Dear salmanz1990
Let me correct you, the engine in the City 1.5 is not the same as in the Civic 1.5. The Civic engine is standard and the engine in the City is Vtec. The Civc engine and the City engine produce the same hp at the same rpm that is 110hp/5800rpm but the difference is in the torque 135N.M/4500rpm for the civic vs. 143N.M/4800rpm for the City.
This means better pulling power at a broader range.
Secondly the City's transmission is not standard automatic, it is CVT. I am assuming that you know what CVT is, the manual gear selection option is bacically a system by which the transmission computer puts the linear gearbox into preprogrammed gear ratio mode and you can select between the "virtual" gears.
The City is new and it is cool, the Civic is old and due for replacement, yet it is larger and more comfortable. The City is lighter and more powerful, the Civic is heavier and more spacious.
It is up to you to decide that what fits your lifestyle
Are you married?
Do you have children?
How old are they?
How much room do you really need in the car?
Is sportiness more important or does size matter?
Where will you mostly drive your car , in the city or outside the city?
These are just some of the factors you need to take into consideration.
Hope I was helpful.
regards
autobanda