In the shrinking c-segment sedan space, Honda City manages to rule the roost. And Honda is not interested in losing this space to the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Verna. Hence, the new Honda City Facelift is launching on March 2, the bookings for the updates iteration of the sedan are already open. The City is currently sold in its 5th-gen rendition, which was launched in the year 2020. But what will the City get as a part of its update? The answer to the question is that it will be updated to look fresh, boast a longer feature list, updated powertrain, and new variant line-up.
Interestingly, images of the City facelift have surfaced on the internet, prior to its launch. It now gets a new reprofiled bumper upfront with redesigned fog lamp housings and lower air dam. The radiator grille is an all-new unit as well. Instead of the thick-chrome ribbon, it sports a slimmer band with hexagonal air dam pattern. The body shell is untouched by the knife, but a new design for alloy wheels for lower trims is expected. The tail section features no changes as such. The dimensions are unlikely to be tweaked on the facelifted model, except for minute change in length, depending on the new design of the bumper.
As for mechanicals, the Honda City facelift will be offered with petrol engines only, but in two configurations – 1.5L NA petrol and 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong-hybrid. While the latter will have an eCVT, the former will have two transmission options: 6-speed manual and CVT. Also, the City will be RDE-compliant, and it will be E20 Flex-fuel compatible with the NA petrol motor. A new V variant for the sedan with the strong hybrid power plant will be rolled out this time.
Leaked images show that Honda has kept the dashboard layout as is. No changes, whatsoever. The touchscreen size remains the same too. However, new connected car features are likely to be offered on the updated model, and the facelifted City could come with increased safety features as standard affair across the range. Moreover, there could be a wireless phone charger on offer this time. Talking of prices, the announcement will happen on March 2. Although, it is expected to start from Rs 11 lakh, ex-showroom. Once launched, it will continue to rival the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and of course, the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Verna.
