Honda City 2015-2017 i DTec E

City 2015-2017 i DTec E Review

Honda Cars India Limited is bringing in the much awaited Honda City Diesel in the Indian car bazaar. The company is not just introducing the diesel version of the “City”, but also made a lot of changes to its exterior design and structure, which will certainly lure the auto enthusiasts. This premium sedan is available in five trim levels out of which, the Honda City iDTec E is the base level variant. The company equipped this diesel variant with a globally proven 1.5-litre iDTec diesel engine. The company claims that the diesel version of Honda City is the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class with an ability to deliver 26 Kmpl of staggering mileage. By launching this diesel version of the City, the manufacturer has spurred the competition in the Indian automobile market. The company is offering this base level variant with all standard features along with power windows, air conditioner with heater, power steering, ABS with EBD and so on. Also, advanced features like pedestrian injury mitigation technology, engine immobilizer system, and wave key have been offered as standard in this particular variant. On the other hand, the company built this sedan on an ACE body structure, which will redirect the collision energy from the passenger compartment and thereby protects the passengers.

Exteriors :

This fourth generation of Honda City I DTec E variant comes with a modern body structure that represents the gen-next design in the automobile segment. The company has refreshed the exteriors of this sedan that helped it to get a modern look. Its ACE body structure has helped the manufacturer to obtain an aerodynamic look, while improving the protection for the passengers inside. On its front profile, the company re-treated the design of the headlight cluster, radiator grille along with the bumper. This cluster is very sleek and it incorporates a powerful halogen lamp along with a turn indicator. The radiator grille in the center gets a thick chrome plated louvre with a company insignia incorporated in the center. Below this, the bumper has a unique design that adds a sporty and aggressive look to its front profile. Coming to the sides, you can notice expressive lines on the doors that adds a new look to the vehicle. Here the door handles along with the ORVMs have been coated with body color paint, while the B-pillar window sills gets a black color garnish. The rear profile of this sedan also received update with new design taillight cluster, boot lid and a new bumper. The sleekly designed taillight cluster are complimented by a thick chrome garnish on the boot lid. The rear bumper is very bold and it houses a pair of reflectors, which will add to the additional safety of this sedan.  

Interiors :

The interior cabin of this fourth generation Honda City is very spacious and has a two tone color scheme. The rear occupant cabin is very spacious with incredible leg and shoulder space. The company has covered the wide and well cushioned seats with dual color fabric upholstery that adds to the customer excitement. The dashboard is very sleek, which is equipped with several equipments and functions. The instrument cluster comes equipped with a number of features including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and so on. The steering wheel comes with three spokes and has silver inserts along with chrome plated company logo that gives a fabulous feel to the driver. There are number of features you can find inside the cabin including cup holders, bottle holders, power outlet , storage compartment, parcel tray, manual AC unit, seat belts and several other utility based aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Powering the Honda City i DTec E base variant is the advanced 1.5-litre diesel engine that is powerful and fuel efficient. The company has designed this engine with 4-cylinders and 16 valves, which makes a total displacement capacity of 1495cc . This engine is incorporated with direct fuel injection system that allows it to churn out a maximum 98bhp of power at 3600rpm, which is converted into a peak torque output of about 200Nm at just 1750rpm. This commanding torque output is delivered to the front wheels of the sedan via a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. The most impressive aspect about this engine is its ability to give away a peak mileage of 26 Kmpl, which is more than any other sedan in the automobile segment.

Braking and Handling:

Despite being the entry level variant, Honda City I DTec E trim comes with superior braking aspects. The manufacturer assembled the front wheels of this sedan with disc brakes, while equipping the rear wheels with drum brakes. The company enhanced this drum and disc brake combination with an advanced anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution system that minimizes the risk of skidding and improves the stability of the vehicle. On the other hand, this sedan comes incorporated with a highly responsive power steering system that eases the efforts of drive. Apart from this, its suspension system is another most important aspect that improves the handling of this sedan.

Comfort Features:

This base level variant is being offered with most of the standard comfort features that takes care of the minimum requirements of occupants. This base trim is being offered with the features including a manual air conditioning unit that keeps the environment chilled and pleasant. Also the company is offering this base trim with all four power windows with driver side one touch operation. Other features of this entry level variant includes power steering system with tilt function, power adjustable outside mirrors, central locking system , ECO lamp, day/night inside mirror, cup holders , power outlet and other such features.

Safety Features:

The fourth generation version of the Honda City sedan is being offered with advanced safety features. This sedan comes with ACE body structure that provides maximum safety to the passenger cabin by diverting that energy caused in case of collision. Other such advanced features include an advanced engine immobilizer system, front driver airbag, high mount stop lamp , driver seat belt reminder, wave key and anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution system .

Pros : Impressive safety aspects, class leading fuel efficiency.

Cons : Price is little expensive, interior design could have been better.