mike
12-20-2008, 06:53 AM
HONDA Ii-VTEC ENGINE GEARBOX, Although it may seem as though the newCity uses the same in-line 4-cylinder, 1497CC engine from the outgoing model, in reality there's a great deal of difference between the two. The new engine is powered by i-VTEC technology and not by the twin spark i-DSI engine. That fact that the Honda engineers have burnt the midnight oil in refining the new engine is clearly evident. This i-VTEC engine has a lot of hydraulic systems performing varied functions inside it. According to the engine RPM, the hydraulics play with the overhead camshafts, which also double as high lift cams as well. As you floor the pedal, the high lift part of the cam comes into play, and you can feel the surge of power. Owners of the original City will lap it up for its responsive engine. With a power output of 116 bhp, the City is easily the most powerful car in its segment. The City comes in two variations. A s-speed manual and an automatic.
71
We drove the automatic, and I for one was really impressed with its responsive nature. Floor the pedal and the engine responds with quite an audible roar. There's a whole lot of low-end torque, which holds impressively as you keep the pedal pressed - all of which translates to excellent response. Overtaking on the highway didn't pose a problem either, as is the case with so many automatics. The paddle shift is fun to use but there is a slight lag between the shift action of the paddle and the time it takes for the power to be transmitted to the front wheels. I don't generally like automatics, but in these days of chaotic city traffic I think it makes perfect sense to buy one for everyday use. In this case, the gearbox delivers seamless power to the front wheels. Ordinarily, you hear very little of the engine, but if you push the rev needle all the way to its red line, the roar becomes nicely pronounced.
71
We drove the automatic, and I for one was really impressed with its responsive nature. Floor the pedal and the engine responds with quite an audible roar. There's a whole lot of low-end torque, which holds impressively as you keep the pedal pressed - all of which translates to excellent response. Overtaking on the highway didn't pose a problem either, as is the case with so many automatics. The paddle shift is fun to use but there is a slight lag between the shift action of the paddle and the time it takes for the power to be transmitted to the front wheels. I don't generally like automatics, but in these days of chaotic city traffic I think it makes perfect sense to buy one for everyday use. In this case, the gearbox delivers seamless power to the front wheels. Ordinarily, you hear very little of the engine, but if you push the rev needle all the way to its red line, the roar becomes nicely pronounced.