Honda City : Honda City’s blend of refinement and reliability keeps it a premium sedan staple in India, even as SUVs dominate sales charts.
The fifth-gen model, now heading into year six, gears up for a second facelift in late 2026 to stay sharp against rivals like the Volkswagen Virtus and Hyundai Verna.
With January 2026 discounts up to Rs 1.38 lakh, it’s drawing savvy buyers looking for value before the update lands.
Steady Sales in a Tough Segment
Honda moved 8,159 units across its lineup in December 2025, with the City holding firm despite the sedan slump. It trails the Virtus in volume but shines in resale value and owner loyalty, thanks to low maintenance and bulletproof build.
Recent GST cuts slashed prices by up to Rs 58,000 in September 2025, helping it compete better.
January offers sweeten the deal—up to Rs 1.37 lakh off on petrol variants, including cash discounts, low-rate finance, and loyalty bonuses, valid till January 31.
This push clears stock ahead of the facelift, making it a prime window for families eyeing space and smoothness.
Proven Engines for Everyday Ease
The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol pumps out 121hp and 145Nm, linked to a slick 6-speed manual or CVT auto for 17.8-18.4kmpl real-world figures.
Smooth revs and hushed cabin make commutes a breeze, though it lacks the turbo kick of turbo rivals. The e:HEV hybrid variant amps efficiency to 27kmpl with 126hp combined output, ideal for green-conscious urbanites.
No diesel here, but the petrols keep service costs reasonable at Rs 5,000-7,000 per year, undercutting European peers. Recent tweaks ensure BS6 Phase 2 compliance without mileage dips.
Premium Cabin and Safety Kit
Slide in, and the spacious interior impresses with soft-touch materials, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and Honda Connect telematics in top ZX trims.
Rear AC vents, 506-litre boot, and lane watch camera add family appeal, while ADAS like adaptive cruise graces hybrids.
Safety gets 5 stars from ASEAN NCAP, with 6 airbags, ESC, and hill assist standard across the board—matching or beating most foes. Sunroof, leather seats, and ambient lights in VX/ZX elevate the vibe without excess bling.
2026 Facelift: Subtle Yet Strategic
Set for H2 2026, this update draws from global Hondas like the Civic, promising a bolder grille, sleeker LEDs, revised bumpers, and fresh alloys. Inside, expect new trims, upholstery, and possibly a 360-camera, keeping the layout familiar.
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Powertrains stay pat, bridging to the sixth-gen hybrid in 2028, but styling tweaks aim to lure younger eyes amid Virtus/Slavia refreshes.
Prices might hold at Rs 13.9-23.15 lakh ex-showroom, with hybrids from Rs 20 lakh.
Rivals Heat Up the Fight
Stack it against the Virtus: Honda edges comfort and mileage, VW wins punch and handling with 179mm ground clearance for potholes. Verna brings turbo flair, Slavia mirrors VW dynamics—City fights back on refinement and hybrid green cred.
User ratings favor City for comfort (4.9/5) and maintenance, though Virtus ties performance. In 2025, Virtus led sales, but City’s discounts and facelift tease could flip the script.
Honda City Grab It Now or Wait?
January 2026 is deal time—City V MT at Rs 13.9 lakh ex-showroom drops effectively to under Rs 15 lakh on-road in Delhi with offers.
Perfect for highway hauls or city crawls, it offers low ownership hassles and strong residuals.
As Honda plots five launches including EVs, the City remains its sedan anchor, blending Japanese poise with Indian practicality.
Facelift or not, it drives like tomorrow’s classic today.