OHC 1.5 EXi AT : Long Term Ownership Report UPDATE: NOW 95,000kms Car : Honda City 1.5 Exi 4AT
Colour : Naples Gold
Year of Manufacture: October 2003
Date when bought: 1st October 2006
Kms clocked when bought: 24,226
Kms now clocked: 30,030
Its been just over 3 months since I bought my OHC. As you all know she had done around 24000 kms when I got her home. I have clocked 6000 kms from that time and so here is a report and few observations from my side on the car which I so desired to own from a long time. Looks and Design
The OHC type 2 was the best looking of the lot of all the Citys produced so far. Though the type 1 is a great looker in itself, the crystal headlamps and tail lamps added a fine touch. IMO it looks very much like an old gen Civic but that may differ from person to person. The size of the car is just right not to big nor too small. Everything seems to be in just the right place. My uncle who owns an NHC complains about the A pillar and its tendency to obstruct vision. I dont know how many others share this opinion. No problems in the OHC whatsoever. I dont need to say much more about the exteriors as we all know what the car is all about. Interiors
My car came with beige interiors which i think was standard among the last of the OHCs. Its much brighter compared to the black grey interiors of the rest of the lot. Lots of fake wood on the centre console and the power window control units. Adds a very classy touch. The seat uholstery in a lighter beige shade which goes for the seatbelts as well. All the controls are well within reach. The round AC blower knob feels much better than the stalk in the type one. The front centre armrest is a good place to chuck in CDs and other titibits. The rear seats have a folding arm rest as well something which is loved by the rear passengers. The instrument cluster is clean and no nonsense and its nice to see a tacho.. something I didnt see in my Zen. There is a gear indicator as well since mine is an AT. Good thinking. The seating is pretty low but since I'm a short driver I use cushions , no problems. I have heard that the rear seat is not that comfy but so far my passengers havent been complaining hence I cant comment on that. Overall very fresh and roomy interiors. Drive and Performance
After driving a Zen for the past 5 years, the OHC feels a big jump. The driving position is just perfect for me. Start up the car and the revvs are addictive. Once you shift into D the car surges forward. The shifts are set to the optimum setting which might be for efficiency. The acceleration is very good for an AT. The OHC comes with a 4 speed auto tranny. Driving this car in the city is a joy and you have enough power to keep you happy. If you want some kicks just floor the pedal and the kick down shift does its magic. I dont really push the car and my every day driving speed is between 60 to 70 kmph. Suspension is of the softer side and has been taking bumps prett well. The power steering works well and its a dream come true after my Zen which did not have PS. The turning circle is surprisingly good for a car this size and it takes turns in small areas with a breeze. The AC chills well and so far I have never used it beyond no. 2 blower setting. I generally drive on no. 1.
I use Speed in my car but I do wish to tank up with higher octane fuel once in a while lets see how that goes. I am getting FE of 10 to 11 kpl consistantly with the AC on at all times which is good for an AT. I did a Pune trip in mid December and the overall FE I got was 15 kpl . I did not use the AC on the Expressway.
The car is running on stock Bridgestone S322s 13" rims. The tyres are pretty noisy at times but I plan to see out the tyres till the end of their life say around 40k kms. Will go for alloy upgrade and new tyres then. I plonked in a K&N stock replacement filter the next day I got the car home. Nothing has been done on ICE as yet. Right now using the Pioneer 4650 unit shifted over from the Zen with the Honda Clarion speakers. That should suffice for the time being. Speaker upgrade soon. I got a new no. plate something which is not seen in the pictures here. Summary
I have pretty much covered all the points in the report which I had to mention. The OHC is a great car and as I mentioned in my earlier write up, it has brought back the joy of driving for me. Its a treat on the open road and nimble in city traffic at the same time. It has enough power for those short sprints unless you really wanna go and mod all the way. The servicing is not really expensive and I got regular service done in October which cost me just 1900/- rupees. The service at 30k kms is due next week. I hear that the service at 40k kms is a major one.To sum it all up its a great car to own and driving. Keeping it in shape will ensure many years of happy motoring. And its a Honda after all.
I hope this review is of help to all aspiring OHC owners
Dippy |