Indian Automobile Industry is feeling excited by getting a facelift which is going to make the blast in the beginning of this New Year. Though, many cars are coming with their facelift version now-a-days, but this one is someone special. Yes…we are here talking about the latest launch of India’s most popular sedan i.e. the all new 4th-gen Honda City which is ready to hit the market soon on Jan 7th, 2014. While this blockbuster sedan is going through a many luxuriant changes, a diesel unit is also being added with this new model, interesting no???
Now the question is, when ongoing City is already being welcomed by Indian customers with open heart then what is the need of this new launch. Well, reasons are many, but the major ones are availability of diesel fuel in this new variant and also company had to share the success of its royal sedan with 1-2 new same segment cars like Hyundai Verna etc. Hence, to maintain the position of this wonderful Honda City in market like as always, company is revealing it with a new avataar…!!!
Price:
As per the price range is concerned, the new & exact price of this new model is not unveiled by the company yet. The price range of old Honda City varies between 7.3-10.7 lakhs.
And rumor is that this new sedan would carry the same price tag of its petrol unit like its predecessor i.e. 7.3-10.7 lakhs and the newly equipped diesel variant would carry the cost of up to 10.6 lakhs.
Engine details:
Here we are comparing the models of two generations of a very popular and classy sedan Honda City; first one has already ruled the global market while the other is going to make its debut soon.
While the existing Honda City contains only petrol variant which is powered by the 1497cc, 1.5 liter engine by developing the max output of 116bhp and 146Nm mated with 5-speed manual as well as automatic transmission gearbox, the all new City carries both petrol as well as diesel unit.
Though, this new petrol engine is of 1.5 liter like its predecessor but gets a little hike in its power i.e. 117bhp and 145Nm while the diesel variant consists of 1.5 liter, i-DTEC Earth Dreams engine which will churn out the max power of 99bhp and 200 Nm, expectedly.
The all new City’s diesel unit consists of 6-speed manual while petrol unit is carrying the same like its predecessor i.e. 5-speed manual and automatic as an option.
Performance & Road handling:
As per the road handling is concerned, the ongoing Honda City with petrol variant is known for its well balanced and comfortable handling even on city roads. Honda City- the most appealing car in its segment and its popularity among Indians is just unexplainable. And when no changes have done in the new City’s petrol mechanics, we expect the same performance with this new model’s petrol unit too. Reportedly, the weight of this amazing car has been also reduced than its predecessor to gain more fuel efficiency than before.
One appreciable addition has also done with this facelift and that is the equipment of an all-new diesel variant.
The major reason why Indian customers are appealing diesel unit more is its impressive and excellent fuel efficiency. And when the diesel unit is armed in the famous Honda City, excitement definitely goes on top.
Also, Honda has claimed that this new model would be the most fuel efficient car of India. This all new City is sharing the diesel engine powers of Honda’s hatchback Amaze which has succeeded among its customers on the grounds of performance and road handling. But still, being a sedan, we were expecting the company to add few more mechanical powers in this new City’s diesel unit. Let’s see, how much this new City would be welcomed by the Indian customers.
Space & Dimension:
If we compare new City with the ongoing one then this new model has gained some height as well as wheelbase length. It is five-seater sedan which carries the overall new dimension of 4440mm x 1695mm x 1495mm with the wheelbase of 2600mm, ground clearance of 165mm and boot space of 510 liters.
Interior & Exterior:
When we give a look on the list of features availability in existing Honda City then a thought of not-so-much luxuriant feel came to our mind. Though the ongoing City model has an attractive and eye catching glimpse and takes the breath away but also somehow lacks in luxury features. And if rumors are to be believed, then company has tried its best to fulfill these needs of customers in its new launch.
Other than the entire features of ongoing City, this new model is also expected to get instrument cluster with blue surround, feather touch engine start/stop button, AC controls and cruise control, a dashing black dashboard including Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in, iPod connectivity, CD, reversing displays of three various-types, rear seats AC vent, steering wheel with leather wrap having audio controls on it, four 12V charging points, stylish sunroof, refined bumpers, renovated headlamps, chrome grille at front, modified tail lamps, shark fin antenna, reverse camera at rear bottom (under the H badge) etc. The exact list of new equipments would be disclosed only by its launch, though.
Verdict:
Needless to say, this is going to be a big hit for Indian car market. City sedan has been one of the most wonderful inventions of Honda and whenever City goes through a phase of renovation, something new n exciting n amazing result came out with every facelift, this is the reason why people eagerly wait for it’s every new launch.
