Lunch hour at Zen Garage. ‘What do you feel like, guys?’ I ask, hoping someone would think of a decisive answer so I could stop my mind wandering the ample cuisine choices of the Inner West. ‘Not sure, but definitely not Asian food’, says Justin, ‘Fish and chips maybe?’ Yes, I think to myself. Sounds good to me. As we walk up the driveway, Sergio realises, ‘How are we all going to fit in one car? Do I have to take the Civic?’ Civic? I didn’t know Sergio had a Civic!
As he runs back to his desk as fast as his little legs could take him, I scope out the car park for this aforementioned Civic. He returns before I could spot the car and walks towards a small white gem in the industrial rough. A cool little second-generation JDM Honda City! Full of surprises, Serg!
Opening the passenger door so Justin could crawl into the back seat, I realize this little thing has a surprising amount of space for a 90’s 3-door hatch! As I get in, that smell hits the back of my nose hard. The smell you would know of old foam cushions and plastic dashes. It’s the smell of grandpa’s car that has been sitting in the sun, wistfully and faithfully waiting in the driveway for so many years. An instant nostalgic feeling.
Electric windows were a big surprise, and as my window went down, I could hear how strong the window motor still was, just another testament to the durability of Japanese electronics. The car started without any hesitation and we were off to lunch.
It felt exactly where it was meant to be. After all, it IS named a Honda City. Small but spacey, zipping through narrow streets with ease. Mid-trip we decided to head to Deus café instead. Not a problem for the little Honda. A few turns here and there, pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, whatever city obstacle you threw at it, it ate it up. Effortlessly too. Finding parking was the ultimate breeze. Pulling up to small spots I would just dismiss in my 350Z, a quick parallel reverse job by Sergio and the car was snug and parked. Very impressive.
Lunch was had. Steak sandwiches and outstanding aioli were consumed. Walking back to the car, I couldn’t help but admire its quirky styling. The random little spoiler, the geometric chunky panels, and its cute tiny wheels. It was the quintessential Japanese get around. It was just a no-gimmick transport vehicle, comfortable, practical and efficient. It never felt like it was being anything else than what it was (apart from that spoiler lol). All in all, I love that car! So yes, Sergio owns a Honda.
