The Honda City has been a familiar name on Indian roads for nearly three decades. Now, Honda has given the fifth-generation City another update, bringing revised styling, new features, and a stronger focus on younger buyers.
We recently spent time with the updated sedan to find out whether it still has what it takes in an increasingly competitive sedan segment.
Sharper Looks, Darker Theme
The biggest changes are at the front. Honda has redesigned the fascia with a new grille, connected DRL signature, and revised bumper.
Most of the chrome elements have disappeared, replaced by darker finishes that give the City a cleaner and more modern look. New alloy wheels and smoked detailing inside the tail-lamps further add to the sporty appearance.
While the style remains unchanged, the refreshed design makes the City look noticeably more contemporary than before. The new black exterior theme, in particular, suits the car well and helps it stand out from its predecessor.
Interior Gets More Tech
Step inside, and the most noticeable change is the new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offers sharper graphics and a more modern interface, although screen visibility under harsh sunlight could have been better. Honda has also added ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a USB Type-C charging port.
Thankfully, Honda has retained physical controls for key functions, something many buyers will appreciate. Rear seat comfort continues to be among the best in the segment, with generous legroom and excellent overall comfort.
Still Drives Like a Honda
Under the bonnet, the City continues with the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and strong hybrid powertrain.
During our drive, the City impressed with its comfortable ride quality, well-controlled body movements, and direct steering response. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bad roads, while the hybrid powertrain remains one of the most efficient options in the segment.
Engine Specifications
1.5-litre Petrol
- Power: 119 hp
- Torque: 145 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual / CVT
1.5-litre Strong Hybrid e:HEV
- Power: 124 hp
- Torque: 253 Nm
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Claimed fuel efficiency: 27.26 km/l
Practicality
The City remains one of the most practical sedans in its segment, offering a spacious rear seat with excellent legroom and comfort on long journeys. It also packs a generous 506-litre boot (non-hybrid) and 306-litre boot (hybrid), making it ideal for family trips and airport runs.
Adding to its usability are features such as rear AC vents and Honda’s Level 2 ADAS suite, which enhances safety and convenience during everyday commutes and highway drives. However, unlike some rivals, the City still lacks electronically adjustable front seats and adjustable rear headrest: features buyers may expect at this price point.
Pricing and Lack of Hybrid Options
Prices for the 2026 Honda City start at ₹11.99 lakh and go up to ₹21 lakh (ex-showroom). While the petrol variants offer a wide choice of trims, the efficient e:HEV hybrid remains limited to the top-spec ZX+ variant, restricting its accessibility for buyers seeking a more affordable hybrid option.
Also read: https://fly-wheel.com/mitsubishi-confirms-return-of-pajero-and-montero/
Verdict
The 2026 Honda City doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it doesn’t need to. The updated styling, additional features, and excellent ride comfort make it an even more complete package.
While rivals offer turbo-petrol engines and flashier interiors, the City continues to win buyers over with refinement, space, comfort, and one of the best hybrid powertrains available at this price point.
