The Honda City has been a household name for over two decades in India, a sedan that practically defined the premium mid-size segment. Now, as whispers grow louder, the Honda City 2025 facelift is gearing up for an early-2025 launch. With prices expected between Rs. 12.38 lakh and Rs. 20.49 lakh (ex-showroom), Honda is clearly doubling down on refinement, efficiency, and safety. This isn’t a radical reinvention—it’s a thoughtful polish aimed at keeping the City relevant against the flashy Hyundai Verna, power-packed Volkswagen Virtus, and spacious Skoda Slavia.
Premium and Practical Design
Subtle changes are the City’s hallmark, and the facelift is no different. A redesigned grille with bolder horizontal slats, sleeker LED headlights, and sharper 16-inch alloys give the sedan a fresher road presence. Its dimensions—4583 mm long, 1748 mm wide, 1489 mm tall, and 2600 mm wheelbase—remain unchanged, ensuring the same roomy interiors that buyers love. Ground clearance of 165 mm makes it manageable for Indian roads, while a 506-liter boot continues to be a family travel hero. Honda is expected to bring back familiar shades like Radiant Red Metallic and Platinum White Pearl, giving it both elegance and street appeal.
Clear Display and Cabin Experience
Inside, Honda’s focus is comfort mixed with technology. An 8-inch Honda CONNECT touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay will sit at the center, paired with a semi-digital instrument cluster. Premium touches like dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, and voice command support make the cabin feel modern and practical. The facelift also extends features like Alexa connectivity and USB-C ports. Entry trims, however, may retain fabric upholstery and simpler setups to keep costs in check.
Efficient Performance
Performance continues to lean on tried-and-tested engines:
- 1.5L i-VTEC petrol (119 bhp, 145 Nm), with a 6-speed manual or CVT
- 1.5L e:HEV hybrid (126 PS combined), with a 7-step e-CVT
Mileage is expected at 17.8–18.4 km/l (petrol) and 27.13 km/l (hybrid) under ARAI, with real-world usage closer to 16–20 km/l depending on driving style. The 40-liter fuel tank stretches 700–1000 km, making it a versatile daily driver and highway cruiser. 0–100 km/h comes up in about 10 seconds, with Honda’s famed refinement ensuring smooth delivery rather than raw aggression.
| Variant (Expected) | Engine/Transmission | Mileage (ARAI) | Price Range (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| V MT | 1.5L Petrol, Manual | ~18 km/l | Rs. 12.38 lakh |
| VX CVT | 1.5L Petrol, CVT | ~18 km/l | Rs. 14.9–15.5 lakh |
| ZX CVT | 1.5L Petrol, CVT | ~18 km/l | Rs. 16–17.5 lakh |
| ZX e:HEV | 1.5L Hybrid, e-CVT | ~27 km/l | Rs. 20.49 lakh |
Safety and ADAS Expansion
Honda is expanding Honda Sensing ADAS across more trims—adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The facelift also strengthens basics: six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability assist, and hill-hold control will be offered, with LaneWatch side camera and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines on higher trims. The brand is aiming for a stronger Bharat NCAP rating this time, aligning with global safety standards.
Connectivity and Features
The City 2025 won’t overwhelm with gimmicks but will deliver practical, thoughtful features:
- Sunroof on mid and top trims
- LED DRLs and tail lamps
- Eight-speaker audio with Arkamys tuning
- Wireless charging pad (ZX trims)
- Smart key with push-button start
Quiet cabins, low NVH levels, and seamless hybrid transitions make the City a driver’s delight without tiring out passengers.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing starts at Rs. 12.38 lakh (V MT) and stretches to Rs. 20.49 lakh (ZX e:HEV). On-road Delhi costs will be Rs. 14–23 lakh, factoring in RTO and insurance. Honda is expected to launch the facelift in Q1 2025, possibly timed with New Year or Republic Day offers. Festive discounts up to Rs. 50,000 are likely, while annual maintenance is pegged at Rs. 8,000–12,000, higher for the hybrid due to its complex system. Standard warranty: 3 years/40,000 km, extendable to 5 years.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Anticipation among Honda loyalists centers on the hybrid’s efficiency and the sedan’s unmatched cabin space. The refined CVT continues to earn praise, especially in traffic-heavy metros. But drawbacks remain:
- Entry trims still lack premium upholstery
- No folding rear seats (limiting practicality)
- Highway punch feels modest compared to turbo rivals like the Virtus 1.5 TSI
Competition Check
- Hyundai Verna: More feature-loaded, especially with ventilated seats, but Honda edges ahead in hybrid efficiency.
- Volkswagen Virtus: Beats City on power with the 1.5 TSI, but trails in refinement and service reach.
- Skoda Slavia: Matches City in space and safety, but Honda’s resale and service network tilt the scales.
Speculative Notes
Most updates are based on the Brazil reveal and India-specific leaks. The final feature and variant list for India will be clear only at launch. Expect Honda to keep petrol + hybrid as its mainstay, with no diesel return.
Final Thoughts
The Honda City 2025 facelift plays it safe, but smart. It sharpens the design, spreads ADAS wider, and leans into hybrid efficiency—all without abandoning its core identity of refinement and practicality. At Rs. 12.38–20.49 lakh, it isn’t the cheapest, nor the sportiest, but for buyers seeking a sedan that feels premium, efficient, and backed by Honda’s reliability, the City remains a compelling choice in a market increasingly shifting to SUVs.
FAQs
Will the Honda City 2025 come with a diesel engine?
No, Honda has discontinued diesel engines in India; only petrol and hybrid options remain.
What’s new in the Honda City 2025 facelift?
Revised grille, updated alloys, expanded ADAS (Honda Sensing), improved touchscreen, and cabin features.
How fuel-efficient is the Honda City 2025 hybrid?
The e:HEV variant is expected to deliver up to 27 km/l (ARAI), one of the highest in its class.
When is the Honda City 2025 launching in India?
Launch is expected in early 2025, likely in January–February.
