Honda CITY 2013 Corporate Edition: Sabino

[saimad4u]

The Experience so far

In a sentence, the overall experience so far is very satisfactory. The car drives effortlessly.

The other thing, apart from just driving 20 kms per day on an average, is to occasionally check the engine oil with the dip-stick. The oil has so far appeared quite transparent and light.

One thing I should have done but have not yet got around doing it is to take the City to the Nitrogen place and get the tires (including the spare one) filled up with Nitrogen at proper pressure.The Nitrogen keeps the air pressure far longer than usual air.

Do the City-owners of the forum or anybody else have any special recommendation on the tire pressure of the stock tires?{nitrogen pressure}

The operating manual does not mention any thing super special about the breaking in period. It just advises the driver to take it easy on the car during the initial period of ownership. On page 163 it says: "During the first 1,000 km of operation, avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain. Avoid hard breaking for the first 300 km. You should also follow this when the brake pads are replaced".
And that means, up to about 1000 kms, no hard braking, no hard acceleration, no sharp turns and no speed driving over rough patches and bumpers.

For the first 100 kms or so, it was difficult to slot the shift-stick in the lower gears, first and second, and once or twice just a bit uneasy to slot it even in the third. Unless the car was at dead rest, it was not possible to slot the car into 1st gear (even at very lowish speed). After this very initial period, I see noticeable improvement, especially after the car is warmed up. I do not have the habit of fighting with the stick and forcing it into a slot.


The display on the dash shows a cumulative trip fuel consumption of 13.6 km/l right now over a distance of 180 km.I usually employ the tank-full to tank-full method done at the same gas station.

I cannot comment too much on the supplied audio quality. I am yet to use the USB for source, I have so far listened only to radio.

 

[saimad4u]

Some Observations regarding the "ECO" indicator and FE

There is a definite link between pressure on the Accelerator pedal and the "ECO" indicator.

For in-city driving, it's recommended that you reach a certain cruising speed (in my case 30-40 kph in 4th gear)and then keep a feather-light, repeat, "UBER-light" touch on the accelerator pedal. Watch the City maintain it's speed nicely, and the realtime FE bar jump ahead to around 20 kpl (sometimes even more), and the "ECO" indicator immediately glowing up in it's bright green hue.

The "ECO" indicator also comes up when you are idly cruising at around 15 kph on 3rd gear; an indication that it's independent of the RPM as well. I have tested it on several different RPMs on all gears, and there is no fixed RPM band for it.

For highway driving, maintain a speed of about 65-70 kph on 4th gear and 80 kph on 5th to keep the "ECO" mode on. Cross 85 kph and touch 90 kph on 5th
Also, I have observed that if you slow down to a crawl and come to a standstill while in 2nd gear while climbing an incline (even a gentle one), the City tends to stall. It's recommended to downshift all the way to 1st gear if you are getting ready to climb an incline. FE will take a hit (comes down to 2-3 bars) but your City's engine won't stall.

Reverse this for when you are going down an incline. Keep your City on a higher gear and just maintain your present speed without touching the accelerator pedal. The "ECO" mode will be on and the real-time FE meter will run crazy (sometimes touching the maximum of 40 kmpl!).

Also, don't brake all the way down when you need to slow down before a breaker. FE will take a huge hit. If it's a small breaker, slow down and take it easily. The new 2013 City's improved GC is a boon with this - it simply refuses to scrape. You can tackle that moderate speed-breaker easily: only the bigger (read "HUGE") breakers are your toughest opponents to tackle. Best way to deal with them - go across them at an angle, one wheel at a time.

For reversing, do it slowly, specially when you are turning while reversing. The ORVMs and the IRVM don't show the blind spots around you, and there is always the chance of a vehicle/motorcycle around the corner which you might tend to miss. Even a slight tap on the accelerator pedal will propel your City backwards quickly before you even realize it. Reversing in a straight line is never a problem though.

Seat covers for the seats are advised. It is a pain to maintain the fabric OEM seats, specially when small bits of particulate cloth (or cotton bits) tend to get stuck on them.

I am nearing the 1,100 kms mark and it's been a rocking journey with Sabino so far. Looking forward to the milestones ahead.

 

[Sandykudva]

Hey Doctor ,

Congrats on the purchase of the car its a great choice of car. Great review with good explanations and good information on the second page. According to me the CE has more than sufficient fittings you do not require much more. The most important part about this vehicle is the heart ( Engine ). I vtecs are a pleasure to drive.
In case you require some upgrades to your cars you can always contact Dr Mudhan he has done tremendous research on the ANHC.

Keep Enjoying the Long miles ahead.

 

[lxtreme]

Congrats Doc on your new buy . Wish you many miles of happy motoring.

Regards
Lxtreme

 

[Sunshine]

Hearty congrats doc, city is simply superb...i am confused between city and ecosport...

 

[saimad4u]

Hearty congrats doc, city is simply superb...i am confused between city and ecosport...

@Sandykudva I read your thread about My Beast: The Toyota Corolla 1.8 CNG great review and nice information regarding CNG kits.Hope you have Long miles ahead with your new buy CIVIC
@lxtreme thanks for your wishes.!

@Sunshine
I went through same confuse state but there's no match between a sedan and urban SUV.

REASONS FOR CANCELLING ECOSPORT
The waiting period and rear seat comfort made my decision in favor to sedan.
Light electric steering on the Highway
Ride quality isn't as plush,Underlying stiffness
362 liter boot is significantly smaller than all competitors
Narrow cabin width makes a 5th occupant unwelcome. Best for 4.
Sub-4 meter size and compact dimensions