Honda City Aspire S: A Premium Refresh That Leaves Rivals Chasing

Lahore/Karachi – September 2025 – Honda Atlas has unveiled the Honda City Aspire S, a new top variant of Pakistan’s favorite sedan. It may not be a generation change, but the Aspire S sharpens the City’s looks, elevates cabin feel, and adds tech touches that put it ahead of the pack. With the market crowded by Toyota’s Yaris Ativ X and Changan’s Alsvin Lumiere, Honda has ensured the Aspire S makes its case as the most powerful and spacious option in the segment.

What’s New in the Honda City Aspire S

• Full LED Lighting (exclusive to S) – Unlike other City trims that make do with halogen units, the Aspire S gets LED headlights, LED fog lamps, and LED rear lamps for a modern, premium road presence.
• Sporty Exterior Touches – Black trunk spoiler with LED stop lamp, shark-fin antenna, blacked-out side mirrors, chrome front garnish, and refreshed alloy finish all give the car a bolder identity.
• Cabin Refinement – Leather-wrapped steering with baseball stitching, matching gear knob, high-grade fabric seats, and new tweeters for richer sound quality add a touch of luxury.
• New Colors – Two fresh shades, Canyon River Blue and Ignite Red, add character to the lineup.
• Safety Upgrade – Honda has enhanced the ABS system, ensuring stronger braking control in demanding conditions.
• Luggage Space – The City remains the most practical option in its class with a 510L boot, larger than its competitors.

Engine & Performance

The Aspire S retains Honda’s trusted 1.5L i-VTEC engine, producing around 118 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, mated to a smooth CVT. This makes it the most powerful car in its immediate segment, ideal for drivers who want responsive acceleration both in city traffic and on highways.

Price & Booking

• Ex-factory Price: PKR 6,149,000
• Booking Amount: PKR 1,200,000

This places the Aspire S slightly under the Toyota Yaris Ativ X, while offering more power and space.

Comparison: Aspire S vs. Yaris Ativ X vs. Alsvin Lumiere

Toyota Yaris Ativ X (1.5 CVT)

• Price: Around PKR 6.4–6.47 million
• Engine: 1.5L Dual VVTi, ~106 hp, 140 Nm
• Lighting: LED headlights and DRLs in the latest facelift
• Safety: Dual airbags, ABS, traction control, hill-start assist, downhill assist control, and rear parking sensors. Toyota emphasizes safety tech, making Yaris a secure city commuter.
• Space: Cabin and boot smaller than City, but adequate for compact sedan buyers.

Changan Alsvin Lumiere (1.5 DCT)

• Price: Around PKR 4.9 million
• Engine: 1.5L, 105 hp, 145 Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed DCT, offering a sportier feel but not as refined as a CVT.
• Lighting: Projector halogen headlights with DRLs; no full-LED setup.
• Safety: Dual airbags, ABS + EBD, but lacks advanced traction or downhill assist features.
• Space: Cabin and boot are compact, the smallest among the three.

Honda City Aspire S (1.5 CVT)

• Price: PKR 6.149 million
• Engine: 1.5L i-VTEC, 118 hp, 145 Nm — the most powerful of the lot.
• Lighting: Exclusive full LED package in this segment.
• Safety: Dual airbags, upgraded ABS system.
• Space: 510L boot and the longest wheelbase in its class, offering superior legroom and cargo capacity.
• Cabin Luxury: Leather touches, premium stitching, added tweeters.

Buzz Pakistan Verdict

The new Honda City Aspire S is not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what already works. With full LED lighting, improved cabin finishes, upgraded braking, and class-leading space, it stands tall against its rivals.

• Compared to the Toyota Yaris Ativ X, the City Aspire S wins on power and interior space, while Yaris edges ahead with traction control, downhill assist, and additional safety tech.
• Against the Changan Alsvin Lumiere, the Aspire S plays in a different league: Alsvin appeals to budget-conscious buyers, but it simply can’t match City’s power, presence, or practicality.

For those willing to spend in the PKR 6 million bracket, the City Aspire S offers the strongest mix of performance, style, and practicality, making it a standout in Pakistan’s sedan segment.