The current generation of the Honda City was revealed back in November 2013 in the Indian market. Ever since, the car has been updated quite a bit, and still remains a popular choice among the executive class of C2 sedan buyers. The Honda City rivals the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento & Toyota Yaris. Now, Honda is all set to launch the new City sedan in India, which will be the 5th generation model. This car is expected to make a debut in 2020 and will come with plenty of changes in size and also in terms of engine technology.
The 5th generation Honda City will go on sale in Thai & ASEAN markets soon with the Indian debut by mid-2020. The car has already started road testing globally and will be a step up compared to the current Honda City on offer.
New details which have emerged reveal that the 2020 Honda City will get an all-new 1.0L, turbocharged petrol engine. This motor is rumoured to be capable to belt out 120 HP of power. This engine will use a turbocharger unit from Borg Warner, who also supplies the 4×4 gearbox for Mahindra. This 1.0L turbo-petrol engine will come matched to a 6-speed manual and a CVT gearbox option. But this particular motor is unlikely to come to India as our market might not relate such a small engine very well with a car of this class.
The other engine is the 1.5L petrol motor which we know will come with a mild-hybrid technology. Similar to what Maruti Suzuki does in the Ciaz with SHVS, Honda will introduce a compact iteration of their i-MMD hybrid technology on the City. The 2020 Honda City will get features such as torque assist, auto start / stop function, brake energy regeneration, etc. This motor is also expected to be used in the new-generation Jazz hatchback which will also debut in 2020. Honda will offer this mild-hybrid petrol motor with a 6-speed manual as well as CVT automatic gearbox.
Honda will update the Earth Dreams diesel engine, the 1.5L 4-cylinder block to BSVI standards. This engine currently produces 100 HP of power and 200 Nm of torque. The new City sedan might have the power and torque figures updated with the BS6 hardware coming in, and also, Honda will offer a CVT automatic for the diesel City along with a 6-speed manual. The diesel motor will not get mild-hybrid technology.
Honda is expected to increase the cabin space of the City to rival the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz which is the best-in-class in terms of 2nd row seating comfort. The 2020 Honda City 5th generation is expected to be lighter, but stronger and will pack more safety features as standard. Creature comforts will include climate control, sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, digital speedometer, leather upholstery, etc.