2004 Honda City hits Middle East roads

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Yukio Honda, General Manager of the Honda Motor Company Ltd, Middle East Office, said that with the introduction of the 2004 model, Honda can now offer the region's discerning motorists a competitively priced option in the mid-to-small sized car segment. The company already holds a strong position in the sector, offering the best-selling Honda Accord and Honda Civic models.

Mr. Honda added that the introduction of the 2004 Honda City was expected to further boost Honda's Middle East sales in the segment by 5,000 cars during its initial year. "The City is a remarkable improvement over the previous City in terms of fuel economy, performance, safety and reliability," he added. "As a matter of fact, the 2004 City is a perfect example of Honda's human-oriented approach to automobile design."

As if to emphasize this sentiment, the 2004 Honda City was unveiled amid a glamorous reception, at the well-appointed surroundings of Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai. Present at the ceremony were high-ranking officials of Honda Motor Company and Trading Enterprises (exclusive distributor of Honda in the UAE), as well as a select gathering of motoring journalists from across the region.

At the same time, Mr. Honda pointed out that the company had gone the extra mile to ensure that 2004 City remains as environment-friendly as possible. The current level of pollutants in the exhaust gases emitted by Honda City have been certified to be 90 per cent lower than the Euro II regulation values, he said.

Mr. Honda admitted that this approach was part of the dynamic, new thinking prevalent among the company's workforce to make a solid contribution to the overall well-being of the societies the company works with. "At Honda, maintaining a healthy world for future generations is one of the most important principles in the 21st century. Which is why the Honda legacy and tradition of making the world's most powerful, fuel-efficient and cleanest burning engines continues with the 2004 Honda City," he said.

The car's Hyper-8 valve and I-DSi engine and programmed fuel injection burn the petrol and air mixture so completely that while its power is the highest, its emissions are the lowest. Additionally, the Programmed Fuel Injection System (PGM-FI) not only meticulously monitors the combustion process of the Honda City for the most efficient use of fuel but, together with the exhaust catalyser, also ensures that environmentally harmful emissions are kept to a minimum. The HFC 134, a refrigeration used in the air-conditioning system, does not adversely affect the ozone layer.

The construction of the Honda City has been greatly simplified and all plastic parts used are coded to facilitate the recycling process and minimise waste, efficiently utilising and protecting the world's natural resources. The Honda City's front and rear bumpers consist of three separate pieces to facilitate replacement of any individual damaged piece, thus reducing waste and cost.

Mr. Honda, however, stated that the 2004 Honda City is a remarkable improvement over the previous City model, both in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and appearance. Combining an attractive, aerodynamic design with enhanced comfort levels, the 2004 Honda City is a sharp expression of the owner's taste and affluence while remaining competitively priced.

From the driver's seat lumbar support to the dashboard instruments, the Honda City features optimised placement and design to make driving a pleasure. The driver remains in absolute command with a speed-sensitive power steering and is assisted by power features, including door locks, door mirrors and windows.

The front view of the City with its multi-reflector headlights, chrome-plated grille and bold bodyline generates an imposing appearance. The City's side silhouette is that of a mainstream sedan, while the flushed rear deck and shapely side panels give it a sporty and futuristic appearance. The rear wrap-around combination lights are visible even from the sides, thus enhancing safety.

The Honda City's plush, two-tone interiors are the ultimate expression of luxury and style. Built around the needs of the driver and the passenger, the cabin offers generous head and legroom to all occupants. The soft upholstery provides a seating that is relaxed and ergonomic, yet firmly supportive for the body. The large rear rest, with integrated headrests, allows rear passengers to travel in comfort, making it an ideal option for long drives and family outings.

The 2004 Honda City is also the only car in its segment featuring the unique Ultra super flexible seating arrangement that takes full advantage of the space provided by the unique central fuel tank layout and offers unimagined flexibility with convenient stowaway and tip-up positions. While ensuring total cabin comfort, the Ultra seating arrangement helps to create more space for larger items.

According to Mr. Guy Edmunds, Sales & Marketing Manager, Trading Enterprises: "The engineering expertise of Honda ensures that the City features practicality and longevity that will provide owners with many years of pride and satisfaction. The 2004 model is the latest expression of style that undoubtedly will attract the region's discerning motoring community."