Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're looking at your budget, wondering about safety for your family, thinking about monthly maintenance costs, and of course, wanting all the latest features. And let's not forget the importance of reliable company service. If these thoughts are running through your mind, then you're likely considering a very strong contender in the sedan segment: the new Honda City. For decades, the Honda City has been a benchmark for premium sedans in India, known for its comfort, reliability, and sophisticated appeal. Let's dive deep into what makes the latest Honda City a car worth your attention.
Main Highlights of the New Honda City
Engine Specifications
The Honda City offers a refined and capable engine that truly sets it apart.
- Engine Type: 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC Petrol Engine
- Maximum Power: 107.28bhp@3500rpm
- Maximum Torque: 253Nm@0-3000rpm
- This engine is known for its smooth performance and Honda's legendary reliability.
Design Overview
The Honda City seamlessly blends elegance with a modern aesthetic, inside and out.
Exterior Design
- The new Honda City sports a sophisticated and mature design.
- Features include full LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, a sharp front grille with chrome accents, and distinct Z-shaped 3D LED tail lamps.
- The multi-spoke alloy wheels add to its premium stance, giving it a classy road presence that's instantly recognizable as a Honda City.
Interior Design
- Step inside, and you are greeted by a spacious and premium cabin.
- The dual-tone beige and black interior theme (or all-black in some variants) with soft-touch materials and wooden inserts (in top trims) elevates the cabin feel.
- Ergonomics are spot on, with all controls easily accessible. The seats are well-cushioned and offer excellent support for long journeys, making the Honda City a comfortable family car.
Key Features
The new Honda City is packed with modern features to enhance your driving experience.
- Infotainment Screen Size: 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Honda Connect with Alexa remote capability and smartwatch integration.
- Sunroof: Electric One-Touch Sunroof for an airy cabin feel.
- 360-degree Camera: Available on select top variants for easier parking and maneuvering.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless phone charger to keep your devices powered up.
- Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents ensures comfort for all passengers.
- Ambient Lighting: Front map lights and LED interior lights add to the premium ambiance.
- Lane Watch Camera: A useful feature that shows the left-side blind spot on the infotainment screen.
What is the Ground Clearance of Honda City
The Honda City offers a ground clearance of 165 mm, which is adequate for most Indian road conditions.
What is the Boot Space of Honda City
The Honda City boasts an impressive boot space of 506 litres, making it one of the most practical sedans for luggage in its segment.
What are the Dimensions of Honda City
- Length: 4594 mm
- Width: 1748 mm
- Height: 1489 mm
- Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Powertrain Options
The Honda City is available with two distinct powertrain options:
- 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol: This naturally aspirated engine comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic.
- 1.5L i-MMD e:HEV Strong Hybrid: For those seeking superior fuel efficiency, the City e:HEV combines the 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, offering fantastic mileage and a refined driving experience.
Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone of the Honda City, especially with its advanced features.
- 6 Airbags (standard across variants)
- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Agile Handling Assist (AHA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Honda Sensing (ADAS Suite): Available in top variants, this advanced driver-assistance system includes features like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Auto High-Beam
- Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
NCAP Rating Table
The Honda City has consistently proven its safety credentials globally.
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Global NCAP (for India-spec model) |
5 Stars |
4 Stars |
| ASEAN NCAP |
5 Stars |
5 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP |
(Rating Expected Soon) |
(Rating Expected Soon) |
Rivals of Honda City
The Honda City competes in a fiercely competitive segment against these popular sedans:
- Hyundai Verna
- Skoda Slavia
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
How is the Car? Pros & Cons of the New Honda City
Advantages (Pros)
- Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine is smooth, responsive, and a pleasure to drive. The CVT is one of the best in the segment.
- Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Class-leading rear-seat legroom and comfortable seating make it ideal for families.
- Premium Interiors: The cabin offers a sophisticated look and feel with quality materials.
- Strong Safety Package: With 6 airbags as standard and the advanced Honda Sensing ADAS suite, safety is a top priority. Its 5-star Global NCAP rating further boosts confidence.
- Honda's Reliability: Known for its robust build quality and long-term durability.
- Fuel Efficiency: Especially with the hybrid (e:HEV) option, the Honda City offers excellent mileage.
- Large Boot Space: The 506-litre boot is highly practical for long trips.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Price: Top-end variants, especially the hybrid, can be on the pricier side compared to some rivals.
- Feature Gaps: Lacks some features found in rivals like ventilated seats, a fully digital instrument cluster across all variants, or a more aggressive infotainment system.
- Ground Clearance: While adequate, 165 mm might still feel a bit low for extremely bad roads or very large speed breakers in some parts of India.
- Conservative Design: The design, while elegant, might be considered too understated by some who prefer a more aggressive or sporty look.
- No Diesel Option: For those still preferring a diesel engine, the City no longer offers one.
Conclusion: Is the Honda City the Right Sedan for You?
The new Honda City continues its legacy as a formidable premium sedan in the Indian market. It offers a fantastic blend of comfort, space, safety, and Honda's renowned reliability. If you are looking for a car that offers a refined driving experience, a spacious and premium cabin for your family, advanced safety features including ADAS, and a car that holds its value well, the Honda City should definitely be at the top of your list.
While it might miss out on a few flashy features compared to some rivals, its core strengths – engine refinement, cabin comfort, and robust safety – make it an incredibly sensible and rewarding purchase. Test drive the Honda City today and see if this elegant sedan fits perfectly into your life.