While we wait for the market launch of the 2014 Honda City, what appears to be the full spec sheet of our Malaysian models have appeared on a local web forum. This provides us with an early look at how the different variants will shape up. So let's take closer look, shall we?
As confirmed earlier, there will four grades on offer – S, S+, E and V (one up from the outgoing models' S, E and E+ variants). There's a much wider spread in the equipment list than before, which, according to Honda Malaysia, will be reflected accordingly by the new prices.
The range-topping City Grade V looks very impressive indeed, equipped with an upsized 16-inch wheels, Smart Entry keyless system, touch-screen automatic air-con, rear vents, leather-covered steering wheel and gearknob, cruise control, seven-inch touch-sensitive head-unit and an eight-speaker audio system.
The list goes on, to include the blue illuminated instrument cluster and HDMI input (for HondaLink), with six airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) rounding up the safety front. How this variant will be priced remains to be seen, but it will certainly be the best-equipped Japanese B-segment sedan when it goes on sale.
Move a step down and you'll have the Grade E, which used to be the City's flagship model here. Compared to the new range-topper, this one trades in the V's platinum-effect grille for a chrome-finished unit. Other visual giveaways are the deleted foglights and a smaller set of 15-inch wheels.
Fortunately, it keeps the V's wing mirrow-mounted turning indicators, chrome door handles, and Smart Entry system. Inside, the touch-sensitive display and climate control are replaced by an Audio CD player and manual air-con, but Bluetooth connectivity and dedicated rear air-con vents remain.
Airbag count for the Grade E and below is set at two, and unlike in Thailand where it is standard across the range, VSA is limited to the E and V variants only. Still, the spec sheet claims a full five star ASEAN NCAP safety rating for all 2014 Honda City models.
The base S and S+ variants look to be bare basic models to fight the bottom range of the Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera. The Grade S, especially, will look rather different than the rest with its silver grille, pole-type antenna (the others get a BMW-like fin) and, get this, steel wheels with covers.
Inside, the S and S+ will be identical to each other, with urethane steering wheel (with no audio controls) and a simpler amber meter cluster. Also removed are the Bluetooth link, armrests (both front and back), rear air-con vents and split-folding rear seats. Rather basic, then, but hopefully they will be cheap.
Click on the spec sheet image above to study the model differences in more detail. As it didn't come from an official source, though, there may be discrepancies to the final products, which will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for more details.
2014 Honda City Grade E
2014 Honda City Grade S+
Thai-spec 2014 Honda City
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