Production For The 5th-gen City Is Now Underway

• Exteriors get evolutionary updates. Is wider and longer than before.

• Inside, it gets a simpler dashboard layout, a bigger touchscreen, connected car tech and more feature updates.

• Will be powered by BS6-compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. 

• It will lock horns with the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, VW Vento, Toyota Yaris and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz post launch. 

• Existing fourth-gen model likely to remain on sale alongside. 

It looks like Honda is wasting no time with its upcoming 5th generation Honda City. Barely a week after its official reveal, the carmaker has announced that production of the new sedan has commenced at its Greater Noida plant in Uttar Pradesh. It is set to launch in July 2020.

The 2020 City rides on an updated platform but retains its 2600mm wheelbase. It was already one of the biggest sedans in its segment, and the 5th gen City goes even bigger, being longer (+109mm), wider (+53mm) and slightly shorter (-6mm) than its predecessor. 

In terms of exteriors, the 2020 City is an evolutionary design with similar bits like the chrome-laden Honda grille. But it gets new bits like sleek nine-unit LED headlamps and muscular bumpers that are similar to the Accord and Civic. Other notable design highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels and wraparound LED tail lamps.  

While the exterior upgrades were evolutionary the cabin gets a major revamp. Its dashboard is now more simple and minimalistic with highlights such as a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system flanked by AC vents and traditional climate controls knobs unlike the touch-based controls from its predecessor. In terms of feature upgrades, the new City gets connected car technology, Honda’s LaneWatch camera, Alexa remote compatibility, semi-digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen, and a three-point centre rear seatbelt.  It does retain bits like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Safety features include up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control. 

Under the hood, it will be powered by BS6-compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol mill produces 121PS/145Nm, 2PS more than before, whereas the diesel motor delivers 100PS/200Nm (same as before). Both engines are paired to a 6-speed manual transmission (new for petrol), but the CVT automatic is only available for the petrol unit. Efficiency figures are claimed at 17.8kmpl for the petrol manual,  18.4kmpl for the CVT option and 24.1kmpl for the diesel variant.

The 2020 City will be offered in three variants: V, VX and ZX . It is likely to be on the pricier side like its predecessor, with an expected starting price of Rs 11 lakh owing to its lengthy feature list. Post launch, it will take on the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, VW Vento, Toyota Yaris and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. The existing fourth-gen model is likely to remain on sale alongside the new one.