Honda City hybrid test drive observations from a 2006 Fiesta owner

This is a car only for 4 people. The middle seat in the rear row is raised and is mightily uncomfortable, even for short rides.

BHPian venkat_partha recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Took a test drive of the Honda City Hybrid ZX CVT last week. Took S/O along for the drive.

• The response from the dealer, Magnum Honda, was good, and the Sales Rep was decently knowledgeable about the vehicle and its features.
• Took a considerably long test drive (about 45+ minutes).

Observations:

1. The car is a hoot to drive. Very quick off the block. Wonderful acceleration and a very good response to inputs from the pedal. Driving a 2006 Fiesta, I find this comparable to its handling.
2. Butter smooth experience in driving. Though the steering seems very light. Impressive turning radius too.
3. Instrument cluster needs getting used to. Too many options. and cluttered. Too many cryptic symbols.
4. Manual knobs for AC control is a big plus point for me. (Don’t like the new trend for all touchscreen-based controls)
5. The ICE screen looks/seems/feels very dated. Would certainly need a major upgrade in this department.
6. S/O was impressed with the space in the rear row. Lots of legroom. Back pockets are well designed with a common use case in mind. I am about 6’+ and was able to sit behind the driver very comfortably.
7. This is a car only for 4 people. The middle seat in the rear row is raised and is mightily uncomfortable, even for short rides. Though they provide a 3-point seatbelt for the middle seat. Probably a small child can sit comfortably.
8. Boot space is inadequate, might fit about 2 larger suitcases at the max, with some smaller size ones.
9. Spare wheel – smaller wheel, probably to keep costs down. Since it is placed in a thermal moulded enclosure, and the wheel is sitting over the battery, feel that a normal-sized wheel cannot be placed in the same space.

Overall, I like this vehicle.

Here’s what BHPian razeetg had to say on the matter:

Pretty much what I feel too, *the* one thing that I dislike is the boot space. The price difference between this and a Camry is what made me steer to this in spite of the small difference. I didn’t even test drive the Camry because I feel it’s overpriced (probably because it’s an import)

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