Honda’s bread and butter model City sedan is likely to get mid-cycle update in January 2017 and unofficial bookings are likely to commence soon. The new model will arrive three years after current model was launched in 2014. The Facelifted City will borrow ingredients from China Spec model known Honda Greiz which was spotted last year. The next Hyundai Verna and Ciaz facelift are scheduled to be launched by early next year. Honda City no longer rules the segment as Ciaz dominates it and facelift might be a counteract move.
As far as changes goes, the 2017 model is likely to get Accord inspired thick chrome front grille, redesigned headlamp cluster with projector units and LED daytime lights. The top variants will get LED headlights. Reprofiled front bumper will get prominent air dam and new fog lamp enclosures. The side profile of 2017 City will receive bigger alloy wheels and blackened B-pillars. Moving to the rear which gets substantial updates in the form of new C-shaped LED tail lamps, updated bumper and chrome strip runs across the between the tail lights.
Inside the new City the black dashboard is likely to be retained while it will get a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple car play and Android Auto. The top variants will sport leather upholstery, electric sunroof, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, audio system with 8 speakers, cruise control and paddle shifters etc.
The 2017 city facelift will retain the current engine line up i.e. 1.5l i-VTEC and 1.5l i-DTEC. The petrol mill deliveries 117bhp power and 140Nm of torque whereas the oil burner is good for 98bhp power and 200Nm of torque. Honda City facelift petrol will be getting new 6-speed manual gearbox replacing the 5-speed manual.
With new additions prices of new city are expected to go up slightly. The city facelift will go directly against Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid.
