Honda City Facelift Expected Launch by March 2023

Honda Cars India is reportedly gearing up for a mid-cycle refresh for the 5th-Gen City in India which is slated to arrive by March 2023. This will be the first update for the sedan since it was launched in mid-2020. The automaker is expected to introduce a new trim level of the petrol-hybrid powertrain while the regular model will get a variant mix-up as well. We take a detailed look at the key changes.

2023 Honda City Facelift: Exterior and Interior Upgrades

Changes to the facelifted Honda City will be fairly minimal with a redesigned front end portraying a new grille and bumper along with new LED DRLs. The side and rear profile will stay the same except for new alloy wheel design and a refreshed bumper.

Inside, the interior of the upcoming Honda City Facelift will stay largely the same but may get added features like wireless charging and ventilated front seats. As mentioned above, the Japanese automaker could also have a reshuffle in its variant lineup. The sedan will continue to come equipped with features like a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker audio system, a sunroof, auto climate control, push-button start/stop, cruise control, and more.

2023 Honda City Facelift: New Variants for e:HEV

The brand currently offers its e:HEV hybrid powertrain only on the top-spec City ZX which is priced at Rs 19.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Compared to the standard City, which is priced at Rs 15.62 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top model, the former is considerably more expensive. Now, reports suggest that the company is likely to offer a new trim level for the e:HEV that will lower the gap between the hybrid and petrol variants.

2023 Honda City Facelift: Powertrain Details

With the manufacturer discontinuing the 1.5-litre diesel motor due to the upcoming RDE norms that are coming into effect from April 2023, moving on, the 2023 Honda City will be offered as a petrol-only sedan. The facelifted model will continue to be offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine making 121 bhp with 145 Nm of peak torque alongside a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle strong-hybrid unit pumping out 97 bhp with 127 Nm torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic for the former and an e-CVT automatic for the latter.

2023 Honda City Facelift: Pricing and Rivals in India

Currently, prices for the Honda City range from Rs 11.87 to Rs 19.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the facelifted model to command a slight premium over the outgoing model. Upon launch, the City Facelift will rival the likes of the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in its segment.