Check Out Brochure of 1st-gen Honda City VTEC for India

Honda announced its entry in the Indian market back in 1995. In the year 1997, the carmaker set up its first manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. But, it was only in 1998 that the carmaker launched its first offering in the Indian market – Honda City. It was designed to take on the likes of Opel Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer. With time, the City proved to be a good looking and a reliable sedan that was even quite fun to pilot. Then, in 2000, Honda took things a notch higher by giving the City a facelift and the option of a now legendary VTEC engine. It then became the performance car for the upper-middle-class people back in the early 2000s. Nevertheless, we have got our hands on its brochure to strike the chords with the beautiful memories once again.

With a long-bonnet and low stance, first-gen Honda City still rules over every enthusiast's mind and heart.

Starting with the 1.5L VTEC motor first, it spun the wheels with 106 PS. The car could do a 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds and was one of the most refined and silent cars of its era. An option of an automatic gearbox was also available on the non-VTEC City 1.5, which used to be a big deal in the early 2000s. 

The interior of the car was finished in beige fabric upholstery.

In general, the City was offered in a couple of trims and came equipped with bucket loads of features. The top-spec variant came fitted with AC with heating and blower function, power steering, power windows, factory-fitted music system with CD player, wood-finish for the gear lever, digital clock, beige fabric upholstery, front centre armrest, and more.

The first-gen Honda City VTEC sported a rear spoiler that gave it a sporty appeal.

Honda City was one of the most fun sedans available in the country in those days. Also, it was one of the best looking saloons as well. With a long bonnet, proportionate boot, and decently sized cabin, the car had a typical 3-box silhouette. The timeless design of the Honda City is still cherished by enthusiasts. While coming across a beautifully modified example of Honda City truly excites the enthusiastic child in us, the brochure surely made us miss the golden era of fast-affordable-fun old-school Japanese sedans. The days when sedans were not styled as an egg, they were proper 3-box cars, instead. However, in case you own a first-generation City and you think it should be featured here on IndianAuto.com, do reach out to us.