At a time when Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are increasing excitement among car buyers for sedans again, and the all-new fourth-generation Hyundai Verna is under trial runs, Honda also has started test runs of the facelifted version of the fifth-gen Honda City. A mildly camouflaged unit of the facelifted Honda City was spied on test on the roads of Thailand, which is one of the key markets of the sedan around the world. Given the mild camouflage, the Honda City is expected to receive minor changes to its front and rear profiles.
On the outside, the new Honda City facelift is expected to get a tweaked front grille and minor changes to the front bumper with revised housings for the fog lamps and a new central air dam. While the picture of the Honda City spied by headlightmag shows only the front profile, the rear bumper of the Honda City is also expected to receive minor changes. The new Honda City will retain the all-LED headlamps and LED tail lamps in its top-spec trims.
To keep up with the competition, the new Honda City might get a few additional features on the inside, such as more connected car features, a wireless charger and ventilated front seats. It is also expected to get a revised infotainment system with more connectivity features. However, Honda will likely retain the dual-tone black and beige leather upholstery in the facelifted version.
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Same power units
When it comes to powertrains, expect the facelifted Honda City to discard the currently-available 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Available solely with a 6-speed manual gearbox, this diesel engine produces 100 PS of maximum power and 200 Nm of maximum torque. Honda might ditch this diesel engine owing to the additional costs of upgrading it to the BS6 phase 2 norms, which requires high investment costs. However, considering the limited volume of diesel cars sold now, Honda might not continue with this engine.
It means that the new Honda City facelift will be available with two powertrain options. First, there is the volume-oriented 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which develops 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque and will be available with both 6-speed manual and CVT gearbox options. There will also be the niche 1.5-litre full-hybrid powertrain, which includes an Atkinson cycle petrol engine, a front-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Honda has its plans set for 2023, as it along with the facelifted City, will be bringing in a new midsize SUV to take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, it will be trimming its lineup by discontinuing current models like Jazz, WR-V and fourth-generation City.
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