Honda City VX CVT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, what cool new features it offers, and of course, how reliable the company service is. It is a lot to consider. But what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, especially if you are looking for a comfortable automatic sedan that is well-loved? Today, let us talk about a car that has been a household name for decades and continues to impress: the new Honda City VX CVT.

The Honda City has always been a benchmark in the mid-size sedan segment. With its latest iteration, Honda has refined the formula, offering a blend of elegance, performance, and features. The VX CVT variant, in particular, stands out for those who want a good mix of features without going for the top-end, coupled with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

Main Highlights of the Honda City VX CVT

Let us dive into what makes this variant a compelling choice.

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC Petrol
• Cylinders: 4
• Maximum Power: 121 PS (at 6600 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 145 Nm (at 4300 rpm)
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters
• Fuel Economy (ARAI): Around 18.4 km/l (for CVT variant)

The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is renowned for its refinement and peppy performance. Paired with the smooth CVT gearbox, it offers a relaxed driving experience in city traffic and decent power on highways.

Design Overview

Exterior: The Honda City VX CVT continues the City's legacy of elegant design. It features a sharp, sophisticated look with a chrome-finished front grille, sleek LED headlamps (projector auto LED headlamps for VX), and stylish 15-inch alloy wheels. The car possesses a balanced profile, neither too aggressive nor too bland, making it universally appealing. It has a timeless sedan silhouette that commands respect on the road.

Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-appointed cabin. The interior is spacious, especially for rear-seat passengers, a hallmark of the City. The dual-tone beige and black theme (in some variants) or a full black theme gives a premium feel. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with good quality materials used throughout. The seats are comfortable, providing ample support for long drives.

Key Features

The VX CVT variant is packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (wired), Honda Connect (telematics system for connected car features)
• Sunroof: One-touch Electric Sunroof
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents
• Convenience: Paddle Shifters (for CVT), Cruise Control, Engine Start/Stop Button, Keyless Entry
• Lighting: Full LED Headlamps with Integrated LED DRLs, LED Tail Lamps
• Other: Multi-angle Rear Camera, Ambient Lighting, Driver Seat Height Adjust
• Note: Features like 360-degree camera and wireless charging are typically available in the higher ZX variants. The VX offers a great balance of essential and premium features.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda City?

• The Honda City VX CVT offers a ground clearance of 165 mm (unladen). This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, helping you tackle speed breakers and minor undulations with confidence.

What is the Boot Space of Honda City?

• The Honda City VX CVT boasts a generous boot space of 506 litres. This is one of the largest in its segment, making it perfect for family trips and carrying plenty of luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Honda City?

• Length: 4583 mm
• Width: 1748 mm
• Height: 1489 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

For the Honda City 5th Generation, the primary powertrain option for the VX CVT variant is:

• 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC Petrol Engine: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The VX CVT specifically refers to the petrol engine paired with the CVT.
• Note: Honda City also offers a 1.5L i-MMD e:HEV Strong Hybrid option in its top-end variants for those seeking maximum fuel efficiency. The diesel engine option has been discontinued.

Safety Features

Honda has always prioritised safety, and the City VX CVT is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features.

• 4 Airbags (Dual Front, Front Side Airbags)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Agile Handling Assist (AHA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS - Indirect)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Multi-angle Rear Camera
• Emergency Stop Signal

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings provide an independent assessment of a vehicle's crashworthiness.

Rating Agency	Rating (Adult Occupant Protection)	Rating (Child Occupant Protection)
ASEAN NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Global NCAP	Not tested under current protocols	Not tested under current protocols
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested

The Honda City 5th Gen received an impressive 5-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP tests, highlighting its robust build and occupant protection capabilities.

Rivals of Honda City VX CVT

The Honda City VX CVT competes in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Hyundai Verna
• Skoda Slavia
• Volkswagen Virtus
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

Each of these cars offers unique strengths, but the City holds its own with its balanced package.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons of Honda City VX CVT

Here is a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Honda City VX CVT.

Pros:

• Refined Engine and Smooth CVT: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is known for its smoothness and fuel efficiency, especially with the seamless CVT. It is perfect for city commuting and comfortable highway cruising.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Class-leading rear-seat legroom and comfortable seating make it ideal for families.
• Generous Boot Space: A 506-litre boot is excellent for long journeys and daily needs.
• Proven Reliability and Service: Honda cars are known for their strong build quality, reliability, and widespread service network across India.
• Elegant Design: The timeless and sophisticated design appeals to a wide range of buyers.
• Feature-Rich: The VX variant offers many desirable features like an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car tech.
• Strong Safety Rating: The 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating instils confidence in its safety credentials.

Cons:

• CVT Rubber-band Effect: While smooth, the CVT can sometimes exhibit a rubber-band effect during aggressive acceleration, where the engine revs without a direct increase in speed.
• Missing Some Top-end Features: Features like a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, or wireless charging are reserved for higher variants or rivals.
• Ground Clearance: At 165 mm, it is decent but slightly lower than some SUV-inspired sedans or compact SUVs, which might be a concern on very bad roads.
• Price: It can be a bit pricier than some of its direct competitors, especially when comparing similar feature sets.
• No Diesel Option: The absence of a diesel engine might deter buyers who prefer diesel for high mileage driving.

Conclusion

The Honda City VX CVT continues to be a formidable player in the Indian mid-size sedan segment. It strikes an excellent balance between comfort, features, performance, and safety. For prospective buyers looking for a reliable, spacious, and sophisticated automatic sedan that is easy to drive in the city and comfortable on highways, the VX CVT variant offers a compelling package. While it might miss a few bells and whistles found in top-tier variants or some rivals, its core strengths in engine refinement, cabin comfort, and Honda's trusted brand value make it a smart and trustworthy choice. Before making your final decision, we always recommend a thorough test drive to experience the Honda City VX CVT first-hand. Happy car hunting!