Honda City

The 1.5-litre diesel engine has been completely discontinued in the new City model. However, the petrol engine remains the same as before, which is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit with dual overhead cams that can produce 119bhp and 145Nm. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. Both of these engines comply with the RDE and E20 emission norms.

On the other hand, the City e: HEV model features the same petrol engine that works in tandem with two electric motors. This hybrid system produces a combined output of 124bhp and comes with an e-CVT transmission. The e: HEV model is also compliant with RDE and E20 emission norms.

The petrol manual version of the City is a joy to ride. The manual transmission is slick and has short throws, making it easy to shift gears. The engine starts with little noise and picks up speed once it crosses the 2500rpm mark. It revs hard till the redline, which is perfect for those who enjoy enthusiastic driving.

However, the engine also settles down nicely and cruises at 2000rpm at 80kmph. The low to mid-range of this engine is superb, which eliminates the need for downshifting when overtaking at speeds around 80kmph. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the e: HEV model is a better option. Moreover, this model is now available on the lower 'V' variant, making it more accessible to a wider range of customers.

The City has always prioritized comfort over everything else, and that remains the same in the new model. It handles potholes and rough roads with excellent poise and offers a very composed ride quality, regardless of the speed.

Honda has introduced two styling themes for the City's exterior. The lower variants feature an 'elegant' theme, which includes a redesigned front bumper and horizontal slats on the front grille. The top-end ZX variant has a sportier look, with sharper front and rear bumpers that have a faux carbon fibre texture, and a diamond chequered flag pattern on the front grille. These updates may be difficult to notice at first glance, especially from a distance, but they certainly give the car a more classy and dynamic appearance.

Furthermore, Honda has introduced a new colour option called the 'Obsidian Blue Pearl,' which the author finds fantastic. The 16-inch alloys have also received a new design, and lower variants now have a new 15-inch alloy wheel option. At the rear, the City features a body-coloured boot lid spoiler, and LED lighting can be found all around.

Overall, the updates to the City's exterior are subtle yet effective, giving the car a more premium look. The 'elegant' theme and sportier ZX variant cater to different tastes, and the new colour and wheel options provide more choices for potential buyers.

Upon entering the 2023 City, one will immediately notice that the dashboard layout is the same as the previous model, with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen positioned in the centre. The touchscreen is flanked by air conditioning vents on either side and behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a semi-digital instrument cluster that displays all necessary information.

Petrol variants of the City have a dual-tone interior colour scheme of beige and black, while the hybrid version offers an ivory and black option. The hybrid model also features faux carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, which some may find excessive. However, this panel is replaced by faux wood trim on the petrol versions.

The City has received several new features in terms of technology, including a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an auto high beam function. One of the most significant upgrades is the high-resolution camera system, which is now available on both petrol and hybrid models.

Furthermore, the City's ADAS tech has been updated with two new features: the lead car departure notification system, which alerts drivers when the car ahead begins to move, and the low-speed follow function, which helps the vehicle maintain a safe distance from the car in front during stop-and-go traffic. The low-speed follow function is available even on the manual variant and works seamlessly.

The Honda City instils confidence in the driver with its well-cushioned ride quality and stable handling. Despite its mature driving dynamics, there's still some fun to be had while pushing the car to its limits, thanks to its well-weighted steering and predictable behaviour.

However, there's still room for improvement in the cabin insulation and refinement as the car is not as quiet as some of its competitors, with engine and road noise easily seeping into the cabin.

Moving on to the safety features, the top-of-the-line Honda City V Petrol model comes equipped with a range of safety features. These include a 4-star rating from Global NCAP, dual airbags for the driver and passenger, seat belt warning, child lock, anchor points for child seats, overspeed warning, speed-sensing door lock, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and central locking.

Honda has set a high price for the Hybrid version of the City, with a significant Rs 4.50 lakh-5.00 lakh price difference compared to its petrol-automatic counterparts. While Honda has introduced a more affordable hybrid variant, it may still be a difficult choice for many buyers, especially considering that the petrol CVT is similarly equipped, offers good performance, and is fuel-efficient.

Therefore, if you are considering buying a City, the Hybrid may only be suitable for those who value the latest technology or for those who have extensive driving needs. For most other buyers, the regular City should suffice.