Next-gen Honda City: What it could look like

The Honda City is all set for a generation change by the end of 2019, and this speculative render from Thai car  magazine HeadlightMag shows what the all-new, 5th generation car could look like.

The all-new Honda City’s design could be evolutionary rather than revolutionary – something that Honda has followed for the past two generations of the car. In terms of size, the 2020 Honda City is expected to get larger and the front end could have futuristic styling with LED headlamps as standard across trims. The car is also expected to take the hybrid route as emission norms around the world, particularly in the Indian market, will soon get much more stringent.

The 1.5 liter i-VTEC petrol engine and an electric motor is expected to be offered on the car, but in a mild hybrid  format. The full petrol hybrid option, which will be available in most international markets is not likely on the  Indian version thanks to the high costs involved.

The 1.5 liter i-DTEC turbocharged diesel engine is also likely to continue for a few more years, and Honda is  expected to upgrade it to meet the new emission standards. The petrol engine is expected to continue with 5 speed  manual and CVT automatic gearbox options with the diesel getting a 6 speed manual as standard. Currently, the petrol motor makes 117 Bhp-145 Nm while the diesel motor pumps out 98.6 Bhp-200 Nm.

International markets including Thailand are likely to get a brand new, 1 liter turbocharged petrol engine option.  This 3 cylinder motor will get Honda’s VTEC and Dual VTC variable valve systems, and is expected to push out 200 Nm of peak torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. 6 speed manual and CVT automatic gearboxes will be on offer with this motor.

The new Honda City will continue to share its platform with the Jazz hatchback, which is also expected to get similar  powertrain and styling changes. The new Jazz is also expected to make its debut in India sometime in 2020, just after the City. As for features, both the new City and Jazz models are expected to get a range of additions including  cutting edge infotainment features. Airbags, ABS and other safety systems will be standard across trims.

The current City was launched in India during early 2014, and was given a major facelift in 2017. 2020 is about the  right time for the all-new model to come in and replace the current version. The 4th generation Honda City has been a strong seller all through the 5 years of its existence in the Indian market, but competition is now getting stiffer.  An all-new model that comes in during 2020 will give Honda enough ammunition to take on the likes of the recently  updated Maruti Ciaz and the Hyundai Verna – two of the City’s chief competitors.