New Honda City Hybrid to launch tomorrow: Here is what you need to know

Honda Cars India will launch the Honda City Hybrid tomorrow, May 4 the company announced. The hybrid sedan will be India’s first mass-market hybrid, and it will be available in a fully outfitted ZX Sensing version. In fact, pre-launch reservations are now open, and the City hybrid has a six-month waiting list even before it launches.

Here are the top five things you should know if you have your eye on one:

Last month, Honda Cars India revealed the Honda City Hybrid in India. The new hybrid variant of the model will be priced tomorrow, according to the automaker. Bookings for the hybrid sedan are now being taken for Rs 21,000 each.

Exterior Design Changes

In international markets, the Honda City hybrid is known as an RS, however, it isn’t called that in the United States. So, beneath the chrome bar, there’s a honeycomb mesh grille, and fog lamps are housed in a custom housing. A modest spoiler on the boot lid and a diffuser with a carbon fiber-like look is also included. Finally, the Honda logos have a slight blue tint to them.

Minor Interior Changes

Unfortunately, the inside design and layout are identical to the ordinary City. The hybrid-specific instrumentation in the 7-inch semi-digital cluster is standard on the electrified variant. In addition, instead of the typical black/beige color pattern, the inside now has a black/ivory theme. Also, if you’re in the back seat, there are two vents near the AC vents that direct cold air to the battery pack in the boot.

The Powertrain

HEVs with the City e: powertrain’s 1.5-Liter Atkinson-Cycle DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine are equipped with two electric motors. One serves as an electric generator, while the other serves as a propeller. This engine has a combined output of 124 horsepower and a max torque of 253 Nm. Honda City Hybrid also comes with the three driving modes which are EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, as well as Regeneration mode for slowing.

While decelerating, the City hybrid uses regenerative braking to feed electricity back to the battery pack. In our in-depth first-drive review, you can learn more about its powertrain and driving impressions.

With a claimed fuel economy of 26.50 km, the new Honda City Hybrid e: HEV car is India’s most fuel-efficient sedan. Honda has also included 37 cutting-edge Honda Connect functions. For the first time, Honda’s Sensing Technology is available in India. With a claimed fuel economy of 26.50 km, the new Honda City Hybrid e: HEV car is India’s most fuel-efficient sedan.

Segment-First Feature Additions

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are standard on the Honda City, including auto high beam help, lane-keeping assistant, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision avoidance braking. There’s also a new feature: an electronic parking brake with auto-hold capability.

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry with push-button start, sunroof, and automatic climate control have all been kept. Six airbags, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist are among the safety features.

“With the launch of New Honda City Hybrid in India we begin the electrification journey in India with the Hybrid Honda City, reaffirming our commitment to delivering the Honda City Hybrid in India with the greatest and most significant technology,” says the company. Takuya Tsumura also says about the vehicle as well the President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd, commented. We feel that this Self-Charging Hybrid Electric vehicle, which features Honda SENSING, a First-in-Segment Advanced Intelligent suite of Safety technologies, is the most practical solution on the market and will assist customers in making a smooth transition to an electrified future.”

Expected Price And Rivals

The Honda City Hybrid is projected to cost around Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom), which puts it in direct competition with Skoda Slavia’s 1.5-litre TSI models and the future Volkswagen Virtus.