Honda City Hybrid launched in Japan, christened 'Grace'

The Honda City Hybrid has been launched in Japan but carries the name Honda Grace. The new Grace is equipped with Honda’s SPORT HYBRID i-DCD one-motor hybrid system that enables the driver to start in full EV mode and then switch to the internal combustion engine when necessary.

The engine, the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol available in India making 110PS of peak power and 134Nm of peak torque is coupled with an electric motor that returns 30PS of peak power and 160Nm of peak torque. Combined, Honda claims that the combination will return upto 34.4kmpl on a United States driving cycle. There is also an all-wheel-drive variant of the Honda Grace that offers 29.4kmpl.

The exterior of the Honda Grace remains largely unchanged apart from a few key differences. Honda now offers an LED light package on the car along with a new set of alloy wheels. The new wheels, offering a low drag coefficient are available in a diamond cut finish that adds to the overall appeal of the car.

Although Honda will not launch the Grace/City Hybrid in India anytime soon, the presence of this variant on the platform could be an important image boost to the Japanese giant in India. With the City retaking its place as the highest selling executive saloon category, we are sure there will be more than a few takers for a Hybrid version of the car. The Honda Grace is priced in Japan at 19,50,000 Yen or about Rs 10.16 lakh.