The next generation model of Honda City will be launched on January 7, 2014. It has been reported that the new City might not feature a revolutionary change against the current generation model, but it still looks impressive. Notably, the new Honda City will be equipped with an option of both petrol and diesel engine, which will help it deliver a stiff competition to Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna. Industry experts believe that 2014 City will turn out to be a perfect blend of handling and drive quality. The suspensions of upcoming Honda City will ensure that it smoothly glides over Indian potholes.
Interestingly, Honda is widely acclaimed for its performance oriented petrol engine of City sedan. Now, it is planning to incorporate a new generation 1.5-Litre i-DTEC powertrain, which has been specially made for few countries. It has the potential to churn out a maximum power of 98 bhp with 200 Nm of peak torque. The engine used in Honda City Diesel is the same mill, which has been incorporated in Amaze. Sources close to the development process have revealed that this diesel engine has been slightly tuned, which makes it quieter than other same segment models. The auto maker has strategically used a lot of sound deadening material around the engine compartment. Also, the car is much quieter owing to heavy insulation used around firewall.
With its well balanced driving chassis and low kerb weight, the new Honda City is good on handling. Although it has small 15-inch tyres, new City does not lack on grip. It must be noted that the current generation model of City is criticised by few for low ground clearance. Owing to this issue, the company has now increased it by around 15 mm, making it a perfect drive for city. Along with, the company has also redesigned its floor panel to make sure minimum projections, which may fall out when the car beams over a section of bad road.
Honda City Diesel will deliver a numerous amount of value to a rational Indian buyer, who mainly looks for fuel efficiency. The auto maker claims that the car will return an astounding mileage of around 26 kmpl (as per ARAI regulations). However, in mid-size sedan segment, it will not be easy for new Honda City to make a mark amidst stiff competition, unlike what it rejoiced a decade ago. The price of new City is likely to start from Rs. 8.5 lakh, going till Rs. 11 lakh.
