Great car though suspect Body/paint job. Review on Honda City 1.5 Exi

I bought the Honda City Zx in May 2006 . Used to drive the Indica (Diesel) before this one.The car that I was about to purchase at that time was the Ford Fiesta. In fact I had gone to pay the Ford dealer the booking amount (Rs 50000). Now in Goa the Ford and Honda dealer are owned by the same company ie Caculo and they are next door to each other. So I happened to step in just to look at the Honda City when the friendly Honda sales man told me to test drive it.As I sat in the space, comfort had me sold on the product .

But it was the smoothness of the engine that closed the deal.Even though the Fiesta"s engine is racy and is a drivers car (Honda 1.5 idsi not very powerful engine comparatively) it was the other factors and the Brand value this car commands that ruled in its favour. Honda City costs about 1 lakh more than Fiesta so I had to stretch my budget.Now after 15 months of use I think this was a good buy.

The car gives a good mileage about 17 km/ltr in daily driving conditions (Goa has less traffic). On Trips to Mumbai the Car is steady at speeds of 120Km/Hr on the Express Highway. Steering is light to use in traffic and noise levels at speed in the car is quiet low. Also huge Boot is handy at times.

Ground clearence is bad and scrapes high speed breakers when fully loaded with 5 people.Headlights not to good at night.And since last month I have noticed rust formation on the Bonnet in a couple of spots.The Body or tin work does not seem to be treated for rust resistance.Will need to get it checked at the next service due next month.Will Keep you all informed then.Kenneth Mascarenhas.