Bottom line: The Honda City, once the king of Indian hatch‑sedans, has lost its shine because buyers now prefer SUVs, and Honda has shifted focus to newer models.
What Happened to the Honda City? Price, Design & Mileage Explained
Image: What Happened to the Honda City? Price, Design & Mileage Explained – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The City used to stand out with its sleek, sedan‑like silhouette on a compact platform. Early models (1998‑2003) had a simple, clean look that appealed to first‑time buyers. Recent facelifts tried to add a bold front grille and sharper LED lights, but the changes felt like a facelift rather than a fresh design.
- Compact sedan shape – easy to park in city traffic.
- Modern LED headlamps in the 2020 refresh.
- Spacious cabin compared to other sub‑compact cars.
Performance & Mileage
Honda kept the City reliable with a 1.5‑litre i‑VTEC engine that delivered smooth power and good fuel economy. However, rivals started offering turbocharged units with more torque, and the City’s power felt modest.
- Engine: 1.5 L i‑VTEC, 119 hp.
- Official mileage: 17‑18 km/l (petrol).
- Transmission options: 5‑speed manual or CVT.
Price & Rivals
When the City launched, its price was aggressive – around INR 6 lakhs for the base variant. Over time, newer models like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon entered the market at similar price points but offered higher ground clearance and SUV styling, which many buyers preferred.
- Current price (2024): INR 6.8 – 8.2 lakhs.
- Main rivals: Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz.
- Key advantage: Proven reliability and low maintenance.
| Engine | 1.5 L i‑VTEC |
|---|---|
| Mileage | 17‑18 km/l |
| Price (2024) | INR 6.8 – 8.2 lakhs |
| Top Features | LED headlights, CVT, spacious cabin, Honda Sensing safety suite (selected trims) |
FAQ
What is the mileage of the latest Honda City?
The newest City delivers about 17 to 18 km per litre on petrol, depending on the driving condition.
Is the Honda City still worth buying in 2024?
If you value low maintenance, a comfortable ride, and a proven engine, the City remains a solid choice, but you’ll face tough competition from compact SUVs.
Why did the Honda City lose popularity?
Buyers shifted to SUVs for higher ride height and perceived safety, and newer rivals offered more features at similar prices, leaving the City looking dated.
What do you think about the City’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
