Honda City Hybrid eHEV

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

The Japanese carmaker has sold over 8,50,000 units in India since 1998, and now it is ready for a fifth-generation hybrid (City Hybrid eHEV) this month. This will be the third hybrid model from Honda in the Indian market after Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. Honda has been dominant previously in the premium sale section for the longest time and maybe with this hybrid, it will take the same route to success as ehev hybrid promises a lot and if it can achieve it, then surely no one can stop it topping the charts this time as well.

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Design and Style

2023 Honda City eHEV adds a touch of glam and glitz to its already sensational exterior. New Honda solid wing face with eHEV signature blue H-mark logo, new trunk lip spoiler, full LED headlamps with 9 arrays inline shell, Integrated LED DRL, L-shaped turn signal, new rear bumper diffuser with carbon finish, new dual-tone black painted diamond-cut R16 alloy wheel, Z-shaped 3D wrapped LED tail lamps and new claw type fog light garnish. The new two-toned ivory and black colour interior are very plush. A large armrest at the centre console with an electric parking brake amplifies the sedan-like presence.

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Engine and Gearbox

EHEV is a strong hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) which is installed with 3 drive systems which are selected automatically; engine drive, EV drive and hybrid drive. For engine drive, it will use the 1498cc water-cooled inline 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle i-VTEC DOHC with a VTC 16 valve engine, which will generate a max power of 98 HP @ 5600-6400 rpm and a max torque of 127 Nm @ 4500-5000 rpm. And for the electric drive mode, it will use the AC Synchronous (permanent magnet) electric motor providing a peak power of 109 HP @ 3500 rpm and a peak torque of 253 Nm @ 0-3000 rpm. It is installed with a rechargeable energy storage system (REESS) advanced high-voltage battery type with a nominal voltage of 172.8 (lithium-ion). For the hybrid drive, the petrol engine will act as an electric generator and the motor will drive the wheels with the combined power of 126 HP with a self-charging battery type which can not be charged externally. e-CVT (electrically coupled continuously variable transmission) with engine-linked to wet type multi-plate clutch.

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

2023 Honda City Hybrid eHEV is suspended on a torsion anti-roll type bar with McPherson strut with coil spring at the front and torsion beam with a coil spring at the rear and Telescopic Hydraulic Nitrogen gas-filled shock absorbers. It comes with a ventilated Disc at the front and a solid disc at the rear, further gets an electric parking brake system on rear wheels and an electric regenerative braking system through Electric Servo brakes. It will be getting 16*6 J alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 87H section and a spare is a 15*4 T steel T135/80D15 100M compact spare tyre.

Instrument Cluster of Honda City Hybrid eHEV

2023 Honda City eHEV is set to get an Advanced Twin-Ring Combimeter, Eco Assist System with an ambient light meter, a 17.7cm (7-inch) HD full-colour TFT meter with multi-function driver information interface such as a digital speedometer, e:HEV power flow display (engine, motor & battery real-time energy flow status), e:HEV power/charge gauge and Eco-Drive display, vehicle info and warning message display etc, ECON button & mode indicator, fuel gauge and fuel reminder warning, odometer and such. Next-gen Honda Connect with Telematics Control Unit (TCU) is designed to work with Alexa, and OK Google and supports smartwatch connectivity. It can also be used with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay installed on your smartphone. Voice command support for smartphone connectivity, 2 USB-in ports, Bluetooth for hands-free telephony and audio streaming support, steering mounted audio & hands-free telephone illuminated switches and steering mounted audio recognition switch with illumination, premium 8 speaker surround sound system are some additional features it is offered with.

Key Features of Honda City Hybrid eHEV

The key features include an automatic three Drive mode, Honda Sensing uses a high-performance front camera with a wide-angle to help alert the driver and minimize the risk of accidents, Auto high beam, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Electric auto parking brake, Remote Engine Start, Electric Regenerative Braking System, Deceleration Selector Paddle, 6-airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Honda Connect for a smartwatch, Alexa, Ok Google and your smartphone.

Top Speed, Mileage and Range of Honda City Hybrid eHEV

The ARAI certified (Rule 115 of CMVR 1989) mileage is 26.5 kmpl combined with a 40-litre fuel tank capacity, which will give you a 1060 km of range on paper at least. In Honda’s i-MMD system after reaching the speed of 120 kmph, the electric drivetrain will go offline and the combustion engine powers the motor connecting to the wheels via a lockup clutch. You can think of it as a 6th gear that you would engage with to keep the constant speed condition.

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Colour Options and Accessories

2023 Honda City Hybrid eHEV will be available in 5 colours namely, Golden Brown Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey, Platinum White Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic. eHEV will come with a plethora of accessories like Wireless Charger with Smartphone Holder, Step Illumination 4 Lights, Door Visor with Chrome Finish, Front bumper side garnish, Window Chrome Moulding, Tail Lamp Garnish, Roof-End Visor, Bucket Mat, Cushion, Floor Mat, Microfiber Cloth, Logo Projector, Body Cover and much more.

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Competitors

There are no direct rivals as to say for the eHEV, but it will be in the market space with Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus.

Conclusion

With the imminent release of the new Honda City Hybrid eHEV many enthusiasts are happy as it has the potential to change the game also in these trying times when fuel costs are just soaring to new heights. It contains a hybrid 2 motor system and it hosts a lot of very impressive features and specs, the price is going to be very tricky. And there have been many tests done other than ARAI tests to check its real-world mileage, although the numbers may vary a little, on average it seems to be living up to the claims. So if you are in the market for a premium sedan which is smart, fuel-efficient, powerful and safe, then this can definitely be your dream car.