Honda could be planning to launch the new Honda City hybrid in the Indian market. According to reports, the new City hybrid will make its debut in the Indian market in the next quarter. The brand has reportedly concluded the prototype testing on the Honda City hybrid in India, and the car is nearly production-ready. Earlier reports suggested that the brand would be launching the hybrid sedan early in 2021; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the plans were delayed further. Honda launched City hybrid back in 2020 in south-east Asian markets and currently retails the City Hybrid in Thailand in the South East Asian region.
Honda City Hybrid – Powertrain Details
Powering the Honda City hybrid is a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine. The electrified powertrain produces 98 PS of power and 127 Nm of torque. The petrol-powered engine features a twin electric motors. One motor powers the front axle of the vehicle while the other provides assistance to the engine itself. This is similar to an Integrated Starter Generator.
The electric motor powering the front wheels is also capable of developing 108 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque. Honda also offers the City hybrid with three driving modes that allow the car to traverse in Hybrid mode using power from both the petrol engine and electric motor. The car can also be driven in full petrol mode and an electric mode that allows the car to run on only electric power for short distances.
Honda City Hybrid – Competition and Price
The Honda City hybrid will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki offers the Ciaz sedan with a mild-hybrid powertrain that uses a Belt Assisted Starter. The new Honda City hybrid will be able to return a high fuel efficiency and also conform with future emission norms. However, the City hybrid is likely to command a higher price owing to the technology on board.
Also Read: Honda City hybrid & HR-V hybrid to launch in India in 2021?
