The Honda City is a compact car which has been produced by the Japanese manufacturer Honda since 1981.
Originally made for the Japanese, European and Australasian markets, the subcompact City 3-door hatchback was retired in 1994 after the second generation. The nameplate was revived in 1996 for use on a series of compact four-door sedans aimed primarily at developing markets, first mainly sold in Asia outside Japan but later also in Latin America and Australia. From 2002 to 2008, the City was also sold as the Honda Fit Aria in Japan. Since then, it has been a compact sedan built on Honda's Global Small Car platform, which is shared with the Fit/Jazz (a five-door hatchback), the Airwave/Partner (a wagon/panel van version of the Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike--all of which share the location of the fuel tank under the front seats rather than rear seats. By 2017, cumulative sales of the City has exceeded 3.6 million units in over 60 countries around the world since the nameplate was revived in 1996. As of 2017, cumulative sales of the City reached 700,000 in India. Sales of the City in India contributes to 25 percent of global sales and the City is Honda's best selling model in India.
The City is also sold as the Honda Ballade in South Africa since 2011.
Video Honda City
First generation (1981-1986)
The first Honda City (AA for sedans, VF for vans and FA for the wider Turbo II and Cabriolets) was introduced in November 1981 with the innovative "Tallboy" design; of unusual height it enabled four adults to fit comfortably in the very short City (under 3.4 m or 11.2 ft). Produced as a 3-door hatchback in a variety of trim levels, the City was also available together with the Motocompo, a special 50cc 'foldaway' scooter designed to fit in the City's small luggage area. At the time of its introduction, it was Honda's smallest car, while not being in compliance with Japanese Government kei regulations. It was longer than the Honda N360 by 383 millimetres (15.1 in), but shorter than the Honda Civic first generation by 171 millimetres (6.7 in).
The Honda City Turbo was introduced in September 1982. It was powered by a turbocharged version of the 1231 cc Honda ER engine. A Pininfarina designed drop-top Cabriolet utilized the wider fenders and bigger bumpers of the Turbo II "Bulldog", but was only available with the naturally aspirated 67 PS (49 kW) engine. There was also a Pro-series of van versions with either two or four seats. A high-roof "R Manhattan Roof" version with a 10 cm taller roof also appeared.
Exports of the City were primarily to Europe (where it was renamed Honda Jazz, due to Opel having trademarked the City name), Australia (in two-seater 'van' form, to circumvent Australian import restrictions on passenger vehicles at the time) and New Zealand (where it was locally assembled). Production ended in late 1986 with the introduction of the GA type City.
Maps Honda City
Second generation (1986-1994)
Honda replaced the original City series AA in November 1986 with this generation (designated GA1), and again with an update in 1989 (GA2). This model was produced until 1994. The Fit name also first appeared as a trim variant of the second generation City. There was no convertible model, with both the convertible and Turbo models of the previous generation continuing on sale for a little while. In most markets aside from Japan, the City's market position was left open until filled by the Honda Logo in 1999.
October 31, 1986 the second generation City was introduced with the slogan "City of talent." in Japan, and was available at Honda Clio dealerships. The Honda Clio dealership chain was being positioned as Honda's purveyor of luxuriously equipped vehicles like the Honda Legend, the Honda Concerto, and the Honda Accord, and this generation City enabled Clio locations to sell economically priced vehicles normally found at Honda Primo.
In this remodel, there are major changes in the appearance of the vehicle Honda called "Crouching form", which consisted of a low and wide design that contributed to lighter vehicle weight (basic grade 680 kg) combined with improvements in driving performance. The styling reflects a corporate decision to enact a shared appearance with the first generation Honda Today kei car, the internationally strong seller, third generation subcompact Honda Civic, and the third generation compact Honda Accord AeroDeck. This generation shared its exterior dimensions and engine size almost exactly with the first generation Civic. The Honda CR-X was the only three-door hatchback that adopted a fastback, sloping rear hatch, similar to the Honda Verno products during the mid-1980s.
The engine configuration introduced the Honda D series, in the form of the type D12A, a 1.2 L SOHC straight-four 16-valve unit (1986, first as a mechanism for domestic vehicles) only available with a single carburetor, and basic level of equipment. The difference between the "GG" / "EE" / "BB" were just in the level of equipment. Power is 76 PS (56 kW) at 6,500 rpm. A five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission were optional.
In October 1988 the main engine was changed to 1.3 L I4 SOHC type D13C. At this time, in addition to the traditional single carburetor, and introduced Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection. Single carburetor specification, the 1.2 L "BE" the other 1.3 L "CE" / "CG" is set, PGM-FI, spec, "CR-i" / "CZ-i" and consists of two trim packages.
The "CE" grade equipment with enhanced savings "CE Fit", PGM-FI specification is "CR-i" based only high-grade "CR-i Limited" was introduced, the late "CZ-i" is defined as the minor trim package. The word "Fit" appears as a trim package on the base grade "CE".
At the end of this generation, by grade consolidation, "Fit" is used for all single carburetor vehicles. The trim package "Fit" later became the model name of the successor of the Honda Logo which replaced this car.
The second generation was discontinued in 1993. In Japan, the name "City" was retired at the end of this series' conclusion of production. The replacement vehicles introduced in 1996 on the GA base were renamed "Honda Logo" (three-door hatchback, GA3/5 series), and the Honda Capa with five-door hatchback bodywork.
Third generation (1996-2003)
The third generation Honda City, codenamed SX8 but with chassis codes 3A2 (1.3) and 3A3 (1.5), was based on the EF Civic platform. It was designed for and sold in the South East Asian market only, launch with slogan "Smart for the new generation" in 1.3-liter version launch, 1.5-liter version are launch with "Top-in-class smart" slogan . First production began in an all-new plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand, in April 1996. From the beginning, these Thai Citys had more than 70% local content. The bumpers were constructed in three separate pieces to allow for easier shipping from Japan. There were originally a lower grade LXi and a higher-spec EXi available. This generation vehicle was sold in Japan alongside the Honda Domani at Honda Clio dealerships in Japan.
This City is still a subcompact slotting beneath the Honda Civic, but a four-door sedan model instead for developing markets in Asia, and was built in Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and India. A revised, facelifted third-generation City was released in 2000, called the "City type Z" in some markets. By 2001 a model powered by Honda's 1.5 L VTEC engines (VTI) appeared, featuring a rear-stabilizer for better handling. The face lift model received new front- and taillights, as well as one-piece bumpers.Fog light area dimension= (3"to 3.5")
The third generation city had fuel-injected SOHC 16-valve D-series engines, namely variations of the D13B and D15B. The original 1.3 L (1,343 cc) D13B produced 95 PS (70 kW) at 6,400 rpm for a claimed top speed of 171 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 11.3 seconds. This was later complemented by the 1.5-litre D15B, which was reduced in power for the Asian markets where the car was sold. The D15B engine also arrived in a version featuring VTEC (B15C2 engine), with an output of 115 PS (85 kW). The VTEC-engined City has a 0-100 km/h time of around 10 seconds.
In many of its intended markets it was one of few sub-compacts with a fully independent rear suspension that was dropped in the later models due to its high cost.
Fourth generation (2003-2008)
The fourth generation City made its world debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show in November 2002. It was now offered as a four-wheel drive version. It was imported from Thailand and launched as Fit Aria in Japan on December 20, 2002. The word "aria" is a type of expressive melody, usually heard in opera. Honda chose the word, continuing its musical naming tradition used with the Honda Prelude, the Honda Accord, the Honda Ballade, the Honda Quint, and the Honda Concerto. In the People's Republic of China, the model was named Fit Saloon and was sold from September 2003 to December 2008.
The Honda City was initially launched with a twin-spark, lean burn 'i-DSI' engine producing 88ps that was primarily designed to provide outstanding fuel economy. The VTEC version of the Honda City was launched later in 2004. The VTEC trim of the Honda City is offered with 15-inch alloy wheels compared to the 14-inch offered in the i-DSI and the rear brakes are solid discs on the VTEC variant instead of drums in the i-DSI. Also, the VTEC model uses a 7-speed Multimatic CVT automatic transmission.
Facelift
In September 2005, a facelifted version of the City was launched in Thailand, in October 2005 in Malaysia, and in November 2005 in Indonesia. In Thailand it is known as the City ZX. The most significant changes are a new exterior (new front grille, new headlamps, new fog lights, new taillights and bumpers). The front end has been extended forward by 65 mm (2.6 in) while the rear has been extended by 15 mm (0.6 in). The side mirror is electronically foldable. Both the i-DSI and VTEC trim levels have 15-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. Interior changes are minor but it does include an armrest for the driver and additional map lights. The interior colour tone of the VTEC variant is now black.
The L-series engine remained but the intake manifold has been repositioned, resulting in a 6 °C drop in the intake air temperature, the suspension has been upgraded as well.
Honda City in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore and Malaysia uses the CVT gearbox for both i-DSI and VTEC variants. The CVT gearbox simulates a 7-Speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic style override using paddle shift buttons on the steering wheel itself.
This model also saw limited availability in certain right-handed traffic markets outside Asia such as Egypt.
The fourth generation was resurrected in China as the Everus S1, a new budget car brand for previous Honda models. It stopped production in 2015.
- Models
City/Fit Aria:
- GD6: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI Inline-four engine 2WD (Fit-Aria)
- GD7: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI Inline-four engine 4WD (Fit-Aria)
- GD8: 1.5 L L15A i-DSI/VTEC Inline-four engine 2WD (Fit-Aria)
- GD9: 1.5 L L15A i-DSI/VTEC Inline-four engine 4WD (Fit-Aria)
Everus S1 (China)
In 2011 Chinese Joint Venture Guangqi Honda released a badge-engineered version of the 4th Generation City under their new Everus brand, called the S1. With the release of Everus, Honda became the first foreign automaker to develop vehicles under a brand owned by its local joint venture automaker in China.
The S1 is the first, and only, Everus car available for sale. It shares most of the characteristics found in the 4th Generation City. Dimmensions & Powertrains are identical as well with the S1 sporting the same 4,420mm length and 1.3 L i-DSi or 1.5 L VTEC L-series petrol engine. The engines are paired to either a 5-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic Transmission.
The S1 concluded production in 2014, selling around 4500 units in mainland China.
Fifth generation (2008-2013)
The fifth generation Honda City was unveiled in Bangkok, Thailand in September 2008 followed by launches in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and China (Guangzhou Honda) in the following months. It is manufactured in number of locations including Turkey, Thailand, Pakistan and Brazil.
With its 2550 mm (100 in) wheelbase, the City had moved into the compact car size segment.
Depending on market conditions, the City is available in a range of engine and specification levels. Generally in Asian markets the City comes in three variants - S, V and SV models. In some markets the V and SV is replaced by the E. For South America the range includes the DX, LX, EX, and EXL models.
The range of four-cylinder engines include a 1.3 producing 73 kW (98 hp) at 6,000 rpm, a 1.5 engine putting out 120 PS (88 kW), which both are available in manual and automatic transmissions (Indonesia) and a 1.8-liter R18A engine (China markets only).
In South America the range is offered with the i-VTEC 1.5-liter flex-fuel engine that is shared with the Brazilian Honda Fit. The power output is 115 hp with petrol and 116 hp using ethanol. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.
In the Philippines, the 5th generation City was launched in 2009 available in 2 trims: 1.3 S and 1.5 E. The 1.3 liter is available in 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic while the E variant is only available in 5 speed automatic with paddle shifters.
The City was briefly offered in selected European countries including Poland with a 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission.
Since it was launched in India in November 2008, the City became the best-selling model of the company in the country, with sales volume even surpassing that of Thailand, previously the best selling market for the City. The Honda City has been the leader in the premium mid-sized sedan segment for a decade, with 35% market share in 2010.
In February 2009, Honda Australia have released the Thai-made City into the Australian market in two 1.5-litre variants (VTi and VTi-L). According to Honda Australia's boss, Yasuhide Mizuno, the City will compete with other light sedans such as the Japanese built Toyota Yaris, the Korean-made Holden Barina and the Nissan Tiida (also Thai). This will be the first City released in Australia since the 1980s. It replaces the formerly smaller-sized Civics.
The City was launched in 2011 in South Africa as the Ballade, to fit below the Civic and above the Jazz (Fit) sold there.
Facelift
In September 2011, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Ltd revealed the revamped Honda City, with new front grille design, new front and rear bumpers, new taillamps design, new alloy wheels, eco driving indicator and dual front airbags to every model. The revised model was launched in India in December 2011 including five variants - Corporate, E, S, V and V (Sunroof) - and increased ground clearance to 165mm (previously 160mm) and also length increased by 20mm.
Honda Cars Philippines launched the facelift version of the City in early 2012. It has a redesigned front grille, front and rear bumper and new alloy wheels for the 1.5 E variant, blue illumination gauge and silver accent air conditioning switch. In 2013, a new designed alloy wheels for both 1.3 and 1.5 variants and a color of the City has been replaced Habanero Red has been replaced with Carnelian Red for the City. A Modulo version is available in both variants and in 2013 a Mugen version is available for the 1.5 variant only.
Honda Siel Cars India the Indian subsidiary of Honda Motors has launched the facelifted Honda City 2012 in India. The new Honda City 2012 was launched in India in seven variants. All variants are powered by the same 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine which delivers 118PS of power with 146Nm of maximum torque. Also, the company was planned to launch the Honda City diesel variants in the local market, which was launched in late 2012. Here is the list of Honda City petrol models with their respective features.
Honda Atlas (Pakistan) resumed the production of Honda City on May 1, 2012 after it was halted due to supply chain disruption caused by massive flooding in Thailand. This resumption of production is marked by Honda as it comes with the range of facelifted Honda City under the banner of Honda City Aspire. In October, 2014 Honda Atlas launched the facelifted Honda City, with new features including new taillights, revamped chrome grille, blinkers on side mirrors, rear window brake light, keyless entry system and new bumpers. The interior also received some changes. The speedometer dials were changed from orange to blue optitron.
Production
The Honda City is produced in a number of locations around the world including India, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand.
In July 2009, the City was for the first time to be built and marketed (in large numbers) outside Asia, with production commenced in Sumaré, Brazil. The car was first available for sale in the Brazilian market, with exports to Mexico and other markets in Latin America from September 2009.
Since March 2011, with the opening of a new factory, the Honda City began to be manufactured in Argentina. It is the first car built by Honda in Argentina (and the first Japanese passenger car made in Argentina) and will be exported to all the countries in South America alongside with the Citys built in the Brazilian Sumaré plant. As of July 2016 Pakistan is the only country where this model still remains in production and available with 1.3L and 1.5L engines.
- Diesel variant
Honda cars India has now officially announced the launch of the much anticipated Honda City Diesel in 2014. This was revealed by president and CEO of Honda Car India, Hirnori Kanayama in an exclusive media interview. Reports suggest that City will get a complete facelift in the year 2014 and it will be launched with two engines, 1.5L i-VTEC and newly developed 1.5L i-DTEC, 5th generation honda city model which later gets facelift in last months of the year.the 5th generation honda city with diesel(ARAI) ENGINES and petrol engines will be closed by November 2014 after that the all new sixth generation honda city with diesel and petrol cars with a facelift will b released soon after the closing of 5th generation honda city cars.this was a trail base in fewer parts of India states like delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, andhrapradesh and Telangana. there were only produced fewer diesel cars in the 5th generation honda city and that made huge demand for the honda city and later it gets facelift as said above in November 2014. and next honda also powers the newly launched Honda Amaze. Honda, unveiled the new City sedan for the global markets and it will go on sale in January 2014. The two main rivals of Honda City Diesel are Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna
Sixth generation (2014-present)
The sixth generation City is Honda's second model to incorporate the new "Exciting H" design which was first seen on the third generation Honda Fit/Jazz that launched in September 2013. It also won the award of 'Middle East Car of the Year 2014'. The new City in its range topping trim features extensive premium equipments and kits, such as touch-panel auto climate control, rear AC vents, a 5-inch LCD display with navigation, Bluetooth audio, a reverse camera, eight speakers, and four power outlets. Based on Honda's new "Exciting H-Design" philosophy, the sedan gave a more refreshing and a premium look than its predecessor. The overall height is increased by 10mm, while rest of the dimensions remains same.
Facelift
The midlife facelift for the sixth generation Honda City was launched in Thailand in January 2017. The facelift includes visual and equipment updates such as LED head lamps, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights, similar to those found on the Japanese version, the Honda Grace while revised chrome bar grille is similar to that of its elder sibling, the Honda Civic. The facelift model was also subsequently launched in India on 14 February 2017, in Malaysia on 2 March 2017, and in Indonesia on 16 March 2017.
Regions
Brazil
The City was introduced in Brazil as its second generation there in 2014, following the current Fit, both produced at the Sumare plant. Only the 1.5-litre flex fuel (ethanol/petrol) engine is available, with manual and CVT transmissions. Direct injection is not used.
India
The sixth generation City is available with a choice of two engines in India; a new 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC turbodiesel and a refined version of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol from the remier. The new 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which also powers the Honda Amaze is certified to deliver a mileage of 26 km/l (ARAI), making the sixth generation City the most fuel efficient car in its segment. The 5th generation Honda City diesel cars were manufactured very few and in hundreds and are given to some selected dealers in only some states of India. The 5th gen Honda City Diesel is available on demand through the selected dealers and was launched in the starting days of January, only a few days before the 6th gen Honda City launch in India.
Honda launched the new Honda City on 7 January 2014 in India at Rs 7.42 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Honda City 2014 is available in five variants - E, S, SV, V and VX for both petrol and diesel. The petrol automatic will be available in SV and VX variants.
The City has always been popular in India, its sales doubled after it was launched with a diesel engine. In March 2015, the City became the fastest selling compact sedan to reach the 1 lakh (100,000) mark in just 15 months. Registering a sales record of 101, 299 units, since its launch, the Honda City has entered the list of 10 best selling cars in India in financial year FY 15 (1 April 2014 - 31 March 2015)
From April 2015, the City is available with an additional trim: VX (O). It is positioned above the VX. It comes in white orchard pearl with touch screen audio video navigation system.
Over 10,000 orders were received in less than a month after the facelifted 2017 Honda City was released in mid-February 2017. The City became India's best selling mid-size sedan for the first half of 2017.
Japan
The City is offered and sold as Honda Grace in Japan, with both petrol and hybrid versions. Trim levels range from LX, Hybrid EX, Hybrid LX and Hybrid DX. Hybrid versions can be differentiated from its LED rear lamp clusters and on the Hybrid LX and Hybrid DX only, LED projector headlamps comes as standard. The exterior dimensions are compliant with Japanese Government dimension regulations and the engine displacement incurs a nominal annual road tax obligation.
Thailand
The sixth generation Honda City received its ASEAN début in Thailand on 23 January 2014. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, the only engine option for Thailand, has been tuned to comply with E85 fuel. The sixth generation City is sold in six variants ranging from 550,000 to 749,000 baht respectively. Unlike the Indian-market City, certain Thai-market variants are available with extensive safety features including 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist.
Taiwan
Honda Taiwan first displayed the sixth-generation City at 2014 Taipei Auto Show in which Honda also exhibited its NSX concept sport car. The Taiwan-market City was formally announced on March 4, 2014 and went on sale in the second quarter of the same year. This was the first time the City had been on sale in Taiwan since 2002, when the third-generation City ceased production.
China
In China, Honda City(??) is manufactured by Guangzhou Honda, where there is another derived model Greiz(??), manufactured by Dongfeng Honda, with different body lines, front and rear fascias. Another derivative called the Honda Gienia (??) is the Honda City in hatchback form. Production for the Greiz commenced in November 2015 while the Gienia commenced production in October 2016.
Trim levels for the Greiz are the 1.5L MT Classic, 1.5L CVT Classic, 1.5L CVT Comfort, 1.5L CVT Fashion and 1.5L CVT Luxury all shared with the Gienia. The L15B is the only engine option available paired with a 5 speed manual or CVT gearbox.
Philippines
In the Philippines, the Honda City was launched in April 2014 and is available in 3 variants. The base 1.5 E is available in both manual and CVT transmissions. The manual transmission it receives full wheel cover and roof mounted antenna, while the CVT has different style alloy wheels and receives the shark's fin antenna. The 1.5 VX and VX+ which is top of the line model of the City, is only available in CVT and has unique style alloy wheels, front fog lights, HDMI and AUX/USB connection, 7 inch touch screen panel, side mirror with signal turning lights, push start/stop engine and blue illumination gauge. The VX+ receives leather seats, VSA (Vehicle stability assist and HSA (Hill start assist). A Modulo kit is available on the E CVT, VX and VX+. In early 2015, the E variants receive navigation system adding the variant 1.5 E +navi and 1.5 E CVT+ navi through the year 2015 the City is one of the best selling subcompact vehicles in the Philippine Market so the company added a new variant to the City the 1.5 E CVT Special Edition variant the differences is that the Special Edition Variant offers UV protection Glass, Air purifier and Ion Generator, keyless with panic button and speed sensing auto door lock. A new color has also added to the City the Ruby Red Pearl Color, the only color available for the Special Edition variant of the City are the Ruby red pearl, Taffeta White and Golden Brown Metallic.
In May 2017, a facelifted version of the City debuted in the Philippines with added features such as LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs). It also adds a significant number of revised upgrades.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the City is available in S and E types with either manual or CVT transmissions.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, four models (all CVT) are offered;
- Honda CITY 1.5L S
- Honda CITY 1.5L S+
- Honda CITY 1.5L E
- Smart Entry with Push Start Button
- Front Center Console with Armrest, Height Adjustable Driver Seat & Rear Foldable 60:40
- Honda CITY 1.5L V
- Smart Entry with Push Start Button
- Steering Wheel Switch Cruise Control
- Touch Panel Auto Air Conditioning
- Front Center Console with Armrest, Height Adjustable Driver Seat & Rear Foldable 60:40 Seat
As of 2017, the City S+ model was discontinued to make way for the Honda City Hybrid, with Malaysia being only the second country after Japan to have the City Hybrid on sale.
Singapore
The City is available from the local distributor in 2 variants: V and SV. The Honda Grace is also available through parallel import, in both petrol and hybrid versions.
Vietnam
The City, together with Honda CR-V, were Honda's top sellers in the country in 2014.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, 6th generation has not been launched. Instead the 5th generation has received a facelift in Aug '17 However, It's due in 2018.
Sales
References
External links
- Official website
- Honda Grace (Japan)
- Honda City Change The Rules Microsite (Philippines)
- Honda City "Touch Tomorrow" official site
- History of the Honda City in detail (German)
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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