The City e:HEV features a self-charging hybrid system that delivers a combined maximum output of 124 hp.

It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 99 hp and 131 Nm of torque, with a primary electric motor rated at 107.5 hp and 253 Nm, alongside a dedicated 94 hp generator motor. To drive the wheels, it uses an e-CVT.

Power is supplied by a 172.8V high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

Depending on the driving conditions, the system seamlessly switches between EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.

The City e:HEV records an ARAI-certified combined fuel efficiency of 27.26 km/l.

To optimize consumption, the system utilizes regenerative braking and electric motor assistance, which even allows for EV-only running at low speeds. It holds a 40-litre fuel tank.

For added efficiency, it includes an auto engine stop/start system and a selectable ECON mode.

Inside the City e:HEV, the dashboard presents a two-tone ivory and black theme, accented by piano black surrounds on the AC vents and soft-touch pads with ivory stitching. For the front occupants, the leather seats offer a driver height adjuster and a centre armrest with a storage box.

Ahead of the driver, the leather steering wheel includes paddle shifters for deceleration and illuminated controls for audio, cruising, and safety features. Instrumentation is handled by a twin-ring cluster featuring a 17.7 cm (7-inch) high-definition colour display.

In the centre, the 20.3 cm (8-inch) touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice commands, Bluetooth streaming, and Next Gen Honda Connect with smartwatch and Alexa integration.

An 8-speaker premium surround sound system completes the audio setup, while a wireless charger and accessory ports are available in the console.

In the back, passengers get a foldable centre armrest with cupholders, dedicated AC vents, a rear sunshade, bottle holders in the doors, and additional charging ports.

While boot space is slightly reduced due to the battery pack placement, it still comfortably accommodates two large trolleys with room for soft luggage.

The City e:HEV measures 4583 mm in length, 1748 mm in width, and 1489 mm in height, with a 2600 mm wheelbase.

Up front, a wide chrome grille with a sporty diamond mesh pattern is flanked by full LED headlamps. These house L-shaped LED turn signals, daytime running lights, and integrated LED fog lamps.

Along the sides, sharp character lines are complemented by a one-touch electric sunroof with a pinch guard, chrome door handles, and body-coloured mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators.

The car rides on standard front and rear suspension setups, featuring dual-tone diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels and a compact spare tyre.

At the rear, Z-shaped 3D wrap-around LED tail lamps sit above a body-coloured trunk lip spoiler and a rear bumper diffuser.

The signature e:HEV emblem and blue Honda logo complete the hybrid styling.

The City e:HEV equips Honda Sensing ADAS with collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist system, lead car departure notification, road departure mitigation, and auto high-beam.

Main safety features comprise 6 airbags, a reinforced body structure, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and three-point seatbelts with reminders for all five seats.

To support driving stability, the vehicle features traction control, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, agile handling assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. An acoustic vehicle alerting system is also present to warn pedestrians during low-speed EV driving.

Braking is handled by ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, supported by an electric parking brake with auto-hold, anti-lock braking (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution.

For parking and visibility, it includes a multi-angle rear camera with guidelines, rear parking sensors, a LaneWatch blind-spot camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

Currently, no recent Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP rating is available for this hybrid variant.

The City e:HEV’s closest competitors in its segment are the Hyundai Verna and Skoda Slavia.

The City e:HEV stands apart with its strong-hybrid powertrain delivering an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 27.26 km/l, higher than the Verna’s petrol figures that range around 18-20 km/l. It also includes the Honda Sensing ADAS suite as standard. The Verna counters with turbocharged petrol engine options that deliver stronger acceleration and modern cabin technology.

Against the Slavia, the City e:HEV again leads in fuel economy and hybrid refinement in stop-go city driving. However, the Slavia offers a tested 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and a larger boot space of roughly 521 litres, compared with the City e:HEV’s reduced 306-litre capacity due to the hybrid battery pack.