Honda City : FOR more than 20 years, the Honda City has been more than just a car 86 it°s been a statement. A fixture in Indian homes, it has represented a mix of sophistication, pragmatism and trust for decades.
In its present form, the Honda City retains this tradition and combines modern styling with the latest tech to remain competitive in a segment of cut-throat competition, the sedan market.
Whether you are a young executive purchasing a first premium car or stepping up from a hatchback to your first family car, the City has managed to stay relevant across the age spectrum. But just what is it that makes it constantly so well-liked? Let’s take a closer look.
Honda City A Design That Ages Gracefully
The Honda City isn’t flashy like some of its newer rivals but it has always been built around clean lines, proportionate curves and understated use of chrome.
The facelift model features the new LED headlamps, a refined grille, as well as a sportier outline. It’s classy, not loud — just the way most Indian buyers prefer it.
That impression continues inside, where the cabin feels premium without overreaching. It’s a tasteful mix of soft-touch materials, an intuitive layout of the dashboard and just enough tech to give it a premium but not overwhelming feel.
Still Shining Performance
The petrol gets a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, which has become near mythical for its segment. It makes 121 PS of power, and although that figure might not excite you on paper, in reality, it is a very refined, linear and butter-like smooth powerplant.
Combine it with the 6-speed manual for a truly connected experience, or spring for the CVT if you’re focused more on hassle-free commuting.
Things start to get a little more interesting with the hybrid version (e:HEV). With twin motors aiding the petrol engine, it promises high fuel efficiency (claimed around 27 km/l) and almost-silent performance in the cities.
It costs more of course, but the more you drive, the more this will make sense if you want lower running costs within a not insignificant window of time.
Tech and Features That Matter
The Honda City doesn’t fall short on contemporary touches either, from an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster.
Auto climate control, sunroof, rear AC vents, wireless charging and premium audio system are part of the comfort package.
There are also Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) available on higher trims, with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation. Those are features that are usually found in much pricier cars and are welcome additions in the City’s price range.
Comfort and Practicality
One metric the City always does well on is ride comfort. The suspension is set up for India, and gives a smooth and well controlled ride even on a rough surface. The generously cushioned seats, particularly those in the rear, are hugely comfortable for long trips.
Luggage for a weekend away or shopping trollies full of groceries are easily accommodated with the 506-litre boot.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
Iconic design that never gets old and looks great on the road
Sophisticated and Refined i-VTEC Engine
Superior fuel economy (particularly in the hybrid version)
Lot of features in the cabin with ADAS in top-most trims
And then, another thing about the rear seat, this is a spacious one too.
Cons:
No diesel option (as some rivals at least do)
The infotainment system user interface already feels a little outdated against newer competition.
Just a tad bit costlier than its rivals such as Verna or Slavia in the top trims
Honda City Final Word
The Honda City isn’t merely hanging on in the fiercely competitive sedan segment—it’s doing very well indeed. By remaining loyal to its principles in a rapidly changing world, but still keeping an open mind to new technologies and designs, it produces a package that’s difficult to resist.
It might not be the flashiest or the most powerful, but it does its business where it matters – out on the open road, day after day.
If what you want is a car that “looks premium”, “drives good” and comes with the badge status of a trusted badge, then the Honda City is still in a class of its own.
Capable, classy and contemporary – it remains the benchmark for what we now call a mid-size sedan.