Japanese automaker, Honda had entered into India in 1998 and City sedan was the company’s first product in the market. Since its inception in the market, the City has been the most popular and top-selling mid-sized sedan. Honda is now celebrating 20 years of the City sedan in the Indian market. The company claims that India has been the most important market for this revolutionary sedan as Indian market contributed more than 25 per cent of its worldwide sales.
Honda had developed this sedan for Asian market, but the growing popularity has forced automaker to later introduce this car in over 60 countries. Till date, Honda has sold over 3.6 million units of the City globally. In 1998, Honda entered India with 12 dealers spread over 11 cities. Thanks to growing market share and overwhelming response for new generation Honda products, the company now has 349 dealerships in 234 cities. In fact, the supplier network has been increased to 221 in 2017 from 57 in 1998. Also Read – Next-Gen Honda City Sedan In The Works
Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We are extremely delighted and proud as we celebrate incredible two decades for Honda City in India, having created new benchmarks ever since its first launch in 1998. With a strong legacy of 4 generations, the Honda City has re-invented each time according to the needs and aspirations of customers.” “Each generation of Honda City has offered a new design, latest automotive technology and new-age infotainment experiences. We thank all our City customers for their patronage of the brand” he added.
Honda City 1998 (First Generation)
Honda entered into Indian market with the City sedan. The first generation model was available with two petrol engine options – 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre. Honda had delivered 59,378 units of the 1st generation City till 2003. In 2000, Honda introduced the updated version of the car which was equipped with revolutionary VTEC petrol engine.
Honda City 2003 (Second Generation)
In 2003, Honda had launched the second generation City. This model has been one of the most favorite among auto enthusiasts in the country. It was powered by a new 1.5-litre i-DSI petrol engine and was also the first car in India to feature a CVT automatic gearbox. In 2005, Honda launched the slightly tweaked version of the car – called Honda City ZX. This model was powered by an updated 1.5-litre VTEC engine. Adding to it, the Japanese automaker launched the 10th anniversary edition of the City ZX. This model was available with dual front airbags with ABS system.
Honda City 2008 (Third Generation)
The company had launched the third generation City, which was equipped with a fuel efficient and powerful 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. This model was equipped with ABS and airbags as standard. Featuring Honda’s “Arrow Design’ philosophy, the third generation City was among the most powerful car in its league. Additionally, this model also won the ICOTY (Indian Car Of The Year) award in 2009.
Honda City (Fourth Generation)
In 2013, Honda unveiled the fourth generation City sedan in India. Adding to it, Honda City was launched with a diesel engine for the first time. It is equipped with a fuel efficient 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine along with a tried & tested 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol unit. In 2017, Honda had launched the updated version of the new City with lots of new features like all-LED lights, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and others. The City sedan has achieved cumulative sales of 7 lakh units in India since its inception in 1998.
