Honda has launched the all new City here today in Delhi. The new City is dimensionally larger than the older model while being lower to improve stability at higher speeds.

The new City comes with segment first features like a 5-Speed Automatic transmission with Pedal Shifts, Advanced integrated Stereo which integrated with you iPOD, USB Memory and even your cell phone with MP3 player. The engine is a 1.5 Litre i-VTEC unit with a healthy 118 ps of power @ 6000 rpm and 149 nm of torque @ 4700 rpm. The engine is considerably more powerful than the older city even though they have the same displacement. We can expect a sub 10 seconds 0-100 kph sprint time.

Comfort and Convenience features include interiors which have a lot of cubby holes built in to keep all your knick knacks, dash integrated stereo with steering mounted controls and even an infra-red remote in case you are seated at the back and an advanced air conditioning system which has ducts under the front seats for even cooling throughout the cabin!

The safety has also been given a throughover. The car comes standard with active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a crush-proof survival zone. The Immobilizer also comes as standard to keep the theives at bay.

The new City comes in a total of six colors - Habenero Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl. The lower end 1.5E MT comes with Grayish Beige interior colour while 1.5S (MT & AT) have full Beige interiors.

The car has been priced between 7.7 Lakhs for the 1.5E MT to 8.9 Lakhs for the top-end 1.5S AT.

Jump over for the detailed Press Release.

Press Release:

New Delhi September 25, 2008: Honda Siel Cars India, leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched its all-new Third Generation Honda City with a completely new design, new engine, spacious cabin and equipped with various active and passive safety features.

The all new Honda City – which has been designed for Indian market - was unveiled by Mr. Takeo Fukui, President and CEO, Honda Motor Company, Japan.

With its aesthetically appealing strong & sleek exterior style, the third generation Honda City is sure to be the most stunning car on Indian roads. The all-new City’s unique ‘Arrow Shot Form’ design gives it a powerful and imposing presence. Seen from the front, the streamlined grill and sharp headlights deliver a distinctive road presence. With the City’s shortened rear end, the aerodynamic looking rear combination lights enhance its sporty looking tail design. The new City offers 15 inch wheel base and the design contribute to making the Arrow-shot form even more impressive.

The all new Honda City is longer, wider and sturdier. It measures 4420 mm in length (5 mm longer than its predecessor if license plate is excluded) and 1695 mm in width (5 mm wider) While maintaining the same ground clearance and same head clearance, the height has been lowered by 15 mm to 1480 mm delivering a sleeker and sturdier body shape which gives the City a refined driving position. With its wheelbase extended by an additional 100 mm, efficient use of space has been made for both driver and occupants to create a spacious cabin interior. The all-new City has a practical and spacious trunk offering a one class above capacity of 506 liters.

The interiors of the car look very attractive with the advanced looking meter design and soothing colour contrasts of the new City promises its consumers with a stylish, spacious and comfortable lounge.

The all-new Honda City comes equipped with a 1.5L, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers class leading power of 118PS while providing good fuel economy similar to the City ZX. In line with the Honda’s policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels.

The higher body rigidity with Improved MacPherson strut in front and H Type torso beam suspension in the rear offers solid road handling and supple ride feeling.

The 3rd generation Honda City will be the only car in its segment to be equipped with 5 Speed Automatic Transmission with a “Paddle Shift” option to allow the driver to enjoy a manual transmission-like driving feel.

Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a first priority for Honda. With the new City, safety features are now a standard offering across the entire range of Honda in the Indian market The new Honda City comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a crush-proof survival zone. The front body structure of the new Honda City ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.

The all new City features an Advanced Integrated Audio System - which is the world’s first car audio exclusive to digital media. This advanced Audio system offers consumers the liberty to integrate with any of the newer technologies like iPOD, MP3player, USB Memory, cell phone with MP3 Player. The system promises a high quality sound with advanced functionalities. The audio system comes with steering mounted controls & separate remote control.

The all new Honda City has two grades 1.5E (MT)  and 1.5S (MT and AT) and is available in six colours – Habenero Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl. The 1.5E MT comes with Grayish Beige interior colour while 1.5S (MT & AT) has Beige interiors.

The all new Honda City comes with a 2+2 year warranty and 24-hr roadside assistance as standard value for all City buyers.

Bookings for the all new City will start immediately at all Honda dealers nationwide however deliveries will begin from the month of November 08.

The First Generation of Honda City was introduced in mid 90’s responding to the requirements of automobiles among Asian people. Completing its advancement, the Third generation Honda City will move on to a new stage in 2008. The ‘City’ of Asia becomes the ‘City’ for the world and would be sold in several new markets.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Fukui said, “The all-new, third-generation Honda City unveiled today, is Honda’s most significant model in this market. The new Honda City will strengthen the Honda brand, as it meets all the global concerns of Honda – safety, fuel efficiency and conservation of the environment.”

Mr. M. Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India said, “Honda City is one of the most successful car brands in the country and certainly the most desirable sedan in its category. With this launch, India will become the largest market for Honda City in this region.”