Will City Diesel be the Gamechanger for Honda?

Honda might have jumped onto the diesel bandwagon late, but they are going full steam dieselizing their offerings.
Will City Diesel be the Gamechanger for Honda?

Honda might have jumped onto the diesel bandwagon late, but they are going full steam dieselizing their offerings. The latest one being the City diesel. Honda City, one of the successful models for the Japanese automaker, will get a much needed a makeover and will come equipped with a diesel motor.

The expectations are so high that bookings for the diesel version have already begun unofficially with dealers accepting down payment as low as Rs 50,000. Honda is expected to showcase the new City at the Auto Expo, this February.

Engine and Fuel Economy

Honda did a smart thing by introducing the 1.5-litre diesel engine in Amaze to gauge the response. And apparently, the company is satisfied with the kind of reception it received for its diesel offering. Honda loyalists, who were forever waiting for a diesel motor in the City, will sigh relief now. The Amaze’s 98 BHP engine is one of the most fuel efficient one, and the most powerful in its segment too. It returns a whopping 21 KMPL!

Despite City’s larger dimensions and the engine’s state of tune, expect the City diesel to deliver upward of 17 KMPL. Honda has designed the engine to accommodate a variable-geometry turbo as well. So, Honda will do good to differentiate the City from the Amaze, by incorporating a more powerful engine, at least not to cannibalise its own sales.

Interiors, Styling

The City comes with a host of creature comforts. Buyers in the segment look for additional features and are one of the most important factors in deciding to buy a car. The City comes with a start-stop button, LCD infotainment with provision for 8 speakers, an inbuilt reverse parking camera, automatic climate control, to name a few.

With increased wheelbase, the City will have more legroom and a larger boot. Chrome accents running along the dashboard and upmarket upholstery lend the City a premium feel. Addition of air con vents for the second row is nice touch as well.

Price

Expect the Honda to price the City aggressively like the Amaze. Honda will have a winner in their hands if the price the diesel version around Rs 8-9 lakh. City’s brand value combined with a frugal and powerful diesel engine is a definite recipe for success. How much will you pay for the new City?

-sriram@newindianexpress.com

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