2014 Honda City arriving in April

Honda’s fourth-generation City sedan will be offered in two trim levels in Australia, VTi and VTi-L. Both will come standard with a reverse-view camera and the brand’s Display Audio infotainment system that features smartphone-style applications and Siri Eyes Free voice control functionality.

Built on a brand-new platform, the new model is powered by an 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and is teamed exclusively with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Honda claims combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km – down 14 per cent compared with its predecessor.

The new City’s length (4440mm) and width (1695mm) are identical to the old model’s, while the wheelbase grows 50mm to 2600mm, contributing to a more spacious interior that Honda claims offers more head, leg and shoulder room. It also boasts the largest boot in its class – now 30 litres larger than before at 536L.

Honda is yet to announce pricing details of the new-generation City, though it’s expected to compare closely with the outgoing City auto, which starts at $18,490. Full specifications and details will be revealed at its local launch in the coming weeks.

The City will become the first of three new compact models from Honda, arriving ahead of the Jazz hatch that’s due in mid-2014 and the Vezel crossover that’s expected here early in 2015.