Honda India has been struggling to gain traction in the Indian market. While the new City has helped the brand to get some numbers, its otherwise ageing portfolio has been struggling hard. Honda is developing a Creta-rivalling SUV but that would take at least two years from here. Till that timeframe, Honda needs some constructive offering. The new Honda City Hybrid India launch is slated for mid-2022 and it could be the most fuel-efficient car in the Indian market.
Honda City Hybrid India Launch
Honda City Hybrid is on sale in the Thai markets since its launch and it will make its way to India in mid-2022. Unlike the hybrid offerings we have seen from Maruti Suzuki, the City Hybrid is one true-blue hybrid with an electric motor that powers the front wheels. Talking about the powertrain first, it gets the 1.5-litre petrol engine that churns out 98Hp & 127 Nm of torque. The engine follows the Atkinson cycle and the electric motor puts out 109Hp and 253 Nm of torque.
Honda hasn’t specified the combined power output but the max torque is capped at 253 Nm. Surprisingly, there is no actual gearbox with the City Hybrid, and the engine is not even directly connected to the wheels. It’s the electric motor that powers the wheels whereas the engine acts as a generator. Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, the claimed fuel economy of the City Hybrid is 27.8 km/l. With that certified fuel economy, it will be the most fuel-efficient car in the Indian market. ARAI could even have an increased mileage thanks to the varying testing standards.
We have seen expensive hybrids in the Indian market like the Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius. But the City will be targeted in the mass market segment that’s more attainable. Expect Honda to price the City Hybrid in the range of Rs 16-18 lakh ex-showroom. In terms of equipment, it will be in line with the City ZX, however, Honda could also offer the RS body kit with the City Hybrid. India launch is slated for mid-2022 and it will be one of its kind in the segment.
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