Honda City SV

Hello car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! When you are looking to buy a new car in India, there are so many things to consider, right? Your budget, the car's safety features, how much it will cost to maintain every month, what the latest tech features are, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. It is a big decision, and getting it right means doing your homework. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that often ticks many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Honda City SV. Let us explore if this mid-size sedan is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda City SV comes with a refined engine known for its smoothness and efficiency. Here are the key details:

• Engine Type: 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1498 cc
• Max Power: 121 PS (approx 119.3 bhp) at 6600 rpm
• Max Torque: 145 Nm at 4300 rpm
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

The Honda City has always been a looker, and the SV variant continues this legacy with a sophisticated yet understated design.

• Exterior Design: The Honda City SV boasts a sleek and aerodynamic profile. It features sharp lines, a bold chrome front grille, and striking headlamps that give it a premium feel. While the SV variant might not get all the chrome bling of higher trims, its overall stance is elegant and proportionate, making it stand out on Indian roads without being overly flashy.
• Interior Design: Step inside the Honda City SV, and you will immediately notice the spacious and well-thought-out cabin. The interior combines practicality with comfort, offering ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The dashboard design is clean and driver-focused, with good quality materials that feel durable. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on variant and year) adds to the airy feel, making long journeys comfortable.

Key Features (SV Trim Specific)

While the SV is an entry-level or mid-level trim, it still packs a good set of features for daily comfort and convenience. It is important to note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are usually reserved for higher variants like the VX or ZX.

• 3.5-inch Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Integrated 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• 4 speakers
• Manual Air Conditioning with rear AC vents
• Keyless entry with central locking
• Front and rear power windows
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Tilt steering adjustment
• Driver seat height adjustment
• Halogen projector headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
• Cruise Control
• Steering-mounted audio and calling controls

Ground Clearance

• The Honda City SV offers a practical ground clearance of 165 mm, which is adequate for most Indian road conditions and speed breakers.

Boot Space

• You get a generous boot space of 506 litres, making it one of the largest in its segment. This is perfect for family trips or airport runs.

Dimensions

• Length: 4574 mm
• Width: 1748 mm
• Height: 1489 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

The Honda City SV for the Indian market primarily comes with:

• 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC Petrol Engine with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.
• Please note, the diesel engine option has been discontinued, and the CVT automatic transmission is usually available from the V variant upwards.

Safety Features

Honda has always prioritised safety, and the City SV is no exception. It comes equipped with a good set of safety features to keep you and your loved ones secure.

• Dual Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Agile Handling Assist (AHA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Deflation Warning System

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a non-negotiable for Indian buyers. Here is how the Honda City stacks up:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Model Tested
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	5th Gen Honda City (tested in 2020 for Africa, similar spec as India)
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated	Not yet rated	5th Gen Honda City (awaiting tests)

Note: The Global NCAP rating reflects the robust safety structure and features of the 5th generation Honda City. We await official Bharat NCAP ratings for models sold in India.

Rivals of Honda City SV

The mid-size sedan segment is quite competitive in India. The Honda City SV directly competes with:

• Hyundai Verna
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
• Skoda Slavia
• Volkswagen Virtus

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

To help you make an informed decision, here is a balanced look at the Honda City SV:

Pros (Advantages)

• Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine is smooth, powerful, and offers a great driving experience.
• Spacious & Comfortable Cabin: Class-leading legroom and comfortable seating make it ideal for families and long journeys.
• Honda Reliability: Known for its bulletproof reliability and strong after-sales service network in India.
• Fuel Efficiency: Despite its powerful engine, it offers respectable fuel economy.
• Strong Safety Record: A 5-star Global NCAP rating instills confidence.
• Large Boot Space: Plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or whatever you need to carry.
• Good Ride Quality: Handles Indian road conditions well, offering a comfortable ride.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Features Missing in SV Trim: Compared to rivals or higher City variants, the SV lacks some modern creature comforts like a touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, or connected car tech.
• No Automatic Option (in SV trim): For those looking for an automatic gearbox, you would need to step up to the V variant or higher.
• Rear Headroom for Tall Passengers: While legroom is excellent, very tall passengers might find rear headroom a bit snug.
• Design Can Be Perceived as Conservative: While elegant, some rivals offer more aggressive or flashier designs.

Conclusion

The Honda City SV, even in its entry-level avatar, continues to be a compelling choice for car buyers in India. It builds on the Citys strong reputation for reliability, comfort, and a spirited driving experience. If you are someone who prioritises a refined petrol engine, a genuinely spacious and comfortable cabin, and top-notch safety credentials over a long list of fancy tech features, the City SV makes a lot of sense. It is a fantastic option for families, daily commuters, and those who appreciate the tried-and-tested Honda ownership experience. Before you make your final decision, we always recommend a test drive to feel the car yourself. Happy car hunting!