Autocar India
38w

I bought a Honda City ZX CVT (5th generation) in July 2025. At low RPMs and during stop-and-go traffic, the engine and acceleration noise are quite audible and unpleasant, and the NVH levels feel poor. What can I do to reduce this?

Verified
37w
Most CVTs suffer from what is called a ‘rubber-band’ effect, where the engine revs rise higher than the speed, which makes the engine sound like it's straining. Honda’s CVT automatic transmission in the City is a belt-driven system and is known to be a bit noisy under hard acceleration, partly because the noise insulation in the Honda City isn’t very good.
To be honest, there is not much you can do except drive with a light foot and don’t floor the accelerator to keep the revs down.
Honda City

Honda City

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4d

Currently, I own a Sonet and am extremely unhappy with its poor suspension and very low mileage. My driving is mostly limited to congested areas and heavy traffic, with a daily running of around 20–22 km. I also do not have dedicated EV charging facilities, so a fully electric vehicle is not an option. Given my priorities of good mileage and a comfortable rear-seat ride without excessive wobbling or jerking, would it make sense to go for a strong hybrid such as the Toyota Hyryder or Maruti Suzuki Vitara, or would a regular Honda City be the better choice? I am particularly wondering whether spending an additional Rs 7-8 lakh on a hybrid would be justified, considering my relatively low daily usage of around 22 km. Open to all suggestions.

Verified
2d

Go for the Honda City petrol CVT. The City’s CVT is smooth, reliable and well suited to stop-and-go traffic, and the rear seat ride is comfortable and stable, which addresses your main complaint with the Kia Sonet. The strong hybrid premium on the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is difficult to justify at your running; the fuel savings will take a very long time to recover, and the City’s petrol efficiency is good enough for your usage pattern. The City also has a proven long-term ownership track record with low running costs and a comfortable ride, which is exactly what you are looking for. If you want a slightly higher seating position and a more SUV-like feel, the Honda Elevate is a good alternative with the same engine and a similarly comfortable ride.

VehicleHonda City
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
VehicleHonda Elevate

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