Honda launches new City at Rs. 7.42 lakh to take on Vento, SX4

Looking to regain its leadership position in the mid-size sedan market, Japanese car major Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) on Tuesday launched the 4th generation version of the City at ₹ 7.42-9.93 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for its five petrol variants and ₹ 8.62-11.10 lakh for its diesel variants.

It also launched two automatic versions on its petrol powertrains at ₹ 9.49 lakh and ₹ 10.98 lakh.

This is the first diesel version for the 15-year-old brand, a handicap that cost it the leadership position in the segment to Hyundai Verna 2 years ago.

"With the 4th generation City now available in diesel in India, we are now shifting gears to significantly expand its operating universe in this market," said Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, managing officer, Honda Motor Company.

In a declining market, Honda has managed to perform better than its peers largely on the back of its first diesel offering, the entry-level sedan Amaze launched last year. The City goes a step further with a fuel economy of 26 kpl, the best in a car in India.

Besides the Verna, it will compete with the likes of Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid, Ford Fiesta and Maruti SX4.

The segment accounts for annual sales of nearly 150,000 units in an overall passenger car market of 1.9 million a year.

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