Honda City Long Term Report: July 2018

Efficiency Effect

It’s just been a few months since I got my hands on the Honda City diesel, and my bank balance already seems a bit healthier. You see, for a short while before the City came along I was driving a petrol-powered car. Mumbai being infamous for the high fuel costs – nearly Rs. 80 for a litre of petrol during the time – my monthly fuel expenses were going through the roof. The City, however, is amazingly efficient, especially on the highway. On my last couple of runs to Pune and back, I set the cruise control to the ton and was impressed to see an overall efficiency of over 20 kilometres per litre for the entire trip. Another aspect of the City that has really impressed me is the list of features – the segment standard Bluetooth connectivity, a reversing camera, a Digipad infotainment system with a HDMI port, a browser and email functions. Although some of these features are not extensively used, Honda does earn a few brownie points for having them. 

Unlike some of the other car makers in the segment, Honda only brought the City with a diesel motor in 2014. During the time it wasn’t the most refined motor in its class. While the company has improved the NVH levels in this facelift, there’s still scope for improvement. The typical diesel clatter is clearly audible inside the cabin, and it does get a bit irksome when driving at highway speeds. Road noises, however, are relatively better muted. With the monsoon season already here in Mumbai, it’s a good time to go for a long drive up the hills around Mumbai. I have a short trip to Panchgani planned for next month, which will give me a good idea about the handling capabilities of the City. Stay tuned for the next month’s report to know more.