[b][size=3]All-new Honda City: Space with a hint of elegance[/size]
By Cecilia C. Colmenares
[url=http://www.mb.com.ph/news.php?search=yes&art=32582&sect=15&fname=MTRG/2003-05/MO03050832582f.txt]Manila Bulletin[/url] | 05/08/2003[/b]

[b]The Honda City lives up to its "all-new" label. [/b]

[IMG]http://www.mb.com.ph/art_images/honda%20city1.jpg[/IMG]

At first glance, the all-new Honda City's general look is "sharper" but it still carries the distinct Honda profile.

This time, though, it's not the new profile that inspired me to put down the lengthy press release and write my own review on the new City presented to the motoring press May 6. Inside the cabin lies what to me makes this sub-compact vehicle "all-new'' - a lot of space, comfortable ambience and a hint of elegance.

Let's start with what the press release labels as "Honda's latest space-efficient global platform." Chic two-tone beige coloring and metallic accents in the interior speak of an understated elegance that makes the buyer of a sub-compact car (who usually has not yet reached the earning power of a 2.0-liter car owner), feel that he can afford luxury too.

Arnel Doria, Honda Car Philippines deputy head for marketing, said that "the main goal of the allnew City's interior was to provide the ultimate in spaciousness and functionality of sub-compact sedans."

"This was achieved as Honda pursued maximum space efficiency by a redesigned central fuel tank layout, along with a number of other means, which permitted lowering the floor to increase cabin height for a more comfortable and roomy interior," he explained.

When the all-new Honda City will make its appearance in the showrooms starting next week, you will have the chance to examine what this kind of new-spaciousness means. The technical manuals explain that it is the Honda patent Utility, Long and Tall (ULT) seats which create exceptional versatility in seating and cargo loading, allowing maximum storage size of 1.8 meters in width and 2 meters (utility mode) to 2.6 meters (long mode) in length and 1.2 meters (tall mode) in height.

All of that space you can create easily (as the model demonstrated) with a flip of some levers that can fold the seats in various ways.

And with a 500liter trunk capacity, Honda says the new City lays claim to being "truly a revolution in spaciousness."

Although I may rate space as the major factor that makes the new Honda City truly "all-new," don't let me take you away from the other factors that Honda engineers have designed into this dependable subcompact car.

Pay attention to the engine. It is a product of Honda's latest breakthrough in engine technology. The new City is "kept alive" by the i-DSI (Intelligent Dual and Sequential Ignition) 1.3 SOHC engine, an installation of Honda's cutting edge i-series engines. The compact and lightweight i-DSI engine provides maximum torque at 2,800 rpm for city driving.

The technical papers explained that "with the employment of the ingenious dual spark plug system (2 spark plugs and 2 valves per cylinder) with individually controlled ignition timing, the all-new City's powerplant offers more rapid and complete combustion, achieving an outstanding fuel-efficiency.

Inspired by Honda's rich heritage in racing technology, one's driving pleasure is enhanced by the integration of Honda's innovative Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which automatically changes driving mode for optimum control.

Supplemental safety features include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbags and Pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters along with neck shock mitigation seats. Further peace of mind is ensured with the Wave Key-lock system that serves as an antitheft measure.

The Honda City first appeared in 1996, introduced as an economical highquality entry-level sedan that is dependable.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) President and General Manager Mitsunari Takano said: "Definitely, this model will make waves and create new excitement in the industry and will re-energize the passenger car market.

The all-new City will be available in the market starting June 3, and is projected to reach target sales of 4,000 units within the year.

The all-new City is available in 1.3-DSI MT (A variant) and in 1.3 i-DSI MT CVT AT (S-Variant). [IMG]http://www.mb.com.ph/art_images/honda%20city1.jpg[/IMG]