The Honda Place (THP), authorised distributors and marketers of Honda automobiles has launched the 2012 model of its popular and best selling sedan, Honda City.

Unveiled at The Avenue Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, THP said the new City is a radical departure from its predecessor, haven grown in every dimension.

From a distance, the City emits elegance with nicely layout exterior features that bear out Honda ingenuity.

Honda was indeed mindful of competitions when redesigning the new City, which from all indication could become the toast of desiring corporate and fleet patrons.

With a new and elegantly crated front grille that is apparently fashioned after design cues from the latest Civic, the City 2012 may have been transformed to a rather sophisticated midsize sedan for the upwardly mobile.

This is in addition to the new and aggressive front and rear bumper with 10 spoke alloy wheels and an all-new tail lights that is in semblance with BMW 3-series.

The new City headlamps have also been redesigned to feature reflector lens instead of the more expensive projector type, which is expected at this price range.

Unlike its predecessor, the City comes with elegant front fog lamps for enhanced style and better visibility plus electric sunroof on “Exclusive” models.

The exterior looks of the new Honda City 1.5V gets further stylized by addition of Chrome door handles, new sporty exhaust finisher as well as front and rear mud guards.

These and more was how Mr. Deepak Daryanani, Director, Sales and Marketing, The Honda Place chronicled the 2012 City in his product presentation at the launch of the sedan penultimate week.

He also noted that steering wheel of Honda City is now adjustable for reach and height, which is really an excellent feature for this segment of the market.

Another nice touch is the iPod compatible USB connector. Although the Jazz already has this, Honda City has a very nicely integrated system.

“The display section of the audio system is hinged, opening to reveal a short USB cable which will accept your iPod cable. There is also a little felt-lined compartment for your iPod. Once installed, you can control your iPod via the car’s audio system,” Mr. Daryanani explained.

What’s more, Honda City 2012 is powered by a 1.5 liter, 16 valves; four-cylinder petrol inline and is available in both manual and automatic variants. The 1.5 liter petrol engine of this car tosses maximum power of 118 PS at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 146 Nm at 4800 rpm.

In comparison to Honda City 2012, the old variant lacked the sun-roof feature just as the quality of interiors isn’t as impressive.

Drivers and admirers of this car would also discover it has been fully loaded with all active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist, Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-Force Control Technology body with a crush-proof survival zone.

Other notable features include AC, Power Steering, Power Windows, Music System, ABS with Brake Assist, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Remote Trunk Opener, Engine Immobiliser and Xenon Head Lights and.

Available in both manual and automatic trans-mission, the manual transmission variant of City 2012 delivers mileage of 16.8 km/liter and the automatic transmission variant gives mileage of 15.6 km/l. This is unlike its predecessor which delivers mileage of 13 – 14 kmpl in city conditions and 16 – 17 kmpl on highways.