Images via AutoInCar.
In terms of body size, the new City is said to have the largest body size in the B-segment 1500cc market category. Boot carrying capacity will also be increased from the current 500-litres to 506-litre, easily surpassing the Vios' 471-litre boot volume.
Interior wise, lower-grade models will feature beige coloured interior while the high-grade models will have black interior trimmings. Materials used are also said to be more up-market than the current model, which is already said to be pretty good.
Note the steering mounted paddle shifters and on-board / trip computer.
Only one engine option (i-VTEC) will be available. The current generation's i-DSi will be dropped.
More details on specifications here (unofficial sources).
Expect prices in Malaysia to start from around RM90k onwards, stretching all the way to around the Jazz's RM104k base model price.
Related post :
More details on 2008 Honda Jazz and City
More pictures of 2008 Honda City
4 comments:
- What do you think of this new B-segment car? Besides it having a bigger boot compared with a vios
- Does body size give an advantage within segments? What does?
- Is this new model comparable with the current Toyota Vios model or is there another Vios model coming out shortly? How do they stack up - I believe you may have mentioned they are two separate segments/classes?
- Why is a large entry level sedan cheaper than a smaller sized hatch-back - Jazz? The Jazz is not like the old school boy-racer civic.
I value your opinions reviewing the cars themselves and what you think gives them browny points in the market place or how the marketing of the car is trying to position it.
Hi Savahn,
I think Honda is on a winner, a serious Vios-killer.
In our Asian market, body size and engine capacity are the two key criterias local buyers often look to, besides brand. The previous City lost to the Vios due to its quirky design, and to a certain extent a lower brand image of Honda. With the new City being not only "better" looking, but also larger, the only problem for Honda is its higher selling price. Though that is left to be confirmed.
The higher price of a Jazz is due to our local tax structure. In Indonesia, the Jazz is priced lower than the City. It is logical for a smaller hatch to be priced lower than a larger sedan. Even in the USA, the Fit is sold as an entry-level car, usually driven by college kids and even waiters and waitresses.
The new base model Vios J is Toyota's counter strategy against the City. There will no more new Vios for the time being.
Vios and City are both competing within the same segment, what I have mentioned earlier is my own opinion as I perceive the City to be a much better sorted car - with its plusher interior, roomier cabin and larger boot, coupled with the CVT. But the two cars are still essentially rivals in the same market segment.
Note : I am not attached to either manufacturers. The above are merely personal opinions.
On the contrary, I think the 2009 City's good only with its exterior (apart from the windscreen washer located back on the hood like archaic design unlike these days modern car) because the interior design is very mediocre reminding of many old cars unlike revolutionary ones of Jazz and Civic. The steering wheel is a carry-over part from Civic as a second time after Jazz and it seems not going along with outdated console panel. It seems Honda tends to keep the cost rather than making a revolution. Anyway it's more than enough to compete with the Vios, unquestionably, until Toyota does something the same with 2010 or 2011 Vios model change that has it onw body, not the Yaris-Belta Vios.
I share auto's pov - the city is the better car due to the following points:
1. larger cabin space
2. larger boot space
3. good fuel efficiency
The City's weaknesses are:
1. Hard ride / suspension
2. Exterior looks like pregnant goldfish
3. poor steering feedback
Oddly enough, the Toyota Vios is the complete opposite in comparison - good suspension and driving feel, okay looks but poor interior space and fuel economy not as good.
My opinion based on driving my colleagues and friends' cars.
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