ZX VTEC miles to go. Review on Honda City ZX VTEC

I am a vehicle freak and try and keep abreast with all the vehicles in the Indian market be it cars / jeeps / trucks or even LCVs, I own a City ZX VTEC.

First Impressions:-(Good)

The City ZX VTEC on first impressions is a sporty looking vehicle with a bit more of power as compared to the other Citys. However, may I mention here that the extra power that the salesmen at Honda keep crooning about is only in comparison to the Gxi and Exi. One would be disappointed if comparing this hype hype in power to the likes of the old City VTEC or even the Maruti Baleno / Ford Fiesta / Hyundai 1.6.

Alloys look extremely sturdy and comes with the spare wheel too.

Ride Quality & Reliablilty:-(Very Very Bad)

The car lives up to the Honda's seal of reliability and superior finish, however, personally I feel the ride quality is in the dumps when compared to the Baleno or the Fiesta and perhaps even with the low down Esteem. Although the City Vtec is more spacious inside coupled with superior seats you still get bumped and ground making me reminisce about the softness of my earlier vehicle. It is taking me quite a while to accept a ride quality this inferior from the Honda stable. Those with backaches should avoid sitting in the rear seats at high speeds and those with vertigo(giddiness) related problems, I feel, should avoid this vehicle altogether.

Interior Panels:-(Bad)

Even with normal day to day use some parts of the interiors get worn down so much they appear as if they have been vandalized. e.g. the panel beneath the driver's side power widow console tends to get scratched too easily by ones nails this is inevitable when using the button put the widow up as the button has to be lifted by the fingers. My car is a year old has so far done around 9000 kms and I am trying my best to maintain these delicate panels.

Braking & Gears:-(Excellent)

The dual disc brakes(front & back) are effective and the car comes to a screeching halt soon enough. The gear shift is a treat when driving at a higher RPM.

Music System:-(Excellent)

Once configured using all the advanced  features like Bass focus and the five band equalisers, the output from the Dual DIN music system and the 4 speakers(Alpine) is fantastic.

Headlights:-(Below Average)

The headlights are grossly inadequate for night time driving on single carriageway highways in oncoming traffic and the fog lamps and of little help in this scenario because of their short throw. My sincere request to Honda Siel to improve this.

Review Mirrors:-(Good)

The motorised review mirrors offer a crystal clear view but tend to stick out a lot this is even more pronounced when driving beside well another Honda City and you get a illusion there is ample space between the vehicles when in fact the mirrors are just kissing distance from each other. I have often seen a City missing a left review mirror.

On the whole.(Good)

The resale value would no doubt be higher than that any of the other vehicles and rightly so as this is a car which needs little maintenance. The only time you would spend money on any Honda vehicle is God forbid for repairing crashes and dents, and considering the gauge of metal on this baby it, is all too very easy, you can even end up getting one while opening the door in a tightly squeezed parking spot between 2 cars, so beware and handle with care.

All said and done I love the City ZX VTEC there is something that makes me luv this vehicle even though I still haven't got over many of its short comings.