Japanese automaker Honda will launch its fourth generation Honda City on January 7 2014. The new City, which was unveiled earlier this year, will come equipped with a diesel motor for the first time.
The car is expected to be sold in five trim levels, with a starting price of Rs 8 lakh. The top-end variant is expected to come with a start/stop switch, sunroof, LCD infotainment, leather upholstery, chrome handles.
The City diesel will come with the same 1.5 litre Earth Dreams technology powered diesel motor, which churns out 99 BHP and 200 Nm of torque. Honda claims the new City to be the most fuel-efficient car in the country with a claimed fuel economy of 26KMPL!
City’s outright performance might not rival the Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid or the Hyundai Verna but Honda will bank on its brand value and the diesel addition to boost the sales.
The City will also come equipped with a CVT automatic transmission.
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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