Honda Cars India unveiled the 4th Generation model of Honda City on 25th November 2013 after much anticipation in the market. The development of all-new 4th generation Honda City has followed by three crucial aspects, namely best comfort, advanced sporty design and superior fuel efficiency. The unveiling ceremony also marked the inception of diesel variant of Honda City, equipped with a 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine.
City is one of the best selling vehicles of Japanese auto maker in the country. Expressing his views on the same, Hironori Kanayama, President and Chief Executive Officer, Honda Cars India rightly said, “With the unveiling of the all new City, we enter a new era of Honda’s dominance in premium cars. City brand has been the face of Honda in India, enjoying strong leadership and popularity in its segment ever since its launch. India has been the focus market for Honda City, thus it was befitting to have the global unveiling of the All New Honda City in India. There has been very high anticipation amongst the Honda loyalists who have been eagerly waiting for the 4th Generation City and introduction of Diesel in the model. We are sure that the car will further strengthen the bond with our esteemed customers.”
A close look at the abovementioned comment suggests the importance of City diesel for the auto company in the Indian auto market. It also makes the importance of company's bond with its esteemed customers pretty evident too. Post launch in the Indian car market, the diesel version of Honda City will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC i-DTEC engine, which has been specifically designed keeping in mind the road conditions that are prevalent in India. This diesel engine is based on company's 'Earth Dreams Technology' in order to provide superior performance and fuel economy. Interestingly, this diesel engine got popular with Honda Amaze, which returns best-in-class fuel economy of around 25 kmpl. The diesel variant of City has been also incorporated with the same powertrain; however slight modifications are done to it.
Hyundai is expected to showcase its i30 model at the 2014 Auto Expo, followed by a pan-India launch. If this vehicle is launched in the country, there is only little doubt over the fact that it will come with technologically advanced features to lure domestic customers. Hyundai i30 is likely to be available in two engine options, petrol and diesel. Both these engine will be refined to give enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency under pressing local conditions. Interestingly, the i30 model already exists in the European markets and therefore, it would be interesting to see that which configuration is offered in the Indian auto market.
The European version of i30 comes fitted with two engine options (petrol and diesel). Customers have the flexibility to select from either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission modes. The main highlight of its engines is a high power output while keeping emission to a minimum level. This means clean burning of fuel and maximum utilisation of the engine combustion process to ensure high fuel economy. The Indian version of i30 is also likely to exhibit same characteristics while returning high mileage for every litre of fuel consumed while driving.
