paper works were balance which they suddenly realized and I would have to pay the entire amount out of my pocket to get the delivery. Additionally the lost both by foot mats in the front in the service.
A truly bad experience with the dealer but coming to the car and is good things well they are as follows
The engine is a masterpiece and its refined to perfection(well almost!)
The handling and comfort are great in city where you get great tourque at low speeds so no changing of gears and great pickup. Brakes are very good and effective. On highway also the car is great to handle as I already completed a trip to Chail and Kasuali and you don’t have to work hard to run it fast in uphills. Simply its a makkhan to drive.
The mileage is 12-14 in city and 18-19 in highway which is great(more than my Xeta!)
4.Interiors are top class and seats are very comfy and the back seat is again a gem!
- The mileage meter in your dashboard along with the eco meter always you drive efficiently which I really find a great tool to keep a tag on the fuel consumption.
Finally, the few bad things:
The car side view has a big blind spot and you have to be careful while taking turns. With a sun shade its even worse
No auto climate control, no fog lamps, no auto door locking on movement, no Bluetooth, old looking music system, no rear air vents which I think a 9 lac car should have keeping in mind the competition.
Low ground clearance which I think has been lifted by 5 mm but still have to be careful.
Overall, its a pure unadulterated pleasure to drive this car which just blows away all the shortcomings. I test drove Verna also but trust me this engine will make you fall in love.
Forget the dealer and lack of features(which have been taken care in the new version) if its petrol sedan there is only one car HONDA CITY.