With half its lineup discontinued, and the introduction of a new base trim, Honda is making significant changes to its product offerings. 2023 Honda City facelift has been launched this month. It comes with a few updates that go beyond the surface.
2023 Honda City facelift comes with updated alloys, an updated chin, and a few additional features. However, the facelift is more than just these cosmetic changes. Honda has made several tweaks to improve the overall driving experience. With mandated Bharat VI – Stage 2 norms, Honda is discontinuing three of its models, which includes the 4th generation Honda City. This means Honda will only have three models, realistically only 2 on sale – 5th gen City, 5th gen City Hybrid, and Amaze.
The facelift offers upgrades to its design and features. The sedan’s new chequered grille, updated alloys, carbon fibre wrapped diffuser, and boot-lid integrated spoiler add a touch of sportiness to its elegant look. The top-end trims have more sporty elements, while other trims have subtler updates.
Honda has introduced an all-new Obsidian Blue colour option that looks appealing, but buyers can also opt for other colour options. Interiors have remained mostly the same, with minor tweaks. Carbon fibre pattern on the dash instead of the previous wood pattern element in e:HEV. Infotainment system is updated, and rear camera resolution has improved. Honda has also added ambient lights to enhance cabin experience for passengers.
The mid-sized sedan maintains its practical aspirational buy appeal for middle-class Indian households, while also incorporating new design and feature updates that add a touch of sportiness and elegance.
2023 Honda City facelift comes with significant technological and safety updates. Most notable being the inclusion of Honda Sensing technology in the petrol-powered models. Unlike previous years where the feature was reserved for top-end trims, Honda Sensing is now offered as standard from the V trim. It makes City petrol the first sedan in its segment to get Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functionality.
City uses a front wide view camera mounted on the windshield to capture information from the road, providing a range of useful features. Safety suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning with Road Departure Mitigation System, Lead Car Departure Notification System, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Auto High Beam.
Furthermore, e:HEV models now also come with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed follow, which is particularly useful in city traffic. These features work together to ensure maximum safety and driving comfort, making City facelift an ideal choice for drivers who value advanced technology and safety in their vehicles. 2023 Honda City facelift comes in three different versions: petrol manual, CVT petrol, and e:HEV. All three models have their own strengths, with the petrol manual offering a fun driving experience with iVTEC, and the CVT petrol being more suitable for relaxed driving. e:HEV, which has crazy fuel efficiency (we managed 30 kmpl), and good performance, is a sensible and unique option.
During the Media Drive, we found that there is no difference in the way the City drives compared to the pre-facelift version, except for the addition of ADAS features. While some features like powered seat adjust and ventilated seats are still missing, the introduction of ADAS partially compensates for their absence. The NVH levels are comfortable, but during drive mode transition, the e:HEV can get a little loud.
In terms of performance, the petrol manual is a great option for a semi-luxurious ride or an affordable thrills machine, while the CVT petrol is better suited for relaxed driving. The e:HEV is a sensible and unique option, with its excellent fuel efficiency and good performance. Overall, the 2023 Honda City facelift offers upgrades and improvements over its pre-facelift version, with each of the three models having their own strengths as per daily driving needs.
Honda City 1.5L petrol engine is perfect for city and highway driving, with an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.4 km/l. It’s available in a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 7-speed manual mode, providing smoother gear changes and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions. The City hybrid has outstanding fuel efficiency, emitting only 89.5 g/km CO2 and achieving an impressive 27.13 km/l. The hybrid system combines a maximum power output of 93 kW (126 PS) for smooth acceleration. Petrol fuel tank capacity is 40 litres, and the Honda Two-Motor Electric-Hybrid system delivers 253 Nm of torque.
Honda City will no longer start with a sub Rs. 10 lakh sticker price as the 4th gen is discontinued. To compensate, Honda has introduced a new base trim – SV (INR 11.49 lakhs) for the 5th gen model. New base trim is aimed at keeping the starting price range affordable for most interested buyers. Additionally, diesel variant will no longer be available, but the Hybrid will now be available in the V trim as well. Bringing better affordability for hybrids. Additionally, overall changes aim to keep the City competitive in the market.
The update is a smart move for Honda, as the launch of the next-gen Verna is near. With the update, Honda is further cementing its position as a segment leader. The 5th generation City lineup is now even more important for the Japanese manufacturer. In terms of reliability, the 2023 Honda City facelift is a solid choice. Overall, the updates make the City more competitive in the segment. Unless Hyundai brings in a radical game-changer, Honda is set to maintain its position as the segment leader with the City facelift.