Just the right car for City living

THE MARKET should watch out for the New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition that carries features exclusive to the Philippines.

URBAN-DWELLERS have specific requirements when it comes to their own set of wheels: It has to be compact so it easily squeezes into tight spots but at the same time, still be able to load a reasonable amount of stuff. Considering the amount of time that will be spent while waiting for the traffic to move, that vehicle must also be able to offer the most comfortable cabin.

More importantly, that ride must also be able to post an impressive fuel mileage.

Having pioneered the subcompact sedan or B-category in the country since 1996, the Honda City has been the epitome of what an ideal urban transport is.

Since its introduction here, the City has been a consistently cited as among the most fuel-efficient in the market. It is also regularly recognized for its stylish look as well as for having a collection of advanced cabin features and safety technology.

Driver aids

Now on its fourth iteration (introduced in April 2014), Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has decided that the 2016 update should carry the most convenient driver aids.

Foremost among these is the Audio Visual Navigation system in the New City’s VX and VX+ variants. The 7-inch touch-screen multi-information panel is equipped with Garmin navigation that has 3-D map viewing, more accurate rendering of the route ahead such as the Expressway Exit Guide, route information view, and the helpful Lane Assist with Photoreal Junction View, which shows when the vehicle arrives at a complex intersection.

What this means is that when you are about to encounter an unfamiliar intersection or a branching roadway, the display will guide you to which lane to go in order to bring you to the right route.

In this regard, the AVN system also comes with free map updates for three years. The map update can be facilitated by any authorized Honda dealership associate nationwide during the vehicle’s preventive maintenance service.

Furthermore, the AVN system also included Honda Dealers Point of Interest that allows the driver to quickly search for all Honda sales and service locations nationwide.

To increase safety while driving, the same system allows Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free mobile phone operation.

To further boost safety, the New City’s VX+ variants are also equipped with more airbags: Aside from the driver and passenger airbags, side and side curtain airbags were also added. Also included are vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal, adjustable three-point emergency locking retractor in the front seats (with driver and passenger seatbelt reminder), and multiview reverse camera with guidelines, making these two variants of the New City among the safest in the market.

Exclusive City variant

The market should also watch out for the New City

1.5 E CVT Special Edition that carries features exclusive to the Philippines.

THE 7-INCH touch-screen multi-information panel features a 3-D map viewing that offers more accurate rendering of the route ahead.

With HCPI research planning and development team and a representative from Honda R&D Co. Ltd. Japan teaming up, the New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition features UV Cut Glass windows for the front doors. The high performance UV-absorbent coated glass, fused with core technologies, minimizes the penetration of UV rays and infrared lights by approximately 99 percent, which is ideal for the Philippine tropical environment.

Moreover, each purchase of the New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition comes with a free Sharp Plasmacluster with Ion technology that reduces airborne allergens and microbes by increasing the number of positive and negative ions inside the cabin. This helps remove unwanted odors, and moisturizes the skin when constantly used.

In the area of safety and convenience, the New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition is equipped with a speed-sensing Auto Door Lock system that is automatically activated upon reaching a speed of 15 kph. The system also intelligently unlock all doors when the shift lever is set to Park mode (P).

In addition, the key fob of the Special Edition consists of a Panic button. Pressing the Panic button for several seconds enables the vehicle to emit a loud alarm through the horns, and to flash its headlights and park lights to call attention of those around.

The New City 1.5 E CVT Special Edition, with a suggested retail price of P819,000 is available in colors gold brown metallic, taffeta white, and an exclusive all-new ruby red pearl.

Cleaner and efficient drive

Under the hood, the New City is still powered by a 118-horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and continuous variable transmission (CVT) that is much lighter and features a new torque converter design. The new CVT allows seamless gear shifting, giving the New City instantaneous throttle response while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.

HCPI’s internal test (also observed by representatives of the Automobile Association of the Philippines) reports that the New City manages 20.99 kilometers per liter in the city and 31.03 kpl on the highway (combined 26.01 kpl).

To further realize remarkable fuel efficiency, the New City, from the E CVT and above variants, are equipped with the Eco Assist system or the Econ mode. Engaging the Econ mode further improves fuel efficiency as this intelligently controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission and air-conditioning of the New City.

The New City is available in several variants: the VX+ Navi CVT (P988,000), the VX Navi CVT (P898,000), the E CVT (P799,000), and the base variant, the 5-speed manual E (P759,000). There are also several color choices: gold brown metallic (for VX+ Navi CVT and VX Navi CVT), carnelian red pearl (for VX Navi CVT and E CVT), crystal black pearl (for VX Navi CVT, E variants), modern steel metallic and taffeta white.

Those who would like to customize their New City may also visit any HCPI dealerships for a variety of accessory packages available.

The Modulo—Honda’s genuine accessory brand—is offered in either Aero Sports Package or Utility Package. Modulo Aero Sports Accessory Package includes front grille, rear under spoiler, side under spoiler, front under spoiler, a wing-type tailgate spoiler, illuminated side step garnish and Modulo emblem. And Modulo Utility Accessory Package has door visor, door side protectors, seatback holders, tablet holders, trunk cargo hook and a trunk tray.

Mugen accessories and packages on the other hand, include a Mugen sports front grille, a Mugen front under spoiler, a Mugen rear under spoiler and Mugen side under spoilers. Customers can opt to add

Mugen 17-inch alloy wheels.