Honda's most selling car in India, the fourth-generation City was launched in 2014 and is now due for a mid-life update. Sources confirm that the sedan is likely to be updated in mid-January 2017 and the unofficial pre-bookings will start soon.
The current generation City has widened the appeal of the nameplate, as it offered a diesel option for the first time in the product’s 14 years history. Soon after its launch, the City took the throne from the Hyundai Verna and became the bestselling vehicle in its segment once again. Of late, it has been facing heat from the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, largely because it is priced lower thanks to the tax benefits of the mild-hybrid system. That said Honda is all set to introduce the updated version of the sedan, which will take on the new 2017 Hyundai Verna (launch – mid-2017) along with the Ciaz and the rest of the mid-size sedan segment, including the recently launched 2017 Rapid.
Here’s what we expect out of the 2017 Honda City
We expect Honda will subtly redesign the front and rear profile of the sedan and, perhaps, it will get projector headlamps and LED tail lamps as well (a lot of competitors offer them). It might also get new set of alloy wheels.
The 2017 version is likely to get Honda’s latest infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. It is possible that it will be the unit seen on Honda’s global models and made its Indian debut on the recently relaunched Accord. It will be a capacitive touch-based unit, as opposed to the resistive one found in the outgoing model. It would be wise to offer this as the upcoming Verna will come with Hyundai’s latest seven-inch infotainment system, which will support both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.
Mechanically, the Honda City will remain unaltered and will be powered by the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel. That said, the petrol will be coupled to the six-speed manual that debuted on the BR-V while the automatic option will continue to be the existing CVT transmission. The diesel will continue to be offered with the six-speed manual.
Features available on the current model such as the sunroof, leather upholstery, optional all-black cabin are likely to be carried forward in the upcoming model
With all the expected additions prices of the updated Honda City are expected to go up marginally.
Source: CarDekho.com
