The all new Honda City – which has been designed for Indian market - was unveiled by Honda's President and CEO, Takeo Fukui.

With its aesthetically appealing strong & sleek exterior style, the third generation Honda City may become the most stunning car on Indian roads. The all-new City’s unique ‘Arrow Shot Form’ design gives it a powerful and imposing presence. Seen from the front, the streamlined grille and sharp headlights deliver a distinctive road presence. With the City’s shortened rear end, the aerodynamic looking rear combination lights enhance its sporty looking tail design.

The all new Honda City is longer, wider and sturdier. It measures 4,420 mm in length (5 mm longer than its predecessor if number plate is excluded) and 1,695 mm in width (5 mm wider). While maintaining the same ground clearance and same head room, the height has been lowered by 15 mm to 1,480 mm delivering a sleeker and sturdier body shape which gives the City a refined driving position. With its wheelbase extended by an additional 100 mm, efficient use of space has been made for both driver and occupants to provide a spacious cabin. The all-new City has a practical and spacious boot offering a one class above capacity of 506 litres.

The interior of the car looks very attractive with the advanced looking design and the soothing colour contrasts of the new City promises its occupants a stylish, spacious and comfortable 'lounge'.

The all-new Honda City comes equipped with a 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers 118 PS while providing good fuel economy similar to the City ZX. In line with the Honda’s policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels.

The higher body rigidity with improved MacPherson strut in front and H Type torso beam suspension in the rear offers solid road handling, whilst the ride quality is said to be supple.

The 3rd generation Honda City will be the only car in its segment to be equipped with 5 speed automatic transmission with a “Paddle Shift” option to allow the driver to enjoy a manual transmission-like driving feel.

Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a priority for Honda. Safety features are now a standard offering across the entire range of Honda cars on the Indian market. The new Honda City comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a crush-proof survival zone. The front body structure of the new Honda City ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.

The all new City features an Advanced Integrated Audio System - which is the world’s first car audio exclusive to digital media. This advanced Audio system offers consumers the liberty to integrate with any of the newer technologies like iPOD, MP3player, USB Memory, cell phone with MP3 Player. The system promises a high quality sound with advanced functionalities. The audio system comes with steering mounted controls & separate remote control.

The all new Honda City has two grades 1.5E (MT)  and 1.5S (MT and AT) and is available in six colours – Habenero Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Tafetta White and Crystal Black Pearl. The 1.5E MT comes with Greyish Beige interior colour while 1.5S (MT & AT) has beige interiors.

The all new Honda City comes with a 2+2 year warranty and 24-hr roadside assistance as standard value for all City buyers.

Deliveries will begin from November 2008.

The first generation of Honda City was introduced in mid-90’s responding to the requirements of automobiles among Asian people. Completing its advancement, the third generation Honda City will move on to a new stage in 2008. The ‘City’ of Asia becomes the ‘City’ for the world and would be sold in several new markets. This current City nameplate is unrelated to the tiny car named City that was sold around the world in the 1980s by Honda.

Speaking on the occasion Fukui said, “The all-new, third-generation Honda City unveiled today, is Honda’s most significant model in this market. The new Honda City will strengthen the Honda brand, as it meets all the global concerns of Honda – safety, fuel efficiency and conservation of the environment.”

M. Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India said, “Honda City is one of the most successful car brands in the country and certainly the most desirable sedan in its category. With this launch, India will become the largest market for Honda City in this region.”

About Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

HSCI was established in December 1995, with Honda Motor Co., (Japan) and Siel Ltd. (India) as a joint venture. Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from its established qualities of durability, reliability and fuel-efficiency.