Honda City

Model Overview

The Honda City is an entry-level B-segment sedan under Honda Motor, marketed under the "City" nameplate across several overseas markets. It stands as one of Honda's longest-running models, with the first-generation City debuting back in 1981. From the fourth generation onwards, the City transitioned onto Honda's global small car platform as a sedan derivative of the Fit/Jazz.

In the Chinese market, the City’s lineage traces back to 2006 when Guangzhou Honda introduced the "Sidi" (the fourth-generation City). In December 2008, GAC Honda officially unveiled the "CITY Fengfan", positioning it as the brand's first mid-size sedan offering. As Honda's entry-level compact sedan in China, the City swiftly gained strong market traction courtesy of its accessible pricing, reputable joint-venture backing, and practical attributes, making it particularly popular among young car buyers in tier-two and tier-three cities.

The City’s lifecycle in China spanned three key milestones: its initial launch in 2008, a mid-life facelift in 2012, and a full model change in 2015 (which saw its wheelbase extended to 2,600 mm, elevating it from a subcompact to a compact B/C-segment sedan). The 2019 model marked the final iteration of the City in China before it was officially phased out. By 2019, cumulative sales of the City in the Chinese market had surpassed the 1-million-unit mark. In overseas markets, the City continues to thrive through successive generations, offering variants equipped with the advanced i-MMD hybrid powertrain. In China, the 2019 Honda City carried an official recommended retail price range between RM79,800 and RM106,800.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the City evolved from a purely utilitarian design into a sharper, more youthful aesthetic. The original 2008 City adopted Honda's contemporary family design language, characterised by clean, understated body lines. Following the full model change in 2015, the City embraced a "MODE" design philosophy, marketed as a "stylish, sporty sedan". The front fascia showcased Honda's signature Solid Wing Face grille, featuring a bold chrome bar seamlessly flanked by the headlamps. Along the sides, sharp dual character lines swept from the front doors to the tail lamps, establishing a distinct Honda styling cue. At the rear, an integrated subtle ducktail spoiler added a touch of sportiness.

Dimension-wise, the 2015 and subsequent models measured 4,450 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,477 mm in height, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase. It offered a minimum ground clearance of 100 mm and a kerb weight of around 1,117 kg. As a minor model year update, the 2019 model introduced two fresh exterior paint options: Star Red and Aurora Blue.

Inside, the City featured an asymmetrical dashboard layout angled towards the driver. The cabin faithfully embodied Honda's "Man Maximum, Machine Minimum" (M/M) philosophy, maximising passenger space while minimising the room taken up by mechanical hardware. Cabin materials were predominantly hard plastics, complemented by silver trim accents and gloss black piano finish panels. The 2019 model further incorporated chrome and brushed metal accents to elevate overall perceived quality.

Powertrain and Performance

In China, the City was primarily powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with earlier iterations also offering a 1.8L petrol unit.

From 2008 to 2012, the City was available with either 1.5L or 1.8L powertrains. The 1.5L variant shared its i-VTEC engine with the Fit/Jazz, producing a maximum output of 88 kW. The 1.8L variant utilised the R18A1 i-VTEC engine, pushing out 103 kW (around 140 PS) and 174 Nm of peak torque. The 2009 1.8L Luxury variant was priced at RM149,800.

Following the 2015 generation overhaul, the entire range transitioned to the 1.5L Earth Dreams Technology i-VTEC direct-injection engine (L15B series), churning out 96 kW (131 PS) and 155 Nm of torque. Power was routed to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT with Sport (S) and Low (L) modes. It achieved a 0-100 km/h sprint in 10 seconds, with a top speed rated at 185 km/h. The official MIIT combined fuel consumption was an impressive 5.4 L/100 km.

In overseas markets, the City lineup was further expanded to include a 1.0L 3-cylinder VTEC Turbo engine delivering 120 PS and 173 Nm, alongside a 4th-generation i-MMD dual-motor hybrid system producing a combined 150 PS, delivering a real-world fuel economy of just 4.0 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

The City features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration, riding on a suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam—a standard and reliable configuration for its segment. The suspension was tuned primarily for comfort, where long suspension travel and pliant spring rates soaked up road imperfections with ease. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) provided sharp feedback, minimal on-centre deadband, and agile front-end response, making its handling precision a class standout. For stopping power, 2015 and subsequent models employed a front ventilated disc and rear drum brake setup, wrapped in 185/60 R15 tyres.

Cabin and Equipment

The City's cabin prioritised everyday practicality. From the 2015 model year onwards, standard equipment across the board included a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt adjustment, an analogue instrument cluster, and manual air conditioning. Higher-spec grades gained an electric sunroof, keyless entry with push-start button, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and automatic climate control. On the in-car entertainment front, earlier models featured a basic head unit with radio and standard audio playback.

In terms of space, the generous 2,600 mm wheelbase significantly liberated rear passenger legroom over its predecessor. Boot capacity was rated between 485 L and 536 L. However, a notable drawback was that the rear bench seat lacked a folding mechanism for cargo expansion.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety specifications varied considerably across different eras and markets. In the Chinese market, top-tier 2019 models were equipped with side airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Standard baseline safety kit across all variants included Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA), though a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) was omitted across the range. While the City was never officially crash-tested by China C-NCAP, variants equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) scored a full 5-star rating in the Australasian ANCAP assessment (non-ESC models scored 4 stars); the Japanese-spec City Hybrid (marketed as the Grace) also clinched a top 5-star safety rating.

In overseas markets, subsequent facelifts received major safety upgrades, offering the full Honda SENSING suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and six airbags as standard equipment. The ADAS suite encompassed Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).

Market Performance and Verdict

The Honda City experienced a remarkable boom followed by a steady market contraction in China. The model hit its peak in 2016 with 98,000 units sold, cementing its position as one of the top three best-selling joint-venture compact sedans. However, annual deliveries dropped to 64,000 units in 2017, slid to 48,000 units in 2018, and fell further to 23,000 units in 2019, with average monthly sales dwindling to around 2,000 to 3,000 units. Following the 2019 model year, the City was officially discontinued in China.

Multiple factors contributed to its eventual exit from the Chinese market. First was a prolonged product cycle—after its 2015 overhaul, it went without any major redesign, leaving its styling and tech lagging behind rivals. Second was a stripped-down equipment list—entry-level grades lacked essentials like stability control and TPMS, while fixed rear seats compromised family practicality. Third were refinement shortcomings—notably firm low-speed damping and subpar cabin soundproofing (NVH). Fourth was the fierce onslaught from Chinese domestic carmakers—rivals like the Geely Emgrand and Changan Eado mounted an aggressive challenge in terms of pricing, features, and cabin space. Lastly, GAC Honda’s internal portfolio reshuffling—introducing upscale compact models like the Crider and Envix—coupled with Honda's aggressive shift towards electrification, ultimately drew the curtain on the City's run in China.

Despite its exit, the City remains a landmark model in GAC Honda's history. As the third model from the joint venture to enter the prestigious "one-million-sales club" after the Accord and Fit, it served as the cherished first car for countless families. Today, the City continues its successful legacy in overseas markets, going strong with both petrol and e:HEV hybrid powertrain offerings.