Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan rolled out the City Aspire S today, a refreshed take on the sixth-generation sedan. This update skips the seventh-generation model available elsewhere since 2021, opting instead for tweaks to the current lineup. Buyers get cosmetic touches, a few interior refinements, and a safety boost, all while keeping the familiar engine setup.
The move has stirred talks in Pakistan’s auto scene. Many hoped for a full overhaul, but Honda chose subtle changes to extend the sixth-gen’s run. With rivals like the Toyota Yaris and Changan Alsvin in the mix, does this facelift hold its ground? Let’s break down the differences from the prior Aspire 1.5L CVT.
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Exterior Updates
The Aspire S stands out with a sharper look. Honda swapped the old emblem for a modern one. New paint options include Canyon River Blue and Ignite Red, adding fresh appeal.
Lighting sees a big shift to full LED across headlights, fog lamps, and rear lights. That’s a step up from the halogen setup in the previous version. A black trunk spoiler now houses an LED stop lamp, and the antenna upgrades to a sleek black shark fin.
Side mirrors turn black, door handles get a dark chrome finish, and there’s a chrome garnish up front. The rear license plate area has a redesigned garnish. Alloy wheels sport a new black coating for a sportier vibe, differing from the silver ones before.
Interior Changes
Inside, the Aspire S feels more premium without major overhauls. Seats use high-grade fabric with a new pattern, replacing the older hi-grade material.
The steering wheel wraps in leather with baseball stitching, a change from the fabric version. The gear select knob matches with similar stitching. Audio improves with added tweeters, building on the four-speaker system where they were once optional.
The infotainment stays the same: a 9-inch Android touchscreen with navigation, SIM slot, Wi-Fi, and phone links.
Safety and Technology Improvements
Safety gets a notable upgrade. The ABS system now includes an ESP 9.3 modulator for better braking and stability. This enhances control during stops, a clear advance over the standard ABS in the old model.
Other tech remains consistent, with no new additions beyond the audio tweaks.
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Performance Remains Steady
Under the hood, nothing shifts. The 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivers 118 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission. Fuel efficiency and drive feel match the previous Aspire, prioritizing reliability over big changes.
Pricing and Availability
The Aspire S lists at PKR 6,149,000, up from the old top-spec Aspire’s PKR 5,969,000. Bookings start with a PKR 1,200,000 deposit. This hike covers the new features, but value depends on buyer needs.
Market Position and Outlook
In Pakistan, the City faces stiff competition. The Toyota Corolla offers more space and a larger engine, though the City edges out on fuel use and starting price. The Yaris and Alsvin provide similar features at competitive rates.
Reactions vary, with some disappointed by the lack of a seventh-gen launch. Still, these updates could keep the City popular for daily drives. Time will tell if they draw in fresh buyers amid rising options.
For more on the launch, check Honda’s official site or local dealers.
