Honda City May Become More Accessible With Facelift, 2 New Entry-level Trims Incoming

• Facelifted City may get two new base variants: ‘SV’ for petrol and ‘V’ for hybrid.

• Offline bookings underway.

• Updated sedan is set to arrive on March 2, 2023.

• Honda could price it from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

To keep up with rivals, Honda will introduce its fifth-generation City with a minor makeover on March 2, 2023. With the launch date getting closer, dealer sources have disclosed that the facelifted City may be introduced with two new entry-level trims. 

The petrol version of the sedan could get a new 'SV' trim, while the hybrid variant may get an extra 'V' trim. As a direct result, both versions of the City could become more accessible to buyers once the facelift is put on sale. For reference, here are the current variant-wise prices of the Honda City:

Thanks to images that were leaked online, it is now an open secret that the facelifted Honda City has only received a few design tweaks. These include a modified grille with a sleeker chrome bar, new wheel design and updated front and rear bumpers.

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The compact sedan will have the same dual-tone dashboard as the existing model, but we do suspect the final model will sport a different seat upholstery. The eight-inch touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay has been retained, and additionally, the updated City might have amenities like wireless phone charging and ventilated front seats.

Plus, the petrol model of the City might come with a full suite of ADAS, similar to its e:HEV (hybrid) version, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking and high beam assist.

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Petrol-only Powertrain Options

The 2023 Honda City will be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as before, that makes 121PS and 145Nm and will be available with either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Another powertrain option will be the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid, which has a combined output of 126PS and 253Nm and is only available with an e-CVT.

The powertrains will be updated to be compliant with the upcoming stringent BS6 phase II regulations and will be able to run on E20 fuel (20 per cent ethanol blended petrol). Additionally, with the introduction of the redesigned Honda City, the diesel unit will be phased out owing to approaching BS6 phase II standards and low sales volume.

Expected Prices and Rivals

The offline bookings for the facelifted Honda City are already underway at select dealerships, and it is expected to be priced from around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. Once launched, it will take on the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming new-generation Hyundai Verna.