Honda City 2020 is all set to make its way into India by mid of next year and promises to rile up the sedan segment in the country. The car was launched in Thailand recently and the same model – barring a few changes, of course, could be planned for India as well.
City has been the fulcrum on which Honda has balanced itself in the Indian market for years and years. Launched for the first time here in 1998, the City has been quite the favourite of countless Indian families. And for good reason.
Honda has given the City numerous facelifts as well as upgrades around the world and City 2020 would be the car’s fifth-generation avatar.
The City launched in Thailand recently showcased an all-too-familiar sedan but with very visible visual changes as well as interior upgrades. The car is longer and wider which promises more room for passengers on the inside. The head lamps have been given an upgrade while the tail too has LED systems in place for a contemporary look.
On the inside, Honda City 2020 is sure to be given all the bells and whistles that would keep the driver as well as other occupants happy. Honda has stuck to its philosophy of keeping the cabin simple yet stylish. So, the dash layout has been changed but remains aesthetically pleasing while there is an eight-inch infotainment system as well. Cruise control, automatic climate control, steering-mounted control etc can be taken for granted. While the colour layout in the City for Thailand is all black, the model coming to India may get brown and beige hues.
There are reports that under the hood, Honda may offer a 1.0-turbocharged petrol engine. There may also be a 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid option to take on the likes of Ciaz with its SHVS technology. The familiar 1.5-litre diesel unit could be carried forward and all engines, of course, would be BS 6 compliant.
The buzz is that City in its new form could take the battle to Ciaz’s backyard. The sedan segment in the country has been dominated by Ciaz even if the City has managed to fare well as well. While Maruti Suzuki may be slightly concern, the real alarm bells would probably ring at VW which has the Vento and Skoda which offers Rapid in this segment.
