Honda Begins Testing Facelifted City In India

• Facelifted Honda City’s launch is expected in 2023.
• Spotted with new alloy rims and expected to get minor design changes.
• ADAS likely to not be limited to the hybrid variant with facelift.
• Might not get a diesel engine as Honda is planning to axe it.

The facelifted Honda City has been spotted on our home turf for the first time in pre-production form. This will be the first midlife update for the fifth-generation City, which has been on sale in India since 2020. We expect the refreshed sedan to go on sale in the country in early 2023. 

The easiest giveaway that lets one know this is the facelifted Honda City is the new set of 12-spoke alloy rims. Not much else can be seen due to the camouflage wrap, but going by previous facelifts from Honda, you can expect it to be limited to a revised grille, refreshed bumpers and probably, minor changes to the lighting signatures. 

On the inside, Honda could tinker around with the colour scheme and upholstery of the cabin. The City is already a well-equipped car and we hope additions like a wireless phone charger and ventilated front seats are made to match up with competition. Also, the ADAS system, which is currently limited to the Hybrid variant, is expected to be offered with the standard variants as well. 

The facelifted Honda City may not get the 100PS 1.5-litre diesel engine as the carmaker is reportedly planning to axe it due to poor sales and stricter upcoming emission norms. Thus, expect its 121PS, 1.5-litre petrol to be the mainstay, joined by the 126PS, 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain option. The non-hybrid version gets a six-speed manual, while both power units come paired to a CVT.  

When launched in India, you can expect the facelifted Honda City to command a premium over the current model priced from Rs 11.57 lakh (ex-showroom). It will renew its rivalry with the VW Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna, which is staring at a generation change.

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