After 20 years in the field, he prefers to listen to the music of the engine. Cars have that kind of hold on many people, whether they are automobile owners or wishful ones. That s why Asiaweek asked Thanes to evaluate the new Asian-car models from Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. These vehicles are aimed at the first-time car buyer, so don t look for sports cars or luxury GTs in the group. After its launch late last year, the City quickly became a favorite of Asia s young urban professionals who have approvingly dubbed the model a baby Accord.
Thanes didn t quibble.
Thanes pronounced the City s relatively roomy passenger compartment just right for his own pretty average proportions. He found the visibility excellent and the instrumentation the most elegant and readable, of the three cars he tested. But make no mistake, sacrifices were made in the name of frugality. Absent is the double-wishbone suspension found on Honda s more expensive models. The City has ordinary struts, and hence the ride over rough roads does not measure up to pricier sedans.