First, the styling. It builds on the design elements of the outgoing model. While the front retains the earlier model’s shape, it now gets a more prominent chromed grille, sharper looking bumper, new bonnet lines and headlamps. But in profile, you’ll likely mistake it for the older model. Its all too evolutionary. The front-end design.
The rear styling looks as if the designers penciled it off after a refreshing summer break. The new wider tail lights extending into the boot lid, and the reprofiled bumper give the City a slightly broader-looking rear end. If the exterior changes leave you cold, the interior will certainly not disappoint. This is an all-new cabin, with more upmarket feel and better use of materials. The newly designed dashboard, piano black finish around the music system, touch-screen air-con controls, all look refreshing.
Also impressive is the amount of space inside. Along with the all-new platform and extended wheelbase, smarter packaging has freed up more space for both, passengers and their luggage. The City now gets better leg-, knee- and shoulder room than before, the seats, as usual, are comfortable, and the rear passengers now get their own AC vents.
For the City, there's a new diesel motor - it’s the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC from the Amaze, with a similar power output of 98.6bhp and 200Nm of max torque. But don’t be disheartened – the City comes with a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox that promises better driveability in our conditions. The other engine is the one we know well, the 1.5-litre i-VTEC carried over from the earlier model in a similar state of tune, churning out 117bhp and 145Nm. It will have the option of a five-speed manual and a CVT gearbox.
