Honda City

Honda has stuck with its tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. No turbo options here, but the engine in general, is smooth, refined, and very rev-happy!

The Honda City comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic options. The manual is slick and precise—great for those who enjoy driving. The CVT, on the other hand, is effortless in traffic but does get a bit drony under hard acceleration.

If you're looking for quick bursts of power, the City's naturally aspirated engine isn't as exciting as the turbocharged options in the Hyundai Verna or Volkswagen Virtus. But for daily driving, it’s one of the most refined engines in the segment.

The Honda City delivers 17.8 km/l with the manual and 18.4 km/l with the CVT according to the company claims. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 13-14 km/l in city traffic and 18-19 km/l on the highway from the City, depending on how you drive. 

While not the most fuel-efficient sedan in the market (the Maruti Ciaz does better), it strikes a good balance between power and efficiency. 

Step inside, and the Honda City still feels like a premium sedan. The dashboard layout is clean, the materials feel high-quality, and everything is logically placed. While it's not as flashy as the Virtus or as high-tech as the Verna, it’s user-friendly and durable.

The City has always been known for its spacious cabin, and that hasn’t changed. The legroom and headroom are excellent, and the rear seat is one of the best in its class. Honda has nailed the seat cushioning, making it extremely comfortable for long journeys. 

The only downside? Rear headrests are fixed and ventilated seats aren’t available even in the top trims; which feels like a miss at this price point. 

Features & Infotainment

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (smooth but not the best in class)
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Cruise control
• Sunroof (on higher variants)
• Premium 8-speaker sound system (ZX variant)
• Automatic climate control

The infotainment system is intuitive, but it's not the slickest in the market. Sometimes, it lags a bit compared to Hyundai's and Skoda’s systems.

On the outside, the City still looks sharp and sophisticated. It’s got a long, low-slung stance with sleek LED headlights, a sporty grille, and a well-proportioned rear. The Z-shaped 3D LED tail lamps add a modern touch.

If you prefer an elegant, understated design over aggressive styling, the City is still one of the best-looking sedans around.

Safety has been a priority for Honda, and the 2025 City continues to impress:

• 6 airbags (Standard)
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Honda LaneWatch™ Camera (VX & ZX variants)

While we don’t have the Bharat NCAP rating yet, the previous model scored 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP, so safety should be solid.

The City competes with some serious contenders:

• Hyundai Verna – More features, turbo engine options, but firmer ride quality.
• Volkswagen Virtus – Strong build quality, fun-to-drive, but pricier.
• Skoda Slavia – Shares the platform with the Virtus, premium feel, but maintenance costs can be high.
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz – More affordable and fuel-efficient but feels outdated in comparison.

Here’s how the 2025 Honda City is priced across variants:

The manual variants are more fun to drive, while the CVT offers convenience at a slight premium. 

Best Variant?

The VX CVT strikes the best balance between features and price. It gives you all the important tech, safety, and comfort features without being as expensive as the ZX.

Who Should Buy It?

• City commuters who want a smooth, premium sedan
• Buyers who prioritize reliability and long-term ownership
• Families who need a comfortable back-seat

Who Shouldn’t?

• Performance enthusiasts – The Verna & Virtus’ turbo petrol engines are better choices.
• People looking for the most feature-packed sedan – The Virtus and Verna offer more tech.