2020 Honda City review, road test

We put the fifth-generation City through our comprehensive tests to find out how it performs in the real world.

Published on Sep 28, 2020 07:00:00 AM

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With the key in your pocket, the City’s sensor-based system unlocks the car without the need to press any physical buttons. The interiors make a great first impression, with light beige upholstery, soft-touch materials and the tastefully-executed wood trim. Adding to the cabin’s upmarket feel are the extremely high-quality rotary controls for the climate control system, which operate with satisfying clicks. Even the all-digital instrument cluster is superbly executed with just one physical speedo needle cleverly fused with a virtual display, offering crisp and clear readouts. The steering feels great to hold and its buttons have a quality feel.

Crisp, clear virtual dials are a superb blend of modern and retro.

Not all is perfect though; the touchscreen looks like an aftermarket add-on and isn’t well-integrated into the design. And then some plastics look a bit too shiny and stand out in an otherwise well-appointed cabin.

Contemporary styling; feels rich with soft-touch materials and tastefully executed wood trimming.

Just like the fourth-gen City, the front seats are broad, supportive and exceptionally comfortable, offering the right amount of cushioning. And taking comfort to another level is the City’s rear-seat experience, where legroom is aplenty, the seat is nicely angled, support is spot on – and so is the cushioning.

Wide, comfy seats with good all-round support and soft cushioning.

This time around, Honda has equipped the rear seat with three integrated head restraints, and what’s nice is that although they aren’t adjustable, they are quite tall and hence usable for most rear passengers. To nitpick, the rear centre armrest is a bit too low for comfort, and headroom for someone over six feet tall could be a bit of an issue.

Has the best back seat in its segment; now with three head restraints.

There are plenty of cleverly thought-out storage areas, as well as charging provisions scattered across the cabin. Honda has consciously designed areas and cavities to store modern smartphones around the gear console, as well as in the front-seat back pocket for rear passengers. Taking practicality a step forward is the humongous 506-litre boot.