Japanese automaker, Honda is going through a tough phase in the highly competitive Indian market. The company has already shutdown its Greater Noida facility, and is only producing vehicle at its Tapukara based plant. However, Honda has stated that it is working on a new product strategy and will bring in new products in near future.
It is confirmed that the company will launch two new products in the country by 2023. Coming 2022, Honda will bring in the hybrid version of the City sedan. It will be launched in the next financial year that is April 2022 to March 2023 period. It is most likely to be one of the most fuel efficient cars in the country.
The India-spec City hybrid will return mileage close to the Malaysian as well as Thai-spec model – claiming 27.8kmpl and 27.7kmpl respectively. In real world conditions, the new model should return mileage over 20kmpl. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that runs a more efficient ‘Atkinson Cycle’. The petrol engine produces 98bhp of power, while the electric motor offers 109bhp. The vehicle offers a maximum torque of 253Nm and it is 0.5 seconds quicker than the regular City sedan.
In the City hybrid, the electric generator and electric motor are combined together and attached to the end of the engine. The engine turns the generator, and also powers the electric motor, which in turn spins the wheels and sends electricity to the lithium ion battery in the boot.
Japanese automaker is also developing a new mid-sized SUV for the Indian market. It is likely to be based on the RS Concept, which was unveiled at GIIAS Auto Show in Indonesia. The new model will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. It is expected to be launched in the second half of 2023.
The new mid-sized SUV will measure close to 4.3 meters in length and is likely to share styling cues from the latest generation BR-V and the new HR-V. It will be designed and developed on the City’s platform. The SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine that produces 121bhp and 145Nm of torque. Similar to the City hybrid, the new Honda mid-sized SUV could also get the brand’s e:HEV hybrid system.
