Honda City

The 2020 new Honda City brings the fight alongside the 2020 Nissan Almera and the Toyota Vios. With four well-specced variants (S, E, V and RS), the City also marks the world premiere of the 1.5-litre i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid engine found in the RS. Across the range, the petrol variants get a new 1.5-litre, DOHC, naturally-aspirated inline-four making 121 PS and 145 Nm. Features include rear air-conditioning vents on all variants, LED head and tail lights, Honda LaneWatch, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and RS-exclusive Honda Sensing.    

Design

It’s a smoother look than the previous generation’s angular shape. LED combination tail lights (standard on all variants) give a premium touch and there’s a choice of 6 colours.  

Dimensions

The new Honda City measures: 4,553 x 1,748 x 1,467 mm

Lighting

S and E variants get halogen headlamps while V and the RS gets LED reflectors. LED DRLs and LED combination tail lights are standard across the range.

Wheels

The base S and E variants get 15-inch wheels while it’s the same 16-inch wheel designs on the V and RS - except those on the RS are bi-coloured.  

Centre Console

Standard with spaces for your phone, wallet and drinks.  

Dashboard

Like most of the car, the interior has been redesigned. Initial impressions are great, the dashboard is pleasing to look at and feels good, and the dual-tone on the V variant makes it a touch more premium.

Space

It fits adults comfortably and it’s very spacious inside.   

Boot

S, E and V variants get a 519-litre boot, while the RS gets a smaller one at 409-litres - the space is taken up by the high-voltage battery pack. 

Safety Feature

Besides the usual ABS with EBD, the City comes with a minimum of 4 airbags (S and E). While both the V and RS have 6 airbags and Honda Lanewatch, the Honda Sensing suite is reserved only for the range-topper.   

Comfort Feature

Paddle shifters are standard from E variant onwards (RS gets a deceleration selector paddle). Fabric upholstery and seats for S and E variants, while there’s leather items on the V and RS.  

Infotainment

The S gets a regular, Bluetooth-enabled infotainment system with 4 speakers. Spring for the E, V and RS if you want the 8-inch infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The higher-end variants (V and RS) also get 8 speakers.   

Engine

The new Honda City has 2 engines. The standard 1.5-litre engine dispenses 120 Honda has 2 engines on offer for the City. The standard 1.5   -litre, DOHC, naturally aspirated engine outputs 121 PS and 145 Nm, and the 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid makes 98 PS through the engine and 108 PS through the motor. Torque is 127 Nm from the engine and 253 Nm from the motor.

Transmission

Petrol variants get a CVT, while the RS has an e-CVT.   

Chassis

All variants get an electric power steering.   

Drivetrain 

All are front-wheel drive.  

While we are yet to review the new Honda City, the specs sheet on paper looks promising for buyers of a B-segment sedan, and could be able to continue the momentum of the outgoing City.