How to Increase Mileage of Honda City?

When it comes to smooth, refined driving, the Honda City has always been in a league of its own. Its i-VTEC and i-DTEC engines deliver one of the most balanced performance in the segment. But even with all that finesse, one thing that can still give owners a reason to worry is fuel economy. If you’ve ever thought your Honda City mileage could be better, you’re not alone. 

The real-world numbers rarely match the ARAI claims, especially in city traffic. But the good news is, with a few smart changes in the way you drive and maintain the car, you can easily squeeze more efficiency out of your City without compromising on its trademark comfort or performance. Let’s dive in.

Honda City ARAI Mileage (Petrol, Diesel & Hybrid)

Here is a table of ARAI-certified mileage of different generations and versions of the Honda City:

Note: These numbers are based on perfect test conditions. The Honda City's real-life mileage depends on the traffic, use of the AC, the driving style, tyre pressure, and load.

Honda City Mileage in City Traffic 

Most owners feel the pinch on the Honda City mileage when they drive through city traffic, particularly when they have their AC on and with frequent idling.

Factors That Impact Honda City City Mileage

The engine of the City is refined, but it may have trouble in everyday traffic; this is why the mileage is likely to decrease.

1. CVT Rubber-Band Effect (4th & 5th Gen)

The CVT versions have high RPMs at even slightly increased throttle pressure, and this is bad for fuel economy unless you lighten off the throttle early.

2. Idling with AC On

Whether it’s the 3rd-gen automatic or a hybrid in EV mode, toggling, prolonged idling with AC active, consumes more fuel.

3. Incorrect Use of Paddle Shifters (CVT)

In newer models of CVT, unnecessarily switching between gears manually at low speeds may spike the revs and decrease the mileage.

4. Driving in Power Mode (Hybrid)

In the e:HEV, using Power mode in traffic makes the engine kick in more often, consuming more fuel than EV transitions.

5. Low-Speed High-Gear Driving (Manual Variants)

In the old petrol manuals, low-speed cruising in 3rd or 4th gear strains the engine and releases combustion, which drops the kmpl sharply.

How to Improve Honda City Mileage in the City?

Improving Honda City mileage is all about smart driving habits and proper upkeep.

1. Use Light Throttle in CVT (Let It Settle)

In the 4th and 5th gen CVT, press the pedal gently and allow the gearbox to settle, and do not hover on half throttle.

2. Switch Off the Engine at Long Signals

Manually turning off the engine in older generations that have no auto start/stop, when signals take longer than 60 seconds, can save fuel.

3. Use ECO or EV Mode for Short Runs (Hybrid)

For hybrid users, use EV mode where possible and do not use Power mode in city traffic, as it keeps the engine off for longer.

4. Don’t Ride the Clutch (Manuals)

In older City MTs, pressing the clutch halfway at signals or crawling results in inefficient fuel delivery.

5. Clean Air Filter & Check MAP Sensor

A clogged air filter or a faulty MAP sensor in older models (especially 3rd gen) can lead to a rough idle and low mileage.

Honda City Mileage on Highways 

This is where the City performs best, particularly in diesel and hybrid versions with long and continuous runs.

Factors That Impact Honda City Highway Mileage

Even on highways, the incorrect gear or speed band can ruin the performance of your car, particularly in petrol automatics and hybrids.

1. Driving at Speeds Above 110 km/h

Honda City mileage will be at its best at around 90-100 km/h. Beyond that, the engine revs faster and burns more.

2. Overtaking in S Mode (CVT)

Using Sport mode or paddle shifters for quick overtakes and forgetting to shift back can keep revs high for too long.

3. Open Windows at High Speed

Open windows can drastically cut down fuel efficiency, especially in older models that are less aerodynamic (such as 3rd-gen).

4. Sport Mode in Hybrids

The Sport mode in the e:HEV keeps the petrol engine operating at full time and ignores the electric assistance, thereby lowering kmpl.

5. Roof Carriers or Excess Load

The combination of extra weight and luggage can put pressure on the otherwise refined engine of the City. 

How to Improve Honda City Mileage on the Highway?

Your Honda City mileage can be very close to ARAI figures with minor adjustments in speed, gears, and AC approach.

1. Cruise at 90–100 km/h (Ideal RPM Band)

This range maintains constant revs in all manual variants, as well as the CVT petrol, which is excellent in terms of fuel economy and comfort.

2. Use Cruise Control on Flat Stretches (5th Gen)

Cruise control avoids unwanted throttle use and is most effective on flatter expressways, especially in diesel or hybrid variants.

3. Avoid Over-Downshifting on Ghat Roads

When in a hilly area, downshift only when it is a must. The City diesel, particularly, is able to climb in 3rd gear without losing torque, and there is no need to waste fuel in the 2nd gear.

4. Switch Between Drive and ECO (Hybrid)

e:HEV owners should use Drive mode on highways, then switch to Eco in traffic zones or after 90 km/h cruising to regain battery charge.

5. Pre-Trip Tyre & Boot Check

Keep tyres inflated to 33 PSI when covering long distances, and never overload the boot with things you do not need, particularly in older City cars, which do not have load-balancing mechanisms.

Summary

It does not matter whether you are driving a tried and tested 3rd-gen manual or the newest e:HEV, increasing the Honda City mileage is not difficult if you know the basics. You can make those litres go further, with the right gear changes, gentler throttle applications, and timely servicing.

It can be as simple as maintaining tyre pressure, or not using Sport mode on short drives, but these little differences will add up to real savings over time. It is simply a matter of knowing your car, respecting the rhythm of its engine, and making wise decisions on the road. Want better efficiency without buying new? Consider a used Honda City from CARS24’s pre-inspected and reliable inventory.