Honda City VX Apex Edition

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision. You juggle so many thoughts: your budget, how safe the car is, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, the peace of mind that comes with reliable company service. These are all crucial points for any car buyer.

Today, we're taking a deep dive into a very special edition of a car that has been a household name in India for decades: the new Honda City VX Apex Edition. This model brings a fresh look and enhanced appeal to the already popular Honda City sedan, promising a blend of style, performance, and Honda's renowned reliability. Let's explore what makes this premium sedan a strong contender in its segment.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda City VX Apex Edition is powered by the familiar and much-loved 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth performance and Honda's legendary refinement.

• Engine Type: 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine
• Maximum Power: 121 PS (approx. 119.3 bhp)
• Maximum Torque: 145 Nm
• Fuel Economy: Offers competitive mileage figures for its segment, ensuring efficient daily commutes and longer drives.

Design Overview

The Apex Edition builds on the stylish design of the 5th generation Honda City, adding a sporty edge.

Exterior

The Honda City VX Apex Edition design stands out with its exclusive cosmetic additions:

• Front and rear bumper garnish in a sporty finish.
• A sleek trunk spoiler with an integrated LED light adds a dynamic touch.
• Unique Apex Edition badging on the exterior.
• Subtle body graphics and wheel arch cladding give it a more robust and distinct road presence.
• LED headlamps and Z-shaped 3D wrap-around LED tail lamps complete the modern look.

Interior

Inside, the cabin maintains the Honda City's reputation for premium feel and comfort:

• Dual-tone beige and black interior theme for an airy and sophisticated ambiance.
• High-quality upholstery and well-finished dashboard.
• Ergonomically designed cabin with ample space for five occupants.
• Practical storage spaces and a driver-centric cockpit layout.

Key Features

Being based on the VX trim, the Apex Edition comes packed with a good list of features:

• Infotainment System: An 8-inch advanced touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof, a highly desirable feature for Indian buyers.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control with rear AC vents for uniform cooling.
• Honda Connect: Telematics system with various connected car features for convenience and safety.
• Rear Parking Camera: Multi-angle rear camera for easy parking.
• Keyless Entry: Smart key with push-button start/stop.
• Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda City VX Apex Edition?

The Honda City VX Apex Edition ground clearance is approximately 165 mm (unladen), which is adequate for navigating most Indian road conditions with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Honda City VX Apex Edition?

The Honda City VX Apex Edition boot space is a generous 506 litres, making it one of the most practical sedans for luggage capacity in its class. Perfect for family trips or airport runs.

What are the Dimensions of Honda City VX Apex Edition?

The Honda City VX Apex Edition dimensions are:

• Length: 4549 mm
• Width: 1748 mm
• Height: 1489 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

The Honda City VX Apex Edition offers two transmission choices:

• 6-speed Manual Transmission: For enthusiasts who prefer direct control over gear shifts.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Offers smooth, seamless shifts and contributes to better fuel efficiency and relaxed city driving.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Honda, and the City VX Apex Edition is well-equipped:

• Airbags: 6 airbags (Dual front, Front side & Curtain airbags) for comprehensive protection.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution for stable braking.
• Brake Assist: Provides additional braking force in emergency situations.
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA): Helps maintain control in challenging driving conditions.
• Agile Handling Assist (AHA): Improves cornering performance.
• Hill Start Assist (HSA): Prevents rollback on inclines.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure installation of child seats.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Keeps you informed about tyre health.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a critical indicator of a car's structural integrity and occupant protection.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (2020)	5-Star	5-Star
Bharat NCAP	Awaiting Results / Not Yet Tested	Awaiting Results / Not Yet Tested

Rivals of Honda City VX Apex Edition

The Honda City VX Apex Edition rivals a strong lineup of competitors in the highly competitive C-segment sedan market in India:

• Hyundai Verna: A strong contender with modern features and design.
• Skoda Slavia: Known for its robust build and European driving dynamics.
• Volkswagen Virtus: Offers premium feel and strong performance.
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Focuses on space, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced look at the Honda City VX Apex Edition, helping you weigh your options.

Advantages (Pros)

• Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is smooth, responsive, and reliable, offering a great driving experience.
• Premium Interiors: The cabin feels upscale and comfortable with good quality materials.
• Spacious Cabin & Boot: Ample legroom for rear passengers and a class-leading boot space.
• Proven Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP rating instills confidence in its safety credentials.
• Honda Reliability: Known for low maintenance and excellent after-sales service network.
• Apex Styling: The special edition adds a distinct and sporty visual appeal.
• Feature Rich: Comes with essential modern features like a sunroof, touchscreen, and connected car tech.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• No Diesel Engine Option: Only available with a petrol engine, which might deter some buyers looking for diesel economy.
• Missing Some Top-End Features: Lacks advanced features like ADAS (Honda Sensing is on top ZX trim), 360-degree camera, or wireless charging which some rivals offer even in mid-variants.
• Price Point: Being a premium sedan and a special edition, it might be slightly higher priced than some competitors' equivalent variants.
• Ground Clearance: While adequate, it's not the highest in the segment, requiring some caution on very bad roads.

Conclusion

The Honda City VX Apex Edition presents itself as a compelling package for Indian car buyers. It takes the solid foundation of the Honda City sedan – its refined engine, spacious and premium interior, and excellent safety record – and sprinkles in some exclusive, sporty aesthetics. If you're looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and good-looking premium sedan in India that offers a comfortable ride and Honda's trusted ownership experience, the VX Apex Edition is definitely worth considering. It strikes a great balance between everyday practicality and a touch of exclusivity. Before making your final choice, do take a test drive to experience the car firsthand and see if it perfectly aligns with your driving needs and lifestyle. Happy car hunting!