- Fuel-efficient 1.5-litre L15A7 engine
- Spacious interior
- Large boot
- Light, slow-ratio steering lacks precision
- Short-travel suspension has limited bump absorption
- Suspension lacks body control
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
Review: Honda GM6.I City (2014-17)
Overview
Released in Australia in April 2014, the Honda GM6 Series I (GM6.I) City was a light sedan. Manufactured in Ayutthaya, Thailand, the front-wheel drive City was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is was mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). As per the table below, the GM6 City range consisted of VTi and VTi-L variants.
L15A7 engine
The 1.5-litre L15A7 four-cylinder petrol engine had a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.3:1 and Honda’s i-VTEC system which consisted of:
- Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
- Continuously variable timing of camshaft (VTC) phasing on the intake camshaft.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., CVT |
88 kW at 6000 rpm | 146 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| VTi-L | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | CVT | 88 kW at 6000 rpm | 146 Nm at 4700 rpm |
Dimensions and developments
Compared to the Honda GM2 City which it replaced, the GM6 City was 35 mm longer (at 4445 mm), the same width (1694 mm), 67 mm taller (1477 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2600 mm); boot capacity also increased by 30 litres to 536 litres.
According to Honda, the GM6 City was also more refined due to the increased use of high density sound absorption materials around the firewall, thicker glass, a door-lip seal and noise absorbing materials in the roof lining and guards, integrated floor carpet, boot and rear tray insulator.
Steering and suspension
The Honda GM6 City had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. Furthermore, the GM6 City had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Honda GM6 City included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the Honda GM6 City received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.62 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s chest and lower left leg were rated as adequate, though driver and front passenger protection was otherwise rated as good for all areas. Furthermore, maximum points were awarded in the side impact test.
Features: Honda City VTi
Standard features for the Honda City VTi included 15-inch steel wheels with 175/65 R15 84T tyres, a four speaker sound system with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, MP3/WMA compatibility, a CD player, auxiliary inputs (USB/HDMI), Bluetooth connectivity (including audio streaming) with voice recognition, air conditioning, cruise control with speed alert, a reversing camera, 60:40 split-fold seat backs, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a front 12 volt power socket, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
Features: Honda City VTi-L
The Honda City VTi-L was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 83H tyres, an eight speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, power folding mirrors and two rear 12 volt power sockets.
The City VTi-L was also available with an optional ‘Sports Pack’ which included a sports grille and Modulo front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side skirts and rear wing spoiler.
2016 Honda City Limited Edition
The Honda City Limited Edition was officially released in August 2016. Based on the City VTi-L with automatic transmission, the City Limited Edition could be identified by its Modulo Sports Pack (which consisted of a front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side skirts and rear wing spoiler), sports grille, ‘Limited Edition’ badge and metallic paint finish. Furthermore, standard features for the Honda City Limited Edition were extended to include rear parking sensors.
Related links
- Press Kit: Honda GM6 City (April 2014)
- Specifications: Honda GM6 City (April 2014)
- Honda News: Australia Has An All-New City (May 2014)
- Behind the Wheel: 2014 Honda City VTi Review
Review: Honda GM6.II City (2017-20)
Overview
Available in Australia from April 2017, the Honda GM6 Series II (GM6.II) City introduced styling and interior updates, and additional features for the VTi-L variant. Visually, the Honda GM6.II City could be identified by its new front fascia which included LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and a new grille, headlights, bumpers (front and rear) and wheel designs. Inside, both the City VTi and VTi-L were fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen audio system, with gunmetal tones on the instrument panel and silver accents around the air vents and transmission lever.
From 1 July 2017, the Honda GM6 City was sold with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty; if the vehicle was used for commercial purposes, however, the warranty was limited to five years or 140,000 kilometres, whichever came first.
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTi | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., CVT |
88 kW at 6000 rpm | 146 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| VTi-L | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | CVT | 88 kW at 6000 rpm | 146 Nm at 4700 rpm |
Features
Compared to the Honda GM6.I City VTi, standard features were largely unchanged for the GM6.II City VTi. For the GM6.II City VTi-L, however, standard features were extended to include leather-appointed seat trim and an integrated satellite navigation system.
Related links
