Honda City 2015-2017 i VTEC VX Option BL

City 2015-2017 i VTEC VX Option BL Review

Honda India has rolled out a couple of new variants in its premium sedan series, City. These latest trims are placed above the existing top end variants and are available with petrol and diesel engine options. Among these, Honda City i VTEC VX Option is the petrol variant, which is powered by the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine. This mill is based on SOHC valve configuration and its transmission duties are handled by five speed manual gearbox. The manufacturer has made no updates to its exteriors or any of its technical specifications, since the updates are entirely related to its features. The new enhancement inside the cabin is the advanced AVN (Audio Visual Navigation) system that features a 6.2 inch touchscreen display along with several other connectivity features. Apart from this, all the other features like safety and comforts have been borrowed from the existing top end VX variant. Some of its comfort aspects include electric sunroof, one push engine start/stop function, and rear parking camera. While the safety features include security alarm system, ABS with EBD and dual front SRS airbags. This vehicle is currently competing against the likes of Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and Maruti Ciaz in the Indian automobile market.

Exteriors:

Like mentioned above, there are no updates made to its exterior design. This premium sedan has an aerodynamic body structure featuring several edgy cosmetics, which renders it a silhouette of a modern sedan. It has a bold front facade with precisely sculptured radiator grille that is affixed with a thick metallic strip. Additionally, it is also decorated with the company's logo that emphasizes its brand appeal. The headlight cluster looks sleek yet wide, but it is powered by halogen headlamps. Its bumper has a masculine design featuring a smaller air intake section along with a pair of fog lamp consoles, which have metallic surround. Like the bumper, its bonnet too has a sporty structure that adds to its elegance. The side profile looks very decent featuring expressive lines and curved fenders. Its door handles are done up on chrome, while the outside rear view mirrors are painted in body color. It also gets a sturdy set of alloy wheels fitted to its fenders, which are embedded with company's logo. Its rear facet has a very simple design, but the radiant taillight cluster gives it an aggressive stance. Its tailgate gets a few chrome accents in the form of a horizontally positioned strip along with company's logo and variants badge. This vehicle is built with a length measuring at 4440mm, width at 1695mm and height of 1495mm.

Interiors:

Apart from installing the AVN system on dashboard, there is no update given to the insides of this vehicle. Its internal cabin is spacious enough to accommodate at least five occupants, while providing a boot volume of 510 litres for luggage storage. Its cockpit has a classy design featuring a layered dashboard that has a lot of metallic accents. Its central console is the house for two touchscreens one of which provides controls for the automatic AC unit. While the other one is newly added that supports video, audio playback and supports several connectivity options. The seats inside are highly comfortable and features adjustable head restraints and center armrest in front and rear cabin. At the same time, its rear center armrest also features two cup holders that further enhances the conveniences. Like the exterior door handles, its inside ones too have chrome garnish, which renders a regal appeal to the cabin. The attractive aspect of the cabin is its three spoke steering wheel that houses multi-functional switches along with a lot of metallic accents.

Engine and Performance:

This Honda City i VTEC VX Option trim houses a 1.5-litre petrol engine under the hood that is incorporated with a programmed fuel injection system. This engine comprises of four cylinders and 16-valves, but it runs on a single overhead camshaft valve configuration. This reduces the wastage of power and improves its efficiency. The maximum power produced by this 1497cc engine is 117.3bhp at 6600rpm that yields in a pounding torque output of 145Nm at just 4600rpm. This power plant is skilfully coupled to a five speed manual transmission gearbox that sends out torque output to the front wheels. The manufacturer claims that this engine helps the vehicle to deliver a mileage of 17.4 Kmpl, which is considerably good.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is bestowed with a superior braking mechanism featuring standard disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes to its rear ones. The advanced anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system are incorporated to enhance this braking mechanism and to improve the on road safety. In terms of suspension, it gets McPherson strut at front axle and torsion beam type of suspension at rear, which are further loaded with coil springs. The manufacturer has also blessed this vehicle with an electric power assisted steering system, which offers a good response.

Comfort Features:

This newly launched Honda City i VTEC VX Option trim is currently positioned as the fully loaded version. It is now equipped with a proficient Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) system that features a high resolution touchscreen of size 6.2 inches. This system also includes a DVD player that supports various file formats. At the same time, it also has connectivity options like AUX-In, iPod/iPhone, USB and Bluetooth. Apart from these, all other comfort features have been borrowed from the existing top end trim. The list includes an advanced multi-information combination meter, ECO assist system with ambient rings, outside temperature and one touch lane change indicator. Beside these, this trim also has an automatic air conditioning system including rear air vents, rear parking camera, cruise control, electrically adjustable and foldable outside mirrors, power steering with tilt adjustment, keyless entry system and power windows.

Safety Features:

This vehicle is built using a critically acclaimed ACE body structure that not just takes care of the passengers inside, but also minimizes the collision impact on the pedestrians. On the other hand, it is blessed with safety features like dual front SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer, security alarm, front fog lamp, rear windscreen defogger and driver's seatbelt reminder. In addition to these, this trim is also blessed with dual horn, key off reminder, automatic door locks by speed and a day/night inside rear view mirror.

Pros:

1. Inclusion of AVN system is an advantage.

2. Comfort and safety features makes it a tough contender.

Cons:

1. Alloy wheels has an outdated design.

2. There is a need to improve fuel economy.