Generations of Honda City

First generation (1981–1986)

 

Body and chassis
Body Style	2-door convertible 3-door hatchback/van
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1,231 cc ER I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 4+3-speed Hypershift manual 3-speed Hondamatic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,220 mm (87 in)
Length	3,380–3,420 mm (133–135 in)
Width	1,570–1,625 mm (62–64.0 in)
Height	1,460–1,570 mm (57–62 in)
Curb Weight	640–810 kg (1,410–1,790 lb)

The first Honda City (AA for sedans, VF for vans and FA for the wider Turbo II and Cabriolets) was introduced in November 1981 with the innovative "Tallboy" design; of unusual height it enabled four adults to fit comfortably in the very short City (under 3.4 m or 11.2 ft).

Produced as a 3-door hatchback in a variety of trim levels,a special 50cc 'foldaway' scooter designed to fit in the City's small luggage area. At the time of its introduction, it was Honda's smallest car, while not being in compliance with Japanese Government kei regulations.It was longer than the Honda N360 by 383 millimetres (15.1 in), but shorter than the Honda Civic first generation by 171 millimetres (6.7 in).

The Honda City Turbo was introduced in September 1982. It was powered by a turbocharged version of the 1231 cc Honda ER Engine. A Pininfarina designed drop-top Cabriolet utilized the wider fenders and bigger bumpers of the Turbo II "Bulldog", but was only normally available with the naturally aspirated 67 PS (49 kW) engine. There was also a Pro-series of van versions with either two or four seats. A high-roof "R Manhattan Roof" version with a 10 cm taller roof also appeared.

Exports of the City were primarily to Europe (where it was renamed Honda Jazz, due to Opel having trademarked the City name), Australia (in two-seater 'van' form, to circumvent Australian import restrictions on passenger vehicles at the time) and New Zealand (where it was locally assembled). Production ended in late 1986 with the introduction of the GA type City.

Second generation (1986–1994)

City Series GA1, GA2
Body and chassis
Class	supermini
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1,238 cc 1,296  cc Carburetor 1,296  cc Fuel injected
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94 in)
Length	3,560 mm (140 in) (GA1) 3,605 mm (141.9 in) (GA2)
Width	1,620 mm (64 in)
Height	1,335 mm (52.6 in)
Curb weight	680 kg (1,500 lb) (GA1) 780 kg (1,720 lb) (GA2)
Chronology
Successor	Honda logo Honda Capa

Honda City (GA1)

Honda replaced the original City series AA in November 1986 with this generation (designated GA1), and again with an update in 1989 (GA2). This model was produced until 1994. The Fit name also first appeared as a trim variant of the City. There was no convertible model, with both the convertible and Turbo models of the previous generation continuing on sale for a little while.^[3] In most markets aside from Japan, the City's market position was left open until filled by the Honda logo in 1999.

October 31, 1986 the second City was introduced with the slogan "City of talent." in Japan, and was available at Honda Clio dealerships. 

In this remodel, there are major changes in the appearance of the vehicle Honda called "Crouching form", which consisted of a low and wide design that contributed to lighter vehicle weight (basic grade 680 kg) combined with improvements in driving performance. The styling reflects a corporate decision to enact a shared appearance with the first generation Honda Today kei car, the internationally strong seller, third generation subcompact Honda Civic, and the third generation compact Honda Accord AeroDeck. This generation shared its exterior dimensions and engine size almost exactly with the first generation Civic. The Honda CR-X was the only three-door hatchback that adopted a fastback, sloping rear hatch, similar to the Honda Verno products during the mid-1980s.

The engine configuration introduced the Honda D series, in the form of the type D12A, a 1.2 L SOHC straight-four 16-valve unit (1986, first as a mechanism for domestic vehicles) only available with a single carburetor, and basic level of equipment. The difference between the "GG" / "EE" / "BB" were just in the level of equipment. Power is 76 PS (56 kW) at 6,500 rpm. A five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission were optional

In October 1988 the main engine was changed to 1.3 L I4 SOHC type D13C. At this time, in addition to the traditional single carburetor, and introduced Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection. Single carburetor specification, the 1.2 L "BE" the other 1.3 L "CE" / "CG" is set, PGM-FI, spec, "CR-i" / "CZ-i" and consists of two trim packages.

The "CE" grade equipment with enhanced savings "CE Fit", PGM-FI specification is "CR-i" based only high-grade "CR-i Limited" was introduced, the late "CZ-i" is defined as the minor trim package. The word "Fit" appears as a trim package on the base grade "CE".

At the end of this generation, by grade consolidation, "Fit" is used for all single carburetor vehicles. The trim package "Fit" later became the model name of the successor of the Honda Logo which replaced this car.

The second generation was discontinued in 1993. The name "City" was retired at the end of this series' conclusion of production. 

Third generation (1996–2002)

Third generation (3A2/3A3)
Facelifted third generation Honda City
Overview
Also called	Honda City Type Z
Production	1996-2002
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	3A2/3A3
Related	Honda Civic sixth generation
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L I4 1.5 L  I4 1.5 L VTEC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98 in)
Length	4,225 mm (166 in)
Width	1,690 mm (67 in)
Height	1,395 mm (55 in)
Curb weight	940–985 kg (2,072–2,172 lb)

Third generation Honda City, pre-facelift (Malaysia/South East Asia)

Third generation Honda City, post-facelift, Type-Z (Malaysia/South East Asia)

The third generation Honda City, codenamed SX8 but with chassis codes 3A2 (1.3) and 3A3 (1.5), was based on the EF Civic platform. It was designed for and sold in the South East Asian market only, launch with slogan "Smart for the new generation" in 1.3-liter version launch, 1.5-liter version are launch with "Top-in-class smart" slogan . First production began in an all-new plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand, in April 1996. From the beginning, these Thai Citys had more than 70% local content. The bumpers were constructed in three separate pieces to allow for easier shipping from Japan. There were originally a lower grade LXi and a higher-spec EXi available. This generation vehicle was sold in Japan alongside the Honda Domani at Honda Clio dealerships in Japan.

This City is still a subcompact slotting beneath the Honda Civic, but a four-door sedan model instead for developing markets in Asia, and was built in Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and India. A revised, face-lifted third-generation City was released in 2000, called the "City type Z" in some markets. By 2001 a model powered by Honda's 1.5 L VTEC engines (VTi) appeared, featuring a rear-stabilizer for better handling. The facelift model received new front- and taillights, as well as one-piece bumpers.

The third generation city had fuel-injected SOHC 16-valve D-series engines, namely variations of the D13B and D15B. The original 1.3 L (1,343 cc) D13B produced 95 PS (70 kW) at 6,400 rpm for a claimed top speed of 171 km/h (106 mph) and 0–100 km/h in 11.3 seconds. This was later complemented by the 1.5-litre D15B, which was reduced in power for the Asian markets where the car was sold. The D15B engine also arrived in a version featuring VTEC, with an output of 115 PS (85 kW). The VTEC-engined City has a 0–100 km/h time of around 10 seconds.

In many of its intended markets it was one of few sub-compacts with a fully independent rear suspension that was dropped in the later models due to its high cost.

Fourth generation (2002–2008)

Fourth generation [GD8/GD9]
Overview
Also called	Honda Fit Aria Guangzhou-Honda City Honda City ZX Everus S1
Production	2002–2008 2010 - present (Everus S1)
Assembly	Ayutthaya, Thailand (Honda Ayutthaya Plant) Sayama, Saitama, Japan Greater Noida, India Guangzhou, China Lahore, Pakistan
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout  (GD8) 4WD layout (GD9)
Related	Honda Fit/Jazz Honda Airwave
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L i-DSI SOHC I4 1.5 Li-DSI SOHC I4 1.5 L  VTEC SOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 7-speed Multimatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,450 mm (96 in)
Length	4,390 mm (173 in)
Width	1,690 mm (67 in)
Height	1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Curb weight	1,090 kg (2,400 lb)

Honda City (fourth generation), pre-facelift (Malaysia/South East Asia)

Honda City (fourth generation), first facelift (Malaysia/South East Asia)

The fourth generation City made its world debut at the Thailand International Motor Expo in November 2002. It was now offered as a four-wheel drive version. It was imported from Thailand and launched as Fit Aria in Japan domestic market from December 20, 2002. The word "aria" is a type of expressive melody, usually heard in opera. In the People's Republic of China, the model was named Fit Saloon and was sold from September 2003 to the December 2008.

The Honda City was initially launched with a twin-spark, lean burn ‘i-DSI’ engine producing 88ps that was primarily designed to provide outstanding fuel economy. The VTEC version of the Honda city is launched later. The VTEC trim of the Honda city is offered with 15-inch alloy wheels compared to the 14-inch offered in the i-DSI and the rear brakes are solid discs on the VTEC variant instead of drums in the i-DSI. Also, the VTEC model uses a 7-speed Multimatic CVT automatic transmission.

Speedometer dials on a Honda City Vtec model.

In September 2005, a face-lifted version of the City was launched in Thailand, Malaysia in October 2005, and Indonesia in November 2005. In Thailand it is known as the City ZX. The most significant changes are a new exterior (new front grille, new headlamps, new fog lights, new tailights and bumpers). The front end has been extended forward by 65 mm (2.6 in) while the rear has been extended by 15 mm (0.6 in). The side mirror is electronically foldable. Both the i-DSI and VTEC trim levels have 15-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. Interior changes are minor but it does include an armrest for the driver and additional map lights. The interior colour tone of the VTEC variant is now black.

Honda City in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore and Malaysia uses the CVT gearbox for both i-DSI and VTEC variants. The CVT gearbox simulates a 7-Speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic style override using paddle shift buttons on the steering wheel itself.

The fourth generation was resurrected in China as the Everus S1, a new budget car brand for previous Honda models.

Fifth generation (2008–present)

Fifth generation (GM2/GM3)
Overview
Also called	Guangzhou-Honda City Honda Ballade (South Africa) Honda City S
Production	2008–2010
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L i-VTEC SOHC I4 94hp 1.5 L i-VTEC SOHC I4 117hp 1.8 L i-VTEC SOHC I4 140hp
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,550 mm (100 in)
Length	4,415 mm (173.8 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,470 mm (58 in)
Curb weight	1,095–1,155 kg (2,414–2,546 lb)

The fifth generation Honda City was unveiled in Bangkok, Thailand in September 2008 followed by launches in India, Pakistan, Malaysia,Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and China (Guangzhou Honda) in the following months. It is manufactured in number of locations including Thailand, Pakistan and Brazil.

Depending on market conditions, the City is available in a range if engine and specification levels. Generally in Asian markets the City comes in three variants – S, V and SV models. In some markets the V and SV is replaced by the E. For South America the range includes the DX, LX, EX, and EXL models.

The range of four-cylinder engines include a 1.3 producing 73 kW (98 hp) at 6,000 rpm, a 1.5 engine putting out 120 PS (88 kW), which both are available in manual and automatic transmissions (Indonesia) and a 1.8-liter  engine (China markets only).In South America the range is offered with the i-VTEC 1.5-liter flex-fuel engine that is shared with the Brazilian Honda Fit. The power output is 115 hp with petrol and 116 hp using ethanol. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

The City was briefly offered in selected European countries including Poland with a 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission.

Honda City rear view.

Since it was launched in India in November 2008, the City became the best-selling model of the company in the country, with sales volume even surpassing that of Thailand, previously the best selling market for the City. The Honda City has been the leader in the premium mid-sized sedan segment for a decade, with 35% market share in 2010.

In February 2009, Honda Australia have released the Thai-made City into the Australian market in two 1.5-litre variants (VTi and VTi-L). According to Honda Australia's boss, Yasuhide Mizuno, the City will compete with other light sedans such as the Japanese built Toyota Yaris, the Korean-madeHolden Barina and the Nissan Tiida (also Thai). This will be the first City released in Australia since the 1980s. It replaces the formerly smaller-sized Civics.

The City was launched in 2011 in South Africa as the Ballade, to fit below the Civic and above the Jazz (Fit) sold there.

Facelift

In September 2011, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Ltd revealed the revamped Honda City, with new front grille design, new front and rear bumpers, new taillamps design, new alloy wheels, eco driving indicator and dual front airbags to every model. The revised model was launched in India in December 2011 including five variants - Corporate, E, S, V and V (Sunroof) - and increased ground clearance to 165mm (previously 160mm) and also length increased by 20mm.

Honda Siel Cars India the Indian subsidiary of Honda Motors has launched the facelifted Honda City 2012 in India. The new Honda City 2012 is launched in India in seven variants. All variants are powered by the same 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine which delivers 118PS of power with 146Nm of maximum torque. Also, the company is planning to launch the Honda City diesel variants in the local market, which is expected to be launched by the end of year 2012. Here is the list of Honda City petrol models with their respective features.