Honda City ZX CVT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You juggle so many things: your budget, how safe the car is, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company service is. For many years, one name has consistently stood out in the mid-size sedan segment, offering a compelling package on almost all these fronts: the Honda City. Today, we're taking a deep dive into its top-tier variant, the new Honda City ZX CVT, to see if it truly lives up to its legendary status and if it's the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda City ZX CVT comes powered by a refined 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine. This engine is known for its smooth performance and efficiency. It produces:

• Maximum Power: 121 PS (at 6600 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 145 Nm (at 4300 rpm)

Design Overview

The Honda City ZX CVT boasts a sophisticated and premium design, both inside and out, making it a standout in its segment.

Exterior Design

The latest Honda City carries forward its elegant yet sporty lineage. You get:

• Sharp Full LED Headlamps with nine array LED shell
• Distinctive Chrome Front Grille
• Sleek and flowing character lines along the body
• Stylish 16-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
• Z-shaped 3D Wrap-around LED Tail Lamps

Interior Design

Step inside, and the City ZX CVT welcomes you with a luxurious and spacious cabin:

• Dual-tone Beige and Black theme with soft-touch materials
• Premium leather upholstery for seats and steering wheel
• Driver-centric cockpit design with clear visibility
• Excellent legroom and headroom, especially for rear passengers

Key Features

The ZX CVT variant is loaded with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort:

• 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Honda Connect with Telematics and Remote Functions
• One-touch Electric Sunroof
• Multi-angle Rear Camera with 360-degree camera system
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Ambient Lighting
• Automatic Climate Control with Rear AC Vents
• Honda LaneWatch Camera (a segment-first safety feature)
• Walk Away Auto Lock feature
• 7-inch HD full-colour TFT meter with G-meter

Ground Clearance

The Honda City ZX CVT has a ground clearance of 165 mm. This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, though one needs to be careful over larger potholes or unpaved tracks.

Boot Space

With a generous boot space of 506 litres, the Honda City offers ample room for your luggage, making it perfect for long journeys and family trips.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Honda City ZX CVT are as follows:

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

Powertrain Options

While the Honda City range offers both manual and automatic transmissions, the ZX CVT specifically features the highly convenient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with its 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. This setup is ideal for smooth city driving and relaxed highway cruising.

Safety Features

Safety is a major highlight of the Honda City ZX CVT. It comes packed with both passive and active safety features, including the advanced Honda Sensing suite:

• 6 Airbags (Front, Side & Curtain)
• 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) with Deflation Warning
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors and Multi-angle Rear Camera
• Honda Sensing ADAS Features:
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Auto High Beam

NCAP Rating Table

The Honda City has consistently performed well in safety assessments, giving buyers immense peace of mind.

Rating Type	Adult Occupant	Child Occupant
Global NCAP (5th Gen)	5 Star	5 Star
Bharat NCAP (5th Gen)	5 Star	5 Star

Rivals of Honda City ZX CVT

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

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision about the Honda City ZX CVT.

Advantages (Pros)

• Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is smooth, quiet, and offers good power delivery for both city and highway driving.
• Smooth CVT: The Continuously Variable Transmission provides a seamless and comfortable driving experience, especially in heavy traffic.
• Spacious Cabin: Class-leading rear-seat comfort and generous legroom make it ideal for families.
• Premium Interiors: High-quality materials, good fit and finish, and a well-appointed cabin give a premium feel.
• Top-notch Safety: With 6 airbags, Honda Sensing ADAS, and 5-star NCAP ratings, safety is a major strong point.
• Feature-Rich: From a sunroof to a 360-degree camera and wireless charging, it comes loaded with modern amenities.
• Reliability & Resale Value: Honda cars are known for their bulletproof reliability and strong resale value in the Indian market.
• Large Boot: A very practical 506-litre boot capacity.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Ground Clearance: While adequate, 165 mm can be a concern on severely broken roads or large speed breakers with a full load.
• CVT Rubber-band Effect: During aggressive acceleration, the CVT can exhibit a 'rubber-band' effect, where engine RPMs rise without an immediate surge in speed.
• No Turbo Petrol Option: Some rivals offer peppier turbocharged petrol engines for those seeking more enthusiastic performance.
• Premium Pricing: The Honda City ZX CVT is priced at the higher end of its segment, which might stretch some budgets.
• No Diesel Engine: The absence of a diesel powertrain option might deter buyers looking for better fuel efficiency for high-mileage usage.

Conclusion

The Honda City ZX CVT continues to be a formidable contender in India's mid-size sedan market. It perfectly balances a refined driving experience, a feature-rich and comfortable cabin, and top-notch safety. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option and the CVT has its own character, its strengths in reliability, space, and premium feel make it an excellent choice for families and individuals seeking a sophisticated and safe sedan for daily commutes and occasional long drives. If you value comfort, safety, and a hassle-free ownership experience, the Honda City ZX CVT definitely deserves a serious look. It's more than just a car; it's a statement of practicality and prestige.