Honda City

The Honda City engine lineup is straightforward: buyers can choose between the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid e:HEV. The petrol engine is available with a 6-speed manual or CVT, while the e:HEV uses an e-CVT.

1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol

The 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine develops 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm. It is not the most powerful engine in the midsize-sedan class, but its smooth delivery suits relaxed city driving and steady highway cruising.

The 6-speed manual works well for drivers who prefer direct control, while the CVT is better suited to traffic-heavy commutes. Under hard acceleration, the engine becomes noticeably louder and does not provide the low-rpm shove of turbo-petrol rivals. The earlier copy's observation that overtakes can require planning remains relevant to the City's naturally aspirated character.

City e:HEV

The Honda City e:HEV uses Honda's self-charging two-motor strong-hybrid system with an e-CVT. It produces a combined 126 PS and 253 Nm and has an ARAI-certified fuel-efficiency figure of 27.26 km/l. The system can switch between EV, hybrid and engine drive depending on the driving conditions.

For buyers who spend a lot of time in urban traffic and want the lowest claimed fuel consumption in the City range, the e:HEV is the most relevant option. Its ₹20.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi price, however, puts it well above the petrol variants, so the higher purchase price needs to be weighed against expected fuel savings.

City Driving Experience

In the city, the Honda City feels easy to drive. The petrol engine is smooth at normal speeds and the manual gearbox has a light, manageable character. The CVT is particularly suited to stop-start traffic because it eliminates the need for repeated gear changes.

The long body is easy enough to place on the road, although buyers moving from a smaller hatchback or compact SUV will need some time to judge its 4.59-metre length.

Highway Driving Experience

The Honda City is more convincing as a highway cruiser than as a performance sedan. It remains stable at cruising speeds and the naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth when driven progressively. However, overtaking from higher gears requires more planning than in a turbo-petrol Verna, Virtus or Slavia.

The engine is willing to rev, but becomes vocal near the upper end of the rev range. The CVT also allows the engine to hold higher revs during hard acceleration, which can make the cabin noisier than it is during relaxed cruising.

Real-World Character

The Honda City's strongest quality is its predictability. It does not deliver the immediate performance of a turbocharged sedan, but the steering, ride, powertrain and cabin all work towards an easy-going driving experience. That makes it particularly well suited to buyers who spend most of their time commuting or travelling with family.

The Honda City variants are divided into SV, V, ZX and ZX+ for the petrol model, while the City e:HEV is available only in ZX+ guise. The CVT automatic starts with the V variant.

SV

The SV is the entry point into the City range. It is primarily aimed at buyers who want the core City package without paying for the higher-grade convenience and cosmetic features. Its ₹11.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi price makes it the most affordable way into the current-generation sedan.

V

The V adds more convenience and technology and is the first variant available with the CVT automatic. For buyers who use the City primarily in urban traffic, the V CVT is worth considering because the automatic gearbox adds convenience without moving into the higher price band of the ZX range.

ZX

The ZX adds more premium equipment and is positioned as the higher-spec petrol variant. Buyers choosing between the V and ZX should focus on the value of the additional comfort, styling and technology features rather than simply moving up the range for the sake of it.

ZX+

The ZX+ is the flagship petrol grade and is also the grade used for the City e:HEV. The petrol ZX+ adds the more comprehensive equipment package, while the e:HEV combines the top-grade equipment with Honda's strong-hybrid powertrain.

The 2026 update also brings features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera and USB-C charging to the City range, depending on variant.

Which Honda City variant should you buy? 

The V CVT makes the most sense for buyers prioritising automatic convenience at a relatively sensible price. The ZX adds more premium equipment, while the ZX+ is the choice for buyers who want the fullest petrol specification. The e:HEV makes sense primarily for buyers who can justify its higher purchase price through high urban running and want the City's most efficient powertrain.

The Honda City mileage depends on the powertrain and transmission. Honda quotes 17.77 km/l for the petrol manual, 17.97 km/l for the petrol CVT and 27.26 km/l for the e:HEV. These are certified figures under standard test conditions and should not be treated as guaranteed real-world fuel economy.

The earlier copy quoted owner-style city and highway mileage figures without identifying a dataset or methodology. It is better to keep the ARAI figures clearly labelled and add Cars24-observed or owner-reported numbers only when the underlying sample and method are available.

The Honda City new model follows a sharper interpretation of the fifth-generation design for 2026. The update adds a new front fascia, Blade-Eye LED lighting, a connected centre light bar, a redesigned bumper and a new alloy-wheel design. Honda also describes the 2026 City as the longest sedan in its segment, with an overall length of 4,594 mm.

Front Profile

The front end is the most noticeable change for 2026. It gets new Bi-LED projector headlamps, integrated split LED DRLs with turn indicators, a wider grille and a more pronounced bumper. The changes make the City look sportier without abandoning its sedan proportions.

Side Profile

The side retains the familiar three-box silhouette, with relatively clean surfaces rather than excessive creasing. The 2026 model gets new R16 dual-tone Aero Blade diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the long 4,594-mm body gives it a substantial stance.

Rear Profile

The rear receives new Z-Edge wraparound LED tail lamps with clear lenses, a redesigned lower bumper and a sportier boot-lid spoiler. The changes are evolutionary rather than a complete redesign, but they give the updated City a fresher appearance.

The Honda City interior continues to prioritise passenger comfort and usability. The cabin's biggest strength remains its spacious rear compartment, while the 2026 update addresses one of the older model's weaker areas by introducing a larger 10.1-inch floating touchscreen.

Front Row

The front cabin uses a two-tone ivory-and-black theme and gets updated trim details. The 2026 model's 10.1-inch touchscreen supports wireless smartphone connectivity, while higher variants add features such as ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and USB-C charging.

Second Row

Rear-seat space remains one of the City's strongest arguments. The long wheelbase and sedan body provide generous legroom, while rear AC vents and charging ports improve long-distance usability. The cabin is particularly well suited to families who regularly carry two adults in the rear.

The sloping roof is less restrictive than in many coupe-style SUVs, although taller passengers may find the rear headroom less generous than the legroom.

Boot Space & Practicality

The Honda City has a 506-litre boot, which is sufficient for family luggage and weekend travel. Honda's cabin packaging also includes door pockets, a centre-console storage area, seat-back pockets and rear armrest storage.

The boot is a useful advantage for buyers who choose a sedan specifically for luggage-carrying ability, although it is not dramatically larger than the cargo areas of some competing midsize sedans.

The Honda City safety package includes Honda Sensing ADAS, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, ISOFIX mounts and tyre-pressure monitoring. Honda's 2026 City also gets a 360-degree camera on higher variants.

Honda Sensing ADAS

Honda Sensing uses a front-facing camera-based system to provide driver-assistance functions. Depending on the powertrain and specification, features include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lead Car Departure Notification and Auto High-Beam. Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow is specifically available on the e:HEV.

The City should not, however, be described simply as a "5-star safety car" without specifying the testing agency and applicable test. The earlier copy referred to a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for the fifth generation, but this is different from a current Bharat NCAP result and should not be presented as though the City has a current Bharat NCAP score.

Passive & Active Safety

The City uses an ACE body structure and offers airbags, three-point seatbelts, ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assistance and tyre-pressure monitoring. Higher variants add equipment such as a multi-view camera and additional driver-assistance functions.

The Honda City competes primarily with the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is no longer a current new-car rival.

Hyundai Verna

One of the biggest advantages that the Hyundai Verna enjoys over the City is the higher power it offers. The turbo-petrol, in particular, holds a performance edge over the City. While the strong-hybrid version does counter it to an extent, the Verna turns out to be a sportier vehicle. 

Volkswagen Virtus

The VW Virtus is a better option for buyers who need sharper handling and a stronger, turbocharged performance. Between the two, the City is definitely a more relaxed vehicle which prioritises comfort over driving pleasure. 

Skoda Slavia

Akin to the Virtus, the Slavia is a more performance-focused option, much of which is owing to its turbocharged motors. Again, the City is a more comfort-focused sedan that prioritizes refinement over outright performance. 

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The Ciaz is no longer part of the current new-car market, so it should not be treated as a direct new-car competitor. It remains relevant only when discussing the history of the Indian midsize-sedan segment.

The Honda City is a well-sorted all-rounder, but as is the case with every car, it’s not perfect. While it has many strengths, there are a few trade-offs to consider.

The City's strengths are concentrated around comfort, refinement and ease of ownership rather than outright performance. Its biggest limitation is the naturally aspirated petrol engine's lack of low-end punch compared with turbocharged alternatives. The e:HEV addresses the efficiency side of the equation, but its substantially higher purchase price means it needs a higher annual running to make financial sense.

The Honda City remains a strong choice for buyers who want a spacious midsize sedan with a refined petrol engine, comfortable ride and easy highway manners. The 2026 update makes the package more competitive by adding a larger touchscreen, sharper styling, additional convenience features and a strong-hybrid option.

Choose the petrol City if your priorities are a smooth engine, comfortable cabin and relatively straightforward ownership. The V CVT is particularly well suited to buyers who spend significant time in urban traffic. The ZX or ZX+ makes more sense if you want more of the available technology and comfort equipment.

The Honda City e:HEV is a different proposition. Its 27.26 km/l ARAI figure is significantly higher than the petrol City's 17.77-17.97 km/l, but the ₹20.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi price means the hybrid should be considered by buyers with substantial running and a preference for efficient, electrified driving rather than simply as an automatic alternative.

The City is less convincing for buyers who prioritise outright acceleration, sporty handling or a long list of segment-first features. The Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia offer stronger turbo-petrol performance. But for someone looking for a comfortable, spacious and mature family sedan, the Honda City remains a well-rounded proposition.

Match the Honda City to your use case

All in all, the 2026 Honda City is a great option for those seeking a comfortable and refinement-focused sedan instead of a vehicle that prioritises performance. Its refined engines, especially the e:HEV strong-hybrid, let a buyer choose a variant that’s not only more powerful but even a lot more fuel-efficient. All this while, the City has successfully retained the characteristics of quality and refinement that has kept it relevant throughout generations of buyers.