HONDA is unveiling the third generation of its entry-level sedan, the City and it is a vast improvement from the car it replaces. For one, the new model doesn't look like a cockroach anymore. It is longer, wider and sleeker and features a new platform and engine.

The previous City used to be a Jazz hatchback with a boot grafted on. That meant its design and product concept were also borrowed from the five-door hatch. But for the latest City, Honda has styled it as a real sedan - there are no longer any similarities in exterior and interior design with the popular hatch.

And although its platform may be derived from the new Jazz, it is unique to the City, with different engineering.

Compared with its predecessor, the new City is 5mm longer at 4,395mm and 25mm wider at 1,715mm. At the same time, it is 15mm lower at 1,470mm high. The new cabin is also more spacious because its wheelbase is 100mm longer. There are bigger front seats and the rear bench is also wider and deeper with thicker cushioning for improved ride comfort. The rear seat back also has two reclining positions.

Unique to the car is the five-speed automatic transmission with steering mounted paddle shifters - the first in its class. The previous City had a seven-step continously variable transmission.

The gearbox is mated to the new Euro IV 1.5-litre iVTEC engine with 120 hp, said to be the most powerful naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine available here.

There are two variants, and the cheaper one with a five-speed manual gearbox costs $60,500 (with COE). The automatic option is an extra $1,000.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Sept 20, 2008.