2020 Honda City: First Impression

If we have to pick flagship models for all major brands, City would be the first name to pop out for Honda. The B-segment sedan has been crucial in turning Honda’s fate and strengthening its game globally. While it faced ups and downs during its long product span, Honda City stands tall even today.

Honda has revealed the fifth-generation version of the sedan set for release in multiple markets. It is indeed a challenge to enhance something that is already revered by the customers. In our first impression of the new Honda City, we find out how it has evolved over its predecessor, read on to know more.

2020 Honda City Exterior 

What has changed in the fifth-generation Honda City?

The all-new City receives styling tweaks on the outside.  As for 2020 Honda City exterior dimensions, it measures 113 mm longer, 53 mm wider, though height has been reduced by 10 mm. On the outside, it appears more finished in comparison to the current-gen model. Not much has changed at the front as it retains Honda’s Solid Wing face.  

The “jewel eye” headlights seem inspired by the larger sibling Honda Civic, and thick chrome bar accentuates the bolder look. At the flanks, City carries over most of the styling elements from its predecessor. A sharp character line runs above the door handles across the length of the sedan; besides the rear-view mirrors have been repositioned on the door for enhanced visibility. The front bumper features large functional corner inlets, and the lower intake gets a body-coloured strip. 

Moving to the back, the bumper seems reminiscent of the one in front featuring decorative outlets on the corners. The restyled tail-lamps seem inspired by the Honda Insight, and the sharp creases on the flanks meet up with the clusters, akin to the previous-gen model. 

Other prominent elements on the outside include-

• Jewel eye headlights
• Redesigned two-piece tail-lamps
• U-shaped light signature on rear lights
• Sharp creases
• Decorative outlets on the corners of the bumpers
• Bold character line repositioned above the door handles

2020 Honda City Interior 

What are the key changes on the 2020 Honda city interior?

While City has grown in size, the length of the wheelbase has been reduced marginally by 11 mm to 2,589 mm. However, the increase in width and length hints at a larger cabin space. As for styling, the dashboard layout has been completely redesigned and seem reminiscent of its smaller sibling Jazz.

Aside from the above changes, the cabin remains unchanged save for some superficial tweaks. It carries over the majority of features from the previous generation model and ensures a comfortable experience for the occupants.

As per Honda, the use of thicker engine under cover insulator and polyutherine spray foam insulation has significantly reduced NVH levels.  This prevents noise from seeping inside the cabin, making it quieter and snugger for the occupants.

Listed below are some of the other vital interior features 

• Vertical-style AC vents
• Jazz inspired Climate control switchgear
• Touchscreen infotainment unit
• Tactile dials and buttons
• Redesigned steering wheel with mounted controls 
• Mounted controls on gear lever for Eco mode, etc.
• Larger legroom & knee space
• Lower headrests 

2020 Honda City Engine & Specifications 

What lies under the skin?

The all-new Honda City spec sheet boasts a powerful 1.0-litre direct-injected, three-cylinder DOHC turbocharged petrol engine tuned to pump out 122 PS of top power at 5,500 rpm and 173 Nm of peak torque between 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. A single seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available with the DOHC unit, missing out on a manual gearbox. The engine also benefits from dual Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), a Variable Valve Timing, Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) and a BorgWarner single-scroll turbocharger.

There is no change to City’s chassis set-up as with MacPherson struts and torsion beam fitted at the front and rear respectively. Likewise, the braking system remains intact with ventilated disc units at front and drum brakes at the back. 

2020 Honda City Features 

Given below is the list of available features-

• Projector Headlamps
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry and start
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Honda connect telematics system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto 

2020 Honda City Safety Features 

The safety kit on the new City comprises of the following features 

• Dual front airbags
• Side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Hill start assist
• Rearview camera
• ISOFIX child seat anchors 

With the fresh dose of updates, the latest iteration of Honda’s B-segment sedan is sure to surpass the outgoing model on several fronts. It looks refreshed, with new elements reiterating its bold character. Taking into account its popularity in the Malay market, the new City could be the new rage on the roads as it breaks cover in the coming months. 

Also read:- Recently launched City to boost Honda Thailand’s eco car sales