Honda City : In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, where SUVs seem to dominate every conversation, Honda has made a bold statement with the launch of its all-new City.
This iconic sedan, which has been a favorite among Indian car buyers for decades, has received a comprehensive makeover that promises to reignite the passion for sedans among automotive enthusiasts.
Honda City A Legacy Reimagined
The Honda City has been a cornerstone of the Indian sedan market since its introduction in 1998.
Over the years, it has evolved through multiple generations, each bringing something new to the table.
This latest iteration, however, represents the most significant leap forward in the model’s history.
Honda City Design: A Head-Turner on Wheels
The new Honda City boasts a design that can only be described as a perfect blend of elegance and sportiness.
The front fascia is dominated by a bold, chrome-laden grille that seamlessly integrates with sleek LED headlamps.
These headlamps, featuring a unique 9-LED array, not only look striking but also provide excellent illumination, enhancing both safety and style.
Moving along the side, one can’t help but notice the strong character line that runs from the front fender to the rear taillight, giving the City a sense of motion even when stationary.
The roofline has a more coupe-like slope, adding a touch of sportiness without compromising on rear headroom.
At the rear, the City continues to impress with its Z-shaped LED taillights that extend onto the trunk lid, creating a distinctive light signature that’s sure to turn heads on the road.
The bumper design, with its subtle diffuser-like element, adds a sporty touch to the overall elegant profile.
Honda City Dimensions: Compact Yet Spacious
While the new City retains its compact sedan proportions, Honda’s engineers have worked their magic to maximize interior space. The car measures:
Length: 4,549 mm
Width: 1,748 mm
Height: 1,489 mm
Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
These dimensions make the City easy to maneuver in urban environments while still offering class-leading interior space.
Honda City Powertrains: Something for Everyone
Understanding that different drivers have different needs, Honda has equipped the new City with a range of powertrain options:
1. Petrol Power
The heart of the petrol lineup is a refined 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque.
This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), catering to both enthusiasts who enjoy shifting gears and those who prefer the convenience of an automatic.
2. Hybrid Efficiency
In a nod to the growing demand for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options, Honda has introduced a hybrid variant of the City.
This model combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 126 PS and an impressive fuel efficiency of 27.13 km/l (ARAI certified).
3. Diesel Dependability
For those who clock high mileage or prefer the torque characteristics of diesel engines, Honda offers a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine. This powerplant produces 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda City Interior: A Blend of Luxury and Technology
Step inside the new Honda City, and you’re greeted by an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in a car from a segment above.
The dashboard features a clean, horizontal design with a focus on both aesthetics and ergonomics.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This system not only handles entertainment duties but also displays important vehicle information and serves as the interface for various connected car features.
Honda has introduced its Honda Connect telematics system in the new City, offering over 32 connected car features. These include:
Geofencing
Vehicle tracking
Remote engine start/stop (for automatic variants)
Real-time fuel economy monitoring
Service reminders
Comfort and Convenience
The City has always been known for its comfortable interiors, and the new model takes this to the next level. Some key comfort features include:
Leather upholstery (on higher trims)
Electric sunroof
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Paddle shifters (for CVT variants)
Push-button start
Cruise control
One of the standout features is the new 7-inch full-color TFT instrument cluster that provides all essential information in a clear, easy-to-read format.
This display can be customized to show various information, including turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
Honda City Safety: No Compromises
Honda has always prioritized safety, and the new City is no exception.
The car is built on Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.
Standard safety features across all variants include:
6 airbags (dual front, side, and curtain)
ABS with EBD
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Hill Start Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Rear parking sensors
Higher variants also get additional features like:
Lane Watch camera (a camera under the left mirror that activates when the left turn signal is engaged, displaying the view on the infotainment screen)
Multi-angle rearview camera
Honda LaneWatch™ (a blind spot monitoring system)
Honda City Driving Dynamics: The Joy of Driving
While the City has always been known for its comfortable ride, this new generation takes the driving experience to a whole new level.
The suspension setup, featuring McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, has been finely tuned to offer a perfect balance between ride comfort and handling prowess.
The electric power steering has been calibrated to offer more feedback, making the City more engaging to drive on twisty roads while still being light and easy to maneuver in city traffic.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels have been significantly improved, with additional sound insulation making the cabin a serene place even at highway speeds.
Honda City Variants and Pricing: Something for Every Budget
The new Honda City is available in a range of variants to cater to different budgets and requirements:
V (Starting at ₹11.49 lakh)
VX (Starting at ₹12.75 lakh)
ZX (Starting at ₹13.89 lakh)
ZX Hybrid (Starting at ₹19.50 lakh)
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
While the pricing puts the City at the premium end of the compact sedan segment, the features, build quality, and brand value justify the price tag.
Honda City The Competition: How Does the City Stack Up?
The new Honda City enters a competitive segment, facing off against established rivals like:
Hyundai Verna
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
Skoda Slavia
Volkswagen Virtus
However, the City’s combination of striking design, advanced features, and Honda’s reputation for reliability gives it a distinct edge.
The introduction of the hybrid variant also sets it apart in a segment where electrification is still in its early stages.
Honda City Owner Experiences: Early Impressions
Early adopters of the new City have been overwhelmingly positive in their feedback. Here are some excerpts from owner reviews:
Rahul Sharma, Delhi: “I’ve owned every generation of the City, and this one is by far the best.
The hybrid variant gives me the power I need and the efficiency I want. I’m consistently getting over 24 kmpl in real-world conditions!”
Priya Desai, Mumbai: “The interiors are a class apart. I feel like I’m sitting in a much more expensive car.
The Lane Watch camera is a godsend in Mumbai’s chaotic traffic.”
Amit Reddy, Bangalore: “As a tech enthusiast, I love the connected car features. Being able to check on my car and even start the AC before I leave my office is super convenient.”
Honda City Conclusion: A Sedan for the Modern Age
In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs, the new Honda City makes a strong case for the enduring appeal of the sedan.
It combines the traditional strengths of the City nameplate – comfort, reliability, and efficiency – with cutting-edge technology and design that appeal to modern sensibilities.
The new City isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of what a compact sedan can be. It offers the space and comfort that Indian families demand, the technology that modern consumers expect, and the driving dynamics that enthusiasts crave.
For Honda, the new City represents more than just a new model launch. It’s a statement of intent, a declaration that sedans still have a place in the Indian automotive landscape.
It’s a car that doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them, setting new benchmarks in its segment.
As the automotive world moves towards an electrified future, the City, especially with its hybrid variant, shows that Honda is ready to lead the charge.
It’s not just a car for today; it’s a glimpse into the future of personal mobility.
For sedan lovers, the new Honda City is a reason to rejoice. It proves that with the right combination of design, technology, and engineering, the sedan format can be just as exciting and relevant as any SUV.
As it hits Indian roads, the City is poised to win hearts, change minds, and perhaps, reignite India’s love affair with the sedan.
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