Clocked 10000 km on my 5th gen Honda City: 20 significant observations

The 8 speaker system sounds decent but could have benefited from a small subwoofer. I also like the unlock sensors on doors and the walk away locks.

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Honda City 5th gen owner since Nov 2021 with around 10,000 kms here (ZX Petrol CVT). I mainly bought this for city use, because every other car we considered had a waiting period during that time and with offers this was about 4-5 lakhs cheaper than the SUV rivals.

Here are my top 20 observations in no particular order:

• The build quality, fit and finish of interiors are VERY poor compared to similar priced cars.
• The whole thing rattles so much. The main culprits for me are dashboard, headliner and sunroof, all of which rattles so much.
• I understand this isn't a luxury car, but nothing has rubber or felt lining so that also adds to the rattling.
• LED Headlights also shake and you can see it dancing during the night while driving. I've seen similar reports here on the forum.
• The leather seats are an exception to the poor build quality theme, they're very comfortable and are well made (the brochure says it's leather and not leatherette, don't know if it's true).
• Getting in and out isn't very easy and my head always hits against the frame. I'm around 5'11".
• Headroom in front and back is very poor.
• The infotainment system feels like its from a budget 5 lakh car. It's also not very visible in bright sunlight.
• Digital / analog combo instrument panel is good actually and has enough information. However the glass (plastic) on it scratches so easily and now looks ugly.
• The 8 speaker system sounds decent but could have benefited from a small subwoofer.
• Rear camera plain sucks. Quality and functionality both are terrible. It doesn't have moving guidelines.
• Love the auto up / down windows on all 4 sides.
• The rear windshield sunshade is great, wish it came on rear doors as well.
• I also like the unlock sensors on doors and the walk away locks.
• AC works great, but I feel like cabin temperature sensor isn't calibrated properly as it will get COLD at 25c.
• The engine and gearbox combo is slouch. I haven't bought a naturally aspirated engine car since 2012 and this is my first CVT. They both suck the joy out of driving. This will also be my last NA and/or CVT.
• Fuel economy I'm struggling to get it to double digits in the city (Kochi, Kerala).
• Ride is comfy but handling is pretty bad for a sedan that used to be a driver's car.
• I actually don't find the cabin noise a big issue, honestly it's fine for me with tyres upgraded to Michelin Primacy 205 55 R16.
• Honda Connect never works properly and sometimes it just doesn't connect to the car. The app also is poorly designed with limited functionality. Such a subpar experience when compared to Kia Connect.

All said and done, if I had to redo this all over again, I'll choose one of the 20 lakh compact SUVs. I honestly regret buying this car and will sell once I get an opportunity.

Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but as a first gen Honda City VTEC owner, the tryst after 25 years has been very, let's say unromantic.

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