2014 Honda City due in April

Honda has confirmed that the second-generation of its Civic light sedan will arrive locally in April.

Based on the also-upcoming third-generation Jazz light hatch, the new City expands on the already-spacious current model with improved headroom, legroom and shoulder room for the five seating positions.

The current model’s cavernous 506-litre boot capacity has also grown to 536-litres – more than some large sedans and a side effect of the City’s Jazz van origins.

Powered by a tweaked version of the current 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, the new City delivers the same 88kW as the current model, but consumes 1.1L/100km less on the combined cycle with a new official figure of 5.7L/100km.

Much of the efficiency gain can be attributed to the use of a new CVT automatic transmission, replacing the existing five-speed torque converter unit.

Continuing with the same two-grade model lineup, Honda Australia is yet to confirm whether the City will use the current model’s VTi and VTi-L designations, but will follow the new Odyssey people mover as the second Australian model to use Honda’s new Display Audio multimedia interface.

Display Audio features Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity for Android and Apple devices, and can integrate with selected iPhone 5 and above apps including Honda satellite navigation.

“The Honda City is a cut above its competition and with new styling, loads of standard features such as Display Audio and reversing camera, it represents excellent value for money,” Honda Australia Director Mr. Stephen Collins says.

Honda will confirm full specifications and pricing closer to the City’s April arrival, but is not expected to shift far from the current model’s $16,490-$20,490 range.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn