Honda City V

Choosing a new car in India is always an exciting journey, but it comes with a lot of questions. What’s my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost to maintain every month? Does it have all the latest features? And importantly, is the company service reliable? These are all crucial points for any smart car buyer. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into a car that often ticks many of these boxes for Indian families: the new Honda City V. Let’s see if this popular sedan is the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda City V comes with a refined and reliable 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine. This engine is well-known for its smooth performance and decent fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for both city commutes and highway runs.

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

Design Overview

The Honda City has always been about a premium and sophisticated look, and the V trim continues this tradition.

• Exterior Design: The City V boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design with sharp character lines. It features LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a distinctive front signature, projector headlamps for good illumination, and body-coloured ORVMs with integrated turn indicators. The stylish 15-inch alloy wheels (may vary by model year) add to its elegant stance. It has a timeless appeal that doesn’t go out of fashion easily.
• Interior Design: Step inside the Honda City V, and you are greeted by a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin. The dual-tone beige and black interior (or similar depending on variant) offers an airy feel. The dashboard layout is ergonomic, with good quality materials that feel premium to the touch. The seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long journeys, and there’s ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Key Features

The Honda City V trim is quite generously equipped, offering a good balance of comfort, convenience, and technology for its price point. Here are some notable features:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio system.
• Connectivity: Seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity.
• Sunroof: One-touch Electric Sunroof, a highly desirable feature for many Indian buyers, offering an open-air feel.
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control with Max Cool function.
• Rear AC Vents: Ensures comfort for rear passengers, especially in hot Indian summers.
• Cruise Control: Makes highway driving more relaxed and fuel-efficient.
• Keyless Entry & Go: Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop Button for convenience.
• Rear Parking Camera: Multi-angle Rear Camera with guidelines for easier parking.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio, calling, and cruise control.

While features like 360-degree cameras or wireless charging are usually reserved for higher trims, the City V still offers a comprehensive package.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda City V?

The Honda City V offers a ground clearance of approximately 165 mm. This is generally adequate for most Indian road conditions, helping to prevent scraping on speed breakers and minor undulations.

What is the Boot Space of Honda City V?

One of the City’s strong points is its generous boot space. The Honda City V provides a massive 506 litres of boot capacity, which is more than enough for family luggage, weekend getaways, or even large shopping trips. This makes the Honda City a very practical sedan for Indian families.

What are the Dimensions of Honda City V?

Here are the approximate dimensions of the Honda City V:

• Length: 4589 mm
• Width: 1748 mm
• Height: 1489 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

For the Honda City V trim, you primarily get the potent 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, available with two transmission choices:

• 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT): Offers engaging driving for enthusiasts.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Provides a smooth, convenient, and fuel-efficient driving experience, especially in city traffic.

The hybrid e:HEV powertrain is available in higher variants of the City line-up, but not typically in the V trim.

Safety Features

Honda has always prioritised safety, and the City V is no exception. It comes equipped with a host of active and passive safety features:

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

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a big concern for Indian buyers, and the Honda City excels here.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (for 5th Gen made-for-India model)	5 Stars	4 Stars
Bharat NCAP	(Yet to be tested)	(Yet to be tested)

The Honda City’s strong Global NCAP rating is a testament to its robust build quality and comprehensive safety package, giving buyers peace of mind.

Rivals of Honda City V

The Honda City V competes in a highly competitive mid-size sedan segment in India. Its main rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let’s look at a balanced view of the Honda City V.

Advantages

• Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine is exceptionally smooth, peppy, and offers good performance.
• Spacious & Comfortable Cabin: Class-leading rear legroom and overall cabin comfort make it ideal for families.
• Premium Interiors: The cabin feels upmarket with good quality materials and a well-thought-out design.
• Honda Reliability: Known for its bulletproof reliability and strong resale value in the Indian market.
• Excellent Safety Record: The 5-star Global NCAP rating speaks volumes about its safety credentials.
• Large Boot Space: With 506 litres, it’s one of the most practical boots in its segment.
• One-touch Electric Sunroof: A highly sought-after feature available in the V trim itself.

Disadvantages

• No Diesel Option: For those looking for a diesel powertrain for high mileage, the City is only available in petrol or strong hybrid.
• Features List vs. Rivals: While well-equipped, some rivals might offer a few more bells and whistles (like ventilated seats or a fully digital instrument cluster) in their comparable trims.
• NVH at High RPMs: While refined, the engine can get a bit vocal when pushed hard at higher RPMs.
• Price Point: Can be slightly pricier than some of its direct competitors, especially in higher variants.

Conclusion

The new Honda City V continues to be a compelling choice in the Indian mid-size sedan market. It perfectly blends a premium design, a refined and reliable engine, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a strong emphasis on safety. While it might miss out on a few cutting-edge features compared to some rivals, its core strengths in comfort, safety, practicality, and Honda’s renowned reliability make it a very strong contender. If you’re looking for a family sedan that offers peace of mind, a comfortable ride, and a touch of sophistication, the Honda City V is definitely worth a test drive. It’s a car that truly stands out when you consider long-term ownership and overall value.