Honda unveils new City, confirms diesel variant

Japanese car major Honda on Monday unveiled the 4th generation version of its bestselling mid-size sedan City. To be launched in early January, Honda confirmed the new car will sport a diesel engine.

The City has been one of Honda's bestselling models in India with sales of over 430,000 units in its 15-year lifespan. The lack of a diesel engine, however, had been a handicap with the City losing out to the Hyundai Verna in its segment.

The car retains a 1.5 litre petrol engine option but with slight alterations. The diesel variant will use the 1.5-litre iDtec engine that made its debut on the Amaze, but the City will be tuned to produce higher horsepower and torque. Honda claims it will have 'class leading fuel economy' and rear leg room, though it did not reveal exact figures.

'Honda was at a disadvantage in this segment without the diesel technology. Now we are confident of bringing a lot of customers back to our fold,' said Hironori Kanayama, president and CEO, Honda Cars India.

Compared to the current City, the new version has a longer wheelbase of 2600 mm and is taller by 10mm at 1495 mm. Honda claims it also has 60mm more legroom at the back, 40mm more shoulder room and 70mm more knee room. While it is sold in 55 countries worldwide, the 4th generation City has been developed with India as the target market and will go on sale here first.

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