City Driving

What we like:

Impressive handling that surpasses most models in this segment. Comfortable and spacious interior. Decent standard features.

What we dislike:

Agricultural soundtrack when stirred.

But the new car has other hidden talents as well. Throw it into a bend and the car is surprisingly composed. Quite honestly it is a lot more fun than we expected. Compared to the Vios we drove awhile ago, the City is definitely dynamically superior. The electric power steering is well-weighted and makes it easy to guide the City from bend to bend. However the engine does get quite agricultural when flogged and would permeate into the cabin.

Driven sedately, the City continues to impress with a comfortable ride. And with smooth throttle inputs, the engine settles into a distant drone. Most of all the car is efficient as well. Boasting a figure of 17.5km/L on the brochure though we received closer to 12km/L with our mix of ‘dynamic’ and ‘comfort’ driving styles.

Even with its high level of driving fun, the new City offers a number of amenities that make it even more attractive. Multi-function steering wheel, reverse cameras (multi-angle), Cruise control, keyless entry and ignition and Hill Start Assist.

More than that it brings premium features offered by pricier continentals to the masses using the ubiquitous Apple iPhone.

If not for the handling, the number of standard features makes it a value for money ‘entry-level’ sedan. Even though we found nothing entry-level about this package.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline