Honda Cars India recently launched the new Honda City facelift sedan in the Indian market. The updated model brings cosmetic design changes, a refreshed interior, added features, and more. It continues to compete with the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Hyundai Verna in the midsize sedan segment. Interested customers can book the new City online or visit their nearest dealership, with deliveries expected to begin soon. We recently test-drove the City facelift, and in this article, we break down five pros and five cons you need to know before making a purchase.
Pros
Sharper Looks
One of the biggest highlights of the Honda City facelift is its updated styling. While the overall silhouette remains familiar, Honda has introduced subtle yet effective design changes that give the sedan a sharper and more premium appearance. The front now features eyebrow-style LED daytime running lights (DRLs) connected by a slim light bar, giving it a wider and more distinctive look. A new honeycomb-pattern grille and redesigned bumper contribute to a sportier aesthetic. The side profile appears largely unchanged, including the sloping roofline, door design, and ORVMs, but new alloy wheel designs are introduced. At the rear, a redesigned tailgate with a lower bumper, smoke-effect taillights, and vertical reflector units enhance the visual appeal. Color options include Crystal Black Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. These updates modernize the City’s appearance and strengthen its road presence without altering its familiar identity.
Well-Equipped Entry-Level Variant
Another strong point of the Honda City range is the value offered by the base SV variant, priced at Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite being the entry-level trim, it comes equipped with auto LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillamps, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, push-button start/stop, a multi-angle rear parking camera, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, tyre-pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, ABS with EBD, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants. This generous feature list makes the base City a strong value proposition for buyers looking to avoid upgrading to higher variants.
Comfortable Ride Quality
Ride quality remains a key strength of the Honda City. The suspension handles potholes, broken roads, and expansion joints effectively, maintaining passenger comfort across varying road conditions. At highway speeds, the sedan feels stable and composed, while the suspension setup delivers a balance between comfort and body control. As a result, the City is well-suited for both daily urban use and long-distance travel.
Hybrid Engine with 27.26 kmpl
The Honda City remains the only midsize sedan in its segment to offer a strong hybrid powertrain. Its e:HEV system pairs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors. The hybrid setup enables the City to run on electric power for extended periods in urban conditions, contributing to a quieter driving experience. Fuel efficiency is another key advantage, with an ARAI-certified figure of 27.26 kmpl, making the City one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on sale in India. The combination of hybrid technology, low running costs, and strong fuel economy gives the City a distinct advantage over conventional petrol-powered rivals.
Proven Honda Reliability
One of the biggest reasons people continue to buy the Honda City is Honda’s reputation for reliability. The City has built a strong track record over the years, with owners often praising its dependable engines, hassle-free ownership experience, and relatively low maintenance costs. Even the hybrid system benefits from Honda’s global experience with electrified powertrains. For buyers planning to keep their car for a long time, the City’s proven reliability remains a major selling point.
Cons
No Turbo Petrol Engine Option
The Honda City does not offer a turbo-petrol engine, unlike several of its key rivals. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor is refined and smooth, but it lacks the stronger mid-range performance associated with turbocharged engines. Models such as the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia are available with turbo-petrol powertrains that deliver quicker acceleration and better overtaking performance. As a result, buyers seeking a more performance-oriented driving experience may find the City’s powertrain options less competitive.
Hybrid Limited to Top Variant
The Honda City’s hybrid powertrain is restricted to the range-topping ZX variant, priced at around Rs 21 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes the e:HEV significantly more expensive than the standard petrol versions and limits access to the hybrid technology. Buyers interested in the City’s fuel-efficient hybrid setup have no option to choose a lower-priced variant, as the powertrain is not offered elsewhere in the range. A wider availability across multiple trims could have made the hybrid more accessible to a larger section of buyers.
Missing Rear-Seat Comfort Features
The Honda City continues to offer a spacious and comfortable rear seat, but it misses out on a few features that could have enhanced passenger comfort. The sedan does not get rear window sunshades, which can be useful for reducing heat and glare for rear occupants, particularly in Indian conditions. It also lacks adjustable rear headrests, relying instead on fixed units. While this may not be a major concern for all buyers, adjustable headrests generally offer better support for passengers of varying heights during longer journeys. Given the City’s premium positioning and focus on rear-seat comfort, the absence of these features is noticeable and slightly detracts from the overall cabin experience.
No Powered Driver’s Seat
The Honda City does not offer a powered driver’s seat, even in its higher variants. Seat adjustments are manual, which puts it at a disadvantage against some rivals in the segment. Models such as the Hyundai Verna provide an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, adding an extra layer of convenience for users. While the City’s seats are comfortable and offer sufficient adjustment, the absence of a powered function is a notable omission considering the car’s premium positioning and feature set.
Narrow 185-Section Tyres
The Honda City is equipped with 185-section tyres, while key competitors such as the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia come with wider 205-section tyres. Although the City’s tyre setup is sufficient for regular driving and may aid fuel efficiency, wider tyres typically provide better grip and stability, especially during high-speed manoeuvres. In comparison to its rivals, the narrower tyres are a noticeable shortcoming and do little to enhance the sedan’s road presence.
