Honda Siel Cars India launches All-New Third Generation Honda City Designed for India
NEW DELHI, India, September 28, 2008 – Honda Siel Cars India 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 Honda's President and CEO, Takeo Fukui.
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 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.”
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.”
About Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. HSCI was established in December 1995, with Honda Motor Co., (Japan) and Siel Ltd. (India) as a joint venture. Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from its established qualities of durability, reliability and fuel-efficiency.
Honda Siel Cars’ state-of-the-art manufacturing unit was set up in 1997 at Greater Noida, U.P. and has inaugurated its new expanded capacity of 100,000 units per annum in February 2008.
Honda’s most successful global model, the eighth generation Civic was launched in July 2006 and is already a segment leader. In a pioneering move, HSCI launched India’s first hybrid car– the globally acclaimed Honda Civic Hybrid in June 2008. The Honda Civic Hybrid System features Honda’s revolutionary IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology that provides nearly 47% enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8L Civic AT without compromising on driving performance. HSCI also launched limited edition sport variant of its premium executive sedan – the Honda Civic.
The latest 8th generation Honda Accord is a new benchmark in sophistication and luxury, with enhanced safety features. It is a perfect combination of power, style and comfort
HSCI also launched the 2.0L 2WD CR-V with Honda’s latest iVTEC engine in January 2008. The 2.0L CR-V has better fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
In 2007, Honda City Zx and Honda CR-V ranked first in the TNS Total Customers Satisfaction Award.