We reported earlier that Honda will launch an all-new hybrid car in the Indian market in 2021. It will be the new City hybrid, which debuted in Malaysia. The 2020 Honda City comes fitted with the strong hybrid powertrain, which is called i-MMD. This system also powers the international-spec Honda CR-V and the Jazz hatchback.
Maruti Suzuki is also offering the mild-hybrid system, SHVS with its popular cars including the Ciaz and the S-Cross. In this mild hybrid system, the electric motor assists the petrol engine to power the wheels. On the flip side, the Honda City’s i-MMD hybrid system has an electric motor that drives the wheels while the petrol engine assists.
The new i-MMD hybrid setup features two electric motors and an internal combustion engine. It comes equipped with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated Atkinson Cycle petrol engine producing 98bhp and 127Nm of torque. The first electric motor acts as an integrated starter-generator (ISG), while the second electric motor drives the power to the wheels. This motor develops 109bhp and 253Nm of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed gearbox.
The Honda City’s i-MMD hybrid system offers 3 drive modes – Electric-only mode, petrol engine only mode and hybrid mode. In the Malaysian market, the new City also gets the 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC engine that produces 119bhp and 145Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
Called the Honda City RS, the new hybrid version looks similar to the new City RS available in Thailand. It gets e:HEV badge on the boot. In terms of features, the new Honda City RS hybrid gets lanewatch system, 16-inch dual-tone alloys, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED Tail-lamps, electric parking brake and others.
