In the month of April 06, I thought of buying a car. I started to look at my budget, my requirement, my parking space, after sale service and fuel economy.
THE GREAT RESEARCH
My Great research started with the following cars Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Maruti Belano and Honda city. This research was spreaded over 4 month and "Honda City " was the clear winner......... Let me tell you why?
My first requirement was space (I am 6ft 2in) and believe you me, I call it space ship which is full of space in the cabin as well as in the boot (500ltr)
2nd was Driving : Driving this car is an immense pleasure. 77bhp sounds very low but when you drive that 77 bhp does not matter (traffic condition in India would not allow you to fo beyond that). Power steering, you can roll the steering with one finger only, so powerful and smooth. Suspension is pretty good but one has to be careful while driving on bad roads with bad speed breakers which can touch the floor at times.
3rd was fuel economy : This is the USP of honda city. My first service is due on 27th Aug 06 (1100 km done) and it returned me 13kmpl on city traffic with a/c on (office hours). have not taken it on highway yet. I am anticipating an increase in millage after 1st service is done
Interiors are good, but for GXI seat cover is a must. Honda have given very light colored upholstery which tends to gets dirty easily.