| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981–1994 1996–present |
| Assembly | Ayutthaya, Thailand Alor Gajah, Malaysia Greater Noida, India Guangzhou, China Campana, Argentina Lahore, Pakistan Sumaré, Brazil Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines Adapazarı, Turkey Japan |
| Class | Subcompact |
The Honda City is a subcompact car manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Honda since 1981. Originally made for the Japanese, European and Australasian markets, the City was retired without replacement in 1994. The nameplate was then revived for use on a series of compact four door sedans particularly aimed at developing markets, mainly sold in Asia outside of Japan but lately also in Latin America and Australia.
From 2002 to 2008, the City was sold as the Honda Fit Aria in Japan at Honda Clio locations. The word "aria" is a type of expressive melody, usually heard in opera. Honda chose the word, continuing its musical naming tradition used with Honda Civic derived sedans and 5-door hatchbacks sold previously in Japan, called the Honda Ballade, the Honda Quintet, and the Honda Concerto, which preceded the Fit Aria. It is a subcompact sedan built on Honda's Global Small Car platform, which it shares 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 mid-2009, cumulative sales of the City has exceeded 1.2 million units in over 45 countries around the world since the nameplate was revived in 1996.[1]
In 2011, the City is sold as Honda Ballade in South Africa.
Contents |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback/van |
|---|---|
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine | 1,231 cc ER I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 4+3-speed Hypershift manual 3 speed Hondamatic automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,220 mm (87 in) |
| Length | 3,380 mm (133 in)–3,420 mm (135 in) |
| Width | 1,570 mm (62 in)–1,625 mm (64.0 in) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (57 in)–1,570 mm (62 in) |
| Curb weight | 640 kg (1,400 lb)–810 kg (1,800 lb) |
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/11.2 ft).[2] 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 of 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 normally 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.
| Successor | Honda Logo |
|---|---|
| Class | supermini |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Engine | 1,238 cc D12A I4 1,296 cc D13C I4 Carb 1,296 cc D13C I4 PGM-FI |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4 speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94 in) |
| Length | 3,560 mm (140 in) (GA1) 3,605 mm (141.9 in) (GA2) |
| Width | 1,620 mm (64 in) |
| Height | 1,335 mm (52.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 680 kg (1,500 lb) (GA1) 780 kg (1,700 lb) (GA2) |
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 City. There was no convertible model, with both the convertible and Turbo models of the previous generation continuing on sale for a little while.[3] 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 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 enabeled 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 680kg) 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. Incendentially, 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, demonstrating a performance car appearance identified with 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 on offer.[3]
1988 In October, a minor change is made, main engine was changed to 1.3L straight-4 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 1.2L "BE" the other 1.3L "CE" / "CG" is set, PGM-FI, spec, "CR-i" / "CZ-i" and consists of two trim packages.
The medium-term objective is to enhance sales force, "CE" grade equipment with enhanced savings "CE Fit", PGM-FI specification is "CR-i" based only high-grade "CR-i Limited" is is introduced, the late "CZ-i" is defined as the minor trim package. It is with this vehicle that the word "Fit" appears as a trim package on the base grade "CE".
At the end of the final sale, by grade consolidation, "Fit" is used for the entire single cab vehicles. The trim package "Fit" later became the model name of the successor of the Honda Logo which replaced this car.
At the end of 1993, this generation was discontinued. The youthful market distinction of the previous generation City had not been successfully carried over to the GA series City, and sales reflected this loss of market appeal. 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.
Facelifted third generation Honda City |
|
| Also called | Honda City Z |
|---|---|
| Production | 1996-2002 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | 3A2/3A3 |
| Engine | 1.3 L D13B I4 1.5 L D15B I4 1.5 L D15B VTEC I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm (98 in) |
| Length | 4,225 mm (166 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (67 in) |
| Height | 1,395 mm (55 in) |
| Curb weight | 940–985 kg (2,072–2,172 lb) |
| Related | Civic EK |
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, face-lifted 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 liter VTEC engines (VTi) appeared, featuring a rear-stabilizer for better handling. The facelift model received new front- and taillights, as well as one-piece bumpers.
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 (106 mph) and 0–100 km/h in 11.3 seconds.[4] This was later complemented by the 1.5 litre D15B, which was reduced in power for the Asian markets where the car was sold, but had a power-to-weight ratio superior to the competition nonetheless. The D15B engine also arrived in a version featuring VTEC, with an output of 115 PS (85 kW). The VTEC-engined City has a 0–100 km/h time of around 10 seconds.
The car had a sporty suspension set-up. In many of its intended markets it was one of very few sub-compacts with fully independent rear suspension (dropped in the later models due to its high cost) which allowed for greater feedback and enhanced handling.
| Also called | Honda Fit Aria Guangzhou-Honda City Honda City ZX |
|---|---|
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Assembly | Ayutthaya, Thailand Alor Gajah, Malaysia Greater Noida, India Guangzhou, China Lahore, Pakistan Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout (GD8) 4WD layout (GD9) |
| Engine | 1.3 L L13A i-DSI SOHC I4 1.5 L L15A2 i-DSI SOHC I4 1.5 L L15A1 VTEC SOHC I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 7-speed Multimatic CVT |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm (96 in) |
| Length | 4,390 mm (173 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (67 in) |
| Height | 1,485 mm (58.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,090 kg (2,400 lb) |
| Related | Honda Fit/Jazz Honda Airwave |
At the Thailand International Motor Expo 2002 in November 2002, the fourth generation City made its world debut, now also offered as a four-wheel drive version. It was imported from Thailand and launched as Fit Aria in Japan domestic market[5] from December 20, 2002. In the People's Republic of China, the model got the name Fit Saloon and was sold from September 2003 to the 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 is launched later. The VTEC trim of the Honda city is offered with 15 inch alloy rims compared to the 14 inch offered in the i-DSI. The rear brakes are solid discs instead of drums in the i-DSI. In September 2005, a face-lifted version of the City was launched in Thailand, Malaysia in October 2005, and Indonesia in November 2005; it is known as the City ZX in Thailand, India, the New City in Indonesia and Malaysia, and City in Singapore and Pakistan. 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 (380 mm) 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 modified, resulting in a 10% temperature drop in the intake air temperature (IAT),[6] 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. This is very rare for a subcompact of its class.
This model also saw limited availability in certain RHD markets outside Asia such as Egypt and GCC countries.
| Also called | Honda Fit Aria Guangzhou-Honda City Honda Ballade (South Africa) Honda City S |
|---|---|
| Production | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Ayutthaya, Thailand Alor Gajah, Malaysia Greater Noida, India Guangzhou, China Lahore, Pakistan Campana, Argentina Sumaré, Brazil (until 2011) Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines Adapazarı, Turkey |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100 in) |
| Length | 4,395 mm (173.0 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,470 mm (58 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,150 kg (2,500 lb) |
| Related | Honda Fit/Jazz Honda Airwave Honda Freed |
The new Honda City was unveiled in Bangkok, Thailand at Siam Paragon on 10 September 2008 followed by New Delhi, India on 25 September 2008 and January 2009 in Pakistan and Indonesia. Honda also announced that the City will be offered in selected European countries with a 1.4 liter i-VTEC engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission. Poland is among the first European countries to receive the new City.[7]
Guangzhou Honda started selling the Honda City in China from 12 December 2008 onwards. Unlike other markets where the largest engine option is a 1.5 liter, the Chinese market Honda City will have an R18A 1.8 liter engine option.[8]
Guangzhou Honda is also developing a Honda Civic-sized sedan based on the Honda City chassis for the Chinese market. It will have a new name and a new shape but will use the City's underpinings and a R18 1.8 litre engine. This new car will compete against Dongfeng Honda's Civic and FAW Toyota's Corolla.
The Thai market Honda City comes in three variants – S model, V Model and SV model. The Indonesian market was offered with two trims, the lower-spec S and the higher-spec E with reclining seats. Both are powered by a 1.5 engine putting out 120 PS (88 kW), and both are available in manual and automatic transmissions.
Honda launched the new City in the Philippines on 7 January 2009 with four variants; the 1.3 A with manual transmission, 1.3 S with manual and automatic transmissions and the 1.5 E, whose automatic gearbox is equipped with paddle shifts that promotes a more sporty driving experience. All variants are now equipped with a SOHC, 16-valve i-VTEC L-series engines, creating an all-i-VTEC roster for Honda Cars in 2009.[9] The Thai built model will also be sold in South Africa as the "NEW" Ballade, to fit below the Civic and above the Jazz (Fit) sold there.[10]
It was launched in Malaysia on 18 December 2008.[11] It is scheduled to arrive in Singapore by the end of September. Honda launched the new City in Pakistan on 31 January 2009. It is being produced at the Honda plant in Lahore and is available in two variants; 5 speed automatic and 5 speed manual. Both models feature the 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine, producing 73 kW (98 hp) at 6,000 rpm.[12]
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).[13] This will be the first City released in Australia since the 1980s. It replaces the formerly smaller-sized Civics.
In July 2009, the City was for the first time to be built and marketed (in large numbers) outside Asia, with production in Sumaré, Brazil. The car was available for sale in the Brazilian market first, with exports to Mexico and other markets in Latin America beginning from September 2009.[1][14] For 2011, there are four trim options (DX, LX, EX and EXL), all of them with the i-VTEC 1.5-liter flex-fuel engine that is shared with the Brazilian Fit. The power output is 115 hp with petrol and 116 hp using ethanol. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.
This Honda City is also available in India with the engine of the 1.5 i-VTEC. This car is available in four variants, namely E, S, V, and the V AT (automatic). The E variant was launched recently based on customer feedback asking for changes to the interior colour and the cost. Since it was launched in November 2008, Honda 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.[15]. About It is reported that Honda City has been the leader in the premium mid-sized sedan segment for a decade, with 35% market share in 2010.[16]
The Honda City is sold in México with the same 1.5 litre four cylinder engine. It is sold in two trims: LX and EX both available with either an automatic or manual transmission.
Since March 2011, with the opening of a new factory, the Honda City also began to be manufactured in Argentina.[17] It is the first car built by Honda in Argentina (and the first Japanese passenger car made in Argentina) and will be exported to the all countries of South America alongside with Citys built in the Brazilian Sumaré plant.
It is sold as the Honda Ballade in South Africa from March 2011.[18]
Facelift
In September 22nd, 2011, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Ltd are reveal the revamped Honda City, with new front grille design that change to glossy style, new front and rear bumpers, new taillamps design, new cloth fabric, small chromium decoration for interior, new meter design that change from orange in old models to blue in new models, new alloy wheels, eco driving indicator, dual front airbags to every models lineup and new 2 color Carnalion Red metallic and Sparking brown metallic[19] Available in 3 lineup, S are the low-end models, available in manual or automatic, have a power equipment (windows, locking and mirrors), USB radio, keyless entry, steel wheel cover, ABS and dual front airbags ; V, available with added of audio switch control, vanity mirror for driver and passenger, alloy wheels, auto door lock and top model ; SV ; available with electric retractable mirrors with side repeater lamps, electro-chromic rear mirror, height adjustable rear headrest, split fold seat, rear armrest with cup holder, tweeter speaker, 16" alloy wheels and exclusively in class of reclining rear seat [20]
Honda Cars India has introduced a new avatar of its flagship sedan Honda City in India today. The sedan has got enough up-gradation inside and out. However, the company has opted to have the same engine and technology in its new offering. The major changes in the new creation includes cruise control, 2 additional body colors, 10 spoke alloy wheels, 165mm of ground clearance and new chrome grille.[21]
Honda City Models in India[22]
| Honda City Corporate MT | It is the base variant of Honda City loaded with Halogen Headlights, Body Colored Bumpers, Dual Horn, Door Lock Protector, Green Tinted Glass, Rear Fender Cover, Air Conditioning with Heater, Tilt Steering Column, Foot Mats, Front Cup Holder, Power Windows Front & Rear, Power Door Mirror, Power Door Lock, Rear Seat Centre Armrest, Average Fuel Consumption, Distance to Empty, Fuel Consumption Display with Warning, Accessory Socket, Day / Night Mirror, Headlight Alarm, Key Alarm, Foot Rest, Headlight Height Adjuster, Front Console Pocket, Pull Pocket Driver Side, Dual Front SRS Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, G-CON (G-Force Control Technology), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Rear Windshield De-Fogger, Seat Belt Pretensioner with Double Load Limiter, Drive Seat Belt Reminder, High-Mounted Stop Lamp, Driver Side Window Auto, UP & Down with Pinch-Guard, Childprood Rear Door Locks, ECU Immobilizer System. |
| Honda City 1.5 E MT | It comes with some additional features that are Advanced Integrated Audio (USB/AUX/MP3/AM/FM), Speed Volume Compensation (SVC), Front Speakers, Aluminum Finish Center/Console Panel, etc. |
| Honda City 1.5 S MT | It comes with some additional features that are Alloy Wheels, Steering Mounted Audio Control, Rear Speakers, Wireless Audio Remote Control, Driver Seat Height Adjuster (Lever Type), Silver Finish Steering Panel, Chrome Plated Hand Brake Knob, etc. |
| Honda City 1.5 V MT | It is the top end variant of Honda City that offers some additional features like Front Fog Lamp, Turn Indicator on ORVM, Exhaust Pipe Finisher, Tweeters, Cruise Control, etc. |
| Honda City 1.5 V AT | All features same as Honda City 1.5 V MT only the difference is that, it comes with automatic transmission gearbox. |
| Honda City V MT/AT Exclusive | This variant is added with sunroof. |
HONDA CARS Philippines Inc. announced a voluntary safety recall of Jazz and City, explaining that small engine components in the models could create problems and stall their engine. Four pieces of the lost-motion-spring retainers had to be in the cylinder head of the 1.5-liter Honda Jazz(distributed from September 2008 to April 2010) and the 1.5 liter Honda City(distributed from January 2009 to April 2010) had to be replaced right away.The Honda Jazz subject of recall was imported from Thailand while the City is a complete knock-down unit assembled in the Philippines. The recall targets 5,468 units of both distributed at the time. Also, no crashes or injuries were reported.
The music group Madness appeared in a Japanese TV ad campaign for the Honda City. The jingle was written by the entire band, which also appeared in the TV ad, doing its famous "nutty walk". The band apparently liked the jingle so much that they expanded it into a three minute pop song and released it as a b-side (B/W "Cardiac Arrest") that reached #14 in the UK charts. It was also included on Complete Madness, the band's best-selling greatest hits compilation from 1982. The track version of "In The City" replaced the repeated brand name "Honda Honda Honda..." with the more generic "doomba doomba doomba". The TV advertisements were included (though not listed) on the Divine Madness VHS video in 1992.
In 1996-7, 3rd generation Honda City are advertised with 1.3-liter launch in Thailand, and famous advertisement in 1.5-liter version launch that presenter are on airplane and talks about safety and comfort in Honda City that broadcast in Thailand
In 2002, Honda City are teased in TV before Thailand International Motor Expo 2002, where that it's world premiere launch
In 2008, Current generation are also get teased on television with red arrow, the launch TV out with slogan "All-new City, Always ahead."
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