The all-new Honda City is in the works suggest media reports. Currently in its fourth generation, the new City is set to get a mild-hybrid petrol variant that is likely to come out by 2020. Maruti Suzuki already offers its SHVS mild hybrid technology in some of the models including City’s arch rival Ciaz. Unlike the pre-facelift version, which offered SHVS technology only on the diesel unit, the new Ciaz gets this technology on the petrol unit as well. Suzuki’s hybrid system consists of an additional Lithium-ion battery which stores energy from regenerative braking and assists in acceleration when required which gradually eases out load on the engine. This also helps improve fuel economy.
Click Here For Latest News & Updates!
While Honda already offers a full-fledged hybrid variant on the City sedan which is available in its native market along with select international markets, India is unlikely to receive this anytime soon. The reason behind not offering the hybrid variant could be the high pricing and an unfavourable policy for the hybrids in India.
What we can expect from the new-gen Honda City is prominent change in the mechanical set-up to comply with the upcoming BS6 emission norms. Also, Honda is expected to continue offering the diesel engine on the new-generation City despite a sharp drop in sales. A CVT is also likely to be offered with the diesel version along with the 6-speed MT in order to push sales.