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Honda City ZX

Honda City ZX Overview

The sedan Honda City has been Honda's flagship brand ever since it was presented in India. Honda City ZX, the second generation of the car has been immensely popular in the mass market. Considered to be the best in its class, City ZX car was sold in large numbers throughout the country. It was available with a certain level of luxury making it the first preference among buyers who were looking for buying a sedan for the first time.

Following the footsteps of its predecessor, Honda City ZX in India carved a niche for itself. Renowned for an excellent performance and superb reliability, City ZX car also provided the premium brand image associated with Honda. Praised for an engine that provided the perfect combination of power and torque, Honda City ZX car was well-suited for city as well as highway driving conditions.

Honda City ZX Introduction

Perfectly introduced by its name, Honda City ZX was considered to be the perfect city sedan. Even though it is not in production any more, City ZX still captures the imagination of several people. Subsequently, after being a top performer as a new C-segment sedan, Honda City ZX in India is one of the most popular cars in the used car market.

Being the second generation model of a highly popular car often makes it difficult to retain the interest of people in the new product. However, City ZX cars carried forward the mantle handed over to them very efficiently. Honda City ZX was considered to be a huge step forward courtesy its innovative design and the new VTEC engine.

Honda City ZX Launch History

The Japanese car maker Honda started its operations in India in collaboration with Siel Ltd. (India) as Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HSCI) in 1995. Incorporated with an aim to provide Honda’s latest passenger car models in the Indian car market, the company launched a C-segment sedan in 1997. This was the 1st generation of Honda City that was revamped in 2001-2002 to have an even more stylish design.

In 2005, the second generation of Honda City, Honda City ZX was launched in the Indian automotive market. This longer and higher version of the sedan also received an excellent response from the buyers. This new City ZX car was also offered with a new 1.5 L VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine. Honda City ZX also had several new features covering various aspects of the car including safety, comfort, security, convenience and luxury.

To counter declining sales, owing to increased competition in its segment, a 10th anniversary edition of Honda City ZX car was launched in 2007. It commemorated a decade of success for Honda as well as the City ZX car in India. This new Honda City ZX in India came with certain additional luxury and comfort features. In September 2009, Honda City ZX car was succeeded by the launch of the 3rd generation of Honda City car.

Honda City ZX Variants

Before being discontinued, Honda City ZX car was available in 5 variants that have been briefly described below. City ZX was offered with two different petrol engines – i-DSI (intelligent Dual & Sequential Ignition) and VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control). Among these two, VTEC was the newer one and offered a better power output and torque than the i-DSI. However, one of the i-DSI variants was also available with automatic transmission. It is noteworthy that both the engines had the same displacement yet different performance, thus depicting the level of engineering effort put in for City ZX cars by Honda.

Honda City ZX Pricing

Before being discontinued, new Honda City ZX car price was in the range of Rs. 7.5 lacs to Rs. 10 lacs in the Indian market. The final price of City ZX was based on two factors – which model was bought and where, as different states have different tax regimes.

Honda City ZX Review

Receiving mostly positive reviews, Honda City ZX in India was one of those cars that were awarded for their overall performance. Reviewers especially appreciated the VTEC engine introduced in the new City ZX cars. In addition, the increased interior space as well as luggage capacity in Honda City ZX were praised by the media.

The reviewers also liked the combination of acceleration, pick up and a decent fuel efficiency in the new Honda City ZX cars. What also works in favour of City ZX was the premium brand image that Honda has build for itself over the years.

Honda City ZX Used Car Market

Available at authorised Honda dealers, under the company's used car programme 'Auto Terrace', City ZX continues to lure potential buyers. Auto Terrace provides customers a transparent deal and a fair pre-owned Honda City ZX car price. In addition to this, certified used City ZX cars can be bought with a 1 year / 15,000 km warranty at Honda Auto Terrace.

When a car is discontinued, its popularity in the used car market suffers a decline. However, it is not the case with City ZX car and it continues to retain an excellent resale value. Apart from Auto Terrace, used Honda City ZX in India is available in the used car market. Potential buyers have always appreciated the reliability of City ZX, even if it is a pre-owned model.

Honda City ZX Specifications

The technical specifications for Honda City ZX in India before being discontinued were as described below.

Honda City ZX Exterior

Honda City ZX Exterior Appearance

Design of City ZX car was such that it was appreciated by majority of the people, however, there were a few who disliked the looks of the sedan. Being considerably 'taller' than its predecessor, Honda City ZX lacked the sporty look that was praised in the first generation. Many people also showed disliking for the thick rear bumpers and the plain side profile of the car. However, the aerodynamic and cab-forward design of City ZX was helpful in achieving a better overall performance and more space inside the car.

Honda City ZX Exterior Measurements

The exterior dimensions of Honda City ZX cars have been given below.

Honda City ZX Interior

Honda City ZX Interior Appearance

Once inside the City ZX car, one could easily notice silver accents used impressively in the car's interiors. The City ZX cars in India were available with grey and beige dual tone interiors that were exquisitely crafted by using premium quality material. The spacious interiors of Honda City ZX included large windows as well as quarter glasses that assured ample amount of light in the cabin.

Honda City ZX Interior Comfort

Providing all the basic comfort features expected of a mid-size sedan, City ZX cars came with power steering, power windows, cup holders, vanity mirrors and tilt steering. In addition to this, a 12 V power socket was helpful for charging mobile phones on the move in Honda City ZX. Honda City ZX had one of the most comfortable seats in the C-segment. Owing to these comfortable seats, City ZX was an excellent car for going on long journeys.

Honda City ZX Interior Measurements

All models of City ZX cars had the seating capacity for 5 adults, and thus was a perfect family sedan. All the passengers could sit comfortably without any issues regarding headroom, legroom or width. A boot capacity of 500 L in Honda City ZX helped people while travelling out of town.

Honda City ZX Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

One of the most economical cars in its segment, Honda City ZX achieved quite decent average. The City ZX i-DSI engine models were able to achieve an average of 10 to 11 kmpl in the city and 16 to 17 kmpl on highways. The i-DSI model Gxi with automatic transmission got an average of 8 to 9 kmpl in the city and 14 to 15 kmpl on highways. Honda City ZX VTEC models could provide a fuel economy of 10 to 11 kmpl in the city and 16 to 17 kmpl on highways. It is noteworthy that the fuel economy of the car depended on several factors such as driving style, driving conditions and quality of fuel used.

Honda City ZX On-road Drive

Particularly well-renowned for its excellent handling and ride quality, City ZX cars were one of the best cars to travel anywhere in the country. While the ground clearance of 160 mm helps in avoiding speed breakers from hitting the car's base, the suspension absorbs shocks from potholes. Not losing control at any time, be it while taking a tight corner turn at high speeds or travelling at 3-digit speeds on highways, Honda City ZX car remains firmly grounded.

Honda City ZX Power

Ever since it was launched, the highlight of City ZX has been its powerful VTEC engine. This engine churns out 99 hp at 5800 rpm that was one of the highest in its class. Despite being more powerful, the VTEC engine achieved an excellent fuel economy.

Honda City ZX Acceleration and Pick Up

The second generation model, City ZX had a decent acceleration and could reach 100 kmph in just 10.66 to 15.29 seconds depending on the model. In addition to this, Honda City ZX car had smooth acceleration even at low revs during city driving.

Honda City ZX Safety and Security

Despite being a light weight sedan, Honda City ZX cars had a strongly built body which makes passengers feel more secure inside the car. City ZX was also equipped with childproof rear door locks, fog lamps, rear windscreen defogger and immobiliser. In addition to this, City ZX VTEC Plus model came with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that helps prevent wheels from locking during panic braking, thereby avoided skidding. Apart from that, it also had airbags for the driver as well as front passenger that prevented injuries in case of collisions.

Honda City ZX Comfort and Convenience

One of the most comfortable C-segment sedans that were available in the Indian automotive market, Honda City ZX car had several convenient features as well. Having quite comfortable seats at the right height, City ZX provided the perfect sitting posture for all the passengers as well as the driver. In addition, its air conditioning was very effective in summers throughout the country.

Apart from that, Honda City ZX cars had internally electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs). Various cup holders and compartments in the car helped in keeping almost everything within reach while travelling. The tilt adjustable steering column helped the driver to get the perfect driving position in City ZX very easily.

Honda City ZX Wheels

All the models of Honda City ZX in India came with wheels of the size 14 x 5 ½ J. The tyres in all Honda City ZX cars were of the size 175/65 R 14 and were tubeless. The VTEC Plus variant of Honda City ZX had alloy wheels while all the other models came with steel wheels.

Honda City ZX Stereo and Accessories

All variants of City ZX car came with an audio system including a Radio / CD / mp3 player, 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. Besides, Honda City ZX cars were also available with accessories like optional spoiler, cushions and headrests, fog lights, chrome grille and door handles, among others.

Honda City ZX Dealers

Having been discontinued, pre-owned Honda City ZX cars can be bought at authorised 'Auto Terrace' Honda dealerships. Located in over 85 cities and towns, a list of some of the Auto Terrace dealers has been given below.

Honda City ZX Company Quotes

Speaking about the introduction of the new Honda City ZX car, Mr. Arvind Bhatnagar, the National Sales Manager, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., had said, “The decision to launch City ZX in India, almost simultaneously with other parts of Asia, is part of our thrust to bring in the latest products and technologies from our global stable for Indian customers.”

On the occasion of the launch of City ZX car, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, the President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., had said, “We are glad to offer the advantages of the revolutionary VTEC engine in combination with the futuristic design of the City ZX.”

Honda City ZX Competitor Analysis

Maruti Suzuki SX4 lacks the premium quality associated with Honda City ZX cars. However, it is backed by the extensive dealer and service network of Maruti Suzuki and is even cheaper to maintain than City ZX. Hyundai Verna had been a strong competitor of Honda City ZX in India, courtesy availability of a diesel model. However, Verna lacked stability at high speeds that was a standard feature of City ZX cars.

Tata Indigo was not even close to the build quality of City ZX and was not as quick as well. Renault Mahindra Logan was lacking in safety features that made Honda City ZX cars popular. Ford Fiesta was more fuel efficient but was not half as comfortable as City ZX. Chevrolet Optra Magnum was outright expensive to maintain than Honda City ZX car. Fiat Linea was a car that had several features that made City ZX look like an outdated car. Linea also had the benefit of availability of a diesel model.

Honda City ZX LPG/CNG Version

LPG/CNG version of Honda City ZX car was not available.

Honda City ZX Pros

City ZX was an attractive sedan and an excellent performer in terms of power and fuel efficiency. The car interiors were not only spacious and comfortable, but were of top notch quality as well. Honda City ZX cars were luxurious yet low on maintenance. They also introduced several segment-first innovative and advanced features covering all aspects.

Honda City ZX Cons

A near-perfect car, Honda City ZX lacked a diesel model that could offer an even better fuel economy in times of high petrol costs.

Honda City ZX Conclusion

Having almost everything a good C-segment sedan should have, City ZX cars offered the best overall combination of comfort, safety, convenience, security and luxury. An additional factor was the premium ‘Honda’ badge that signified quality and reliability.