We already know that Honda’s facelifted Fifth-Gen City in India is all set to hit showrooms on the 2nd of March 2023. While prices have not been announced yet, latest reports suggest that the variant line-up of the upcoming sedan has been leaked online. It is expected that the automaker is going to introduce a new entry-level trim for both the petrol and strong-hybrid variants. Here is what we know so far.
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2023 Honda City Facelift: Variants Leaked
As per certain media reports, the 2023 Honda City will now get an entry-level SV MT base trim level for the petrol model. Above it will sit the V MT, V CVT, VX MT , VX CVT, ZX MT, and ZX CVT trims.
In addition, Honda Car India is believed to be thinking of introducing a new variant for the City e:HEV hybrid. Currently the hybrid sedan is only offered with the top-end ZX trim that is priced over Rs 4 lakh than the normal top of the line petrol variant. As a result, the new variant is expected to bridge the gap between both models and be an affordable choice to the end consumer.
2023 Honda City Facelift: Exterior Design and Interior Features
Recent leaked images of the facelifted City show minimal changes to its exterior design. The updated model gets different bumpers and a slimmer chrome bar on the front grille. The grille itself is changed with higher variants getting a honeycomb pattern and lower trims featuring vertical slats. The side profile sees no changes while the rear provides a tweaked bumper alongside reflectors that are now positioned right at the bottom.
Moving inside, changes seem to be again minimal when compared to the outgoing model. However, reports suggest that the New Honda City will get added features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, wireless charging and Honda Sense ADAS-tech.
Honda City Facelift: Powertrain Details
Honda City Facelift will be offered as a petrol or strong-hybrid only model. There will be no diesel engine on offer. The discontinuation of the oil mill comes in lieu of the RDE (Real Driving Emission) Norms that come into effect from the first of April 2023.
Talking about the powertrains, the petrol variants will feature a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-pot motor which is good for making 120 bhp with 145 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. As for the Honda City Facelift e:HEV it will provide a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine mated to an electric motor which together will offer a power output of 109 bhp with 145 Nm torque. The gearbox choice available for the consumer will be an eCVT automatic transmission. Both powertrains have been upgraded to meet the New BS6 phase 2 Emission Norms and are E20 fuel compliant as well.
2023 Honda City Facelift: Pricing and Rivals
Prices for the current Honda City range from Rs 11.87 lakh to Rs 19.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the facelifted sedan to cost around 1 lakh more than the outgoing model.
Upon launch, the 2023 City Facelift will compete with the Škoda Slavia, VW Virtus, the recently updated Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and the upcoming Next-Gen Hyundai Verna in its segment.
