The Honda City Hybrid, also known as the Honda City e:HEV, represents a significant leap in Honda’s pursuit of blending performance with sustainability. Launched in India on May 4, 2022, this sedan stands out as a pioneer in its segment by offering a strong hybrid powertrain, a feature uncommon among mid-size sedans in the Indian market. Combining a refined petrol engine with advanced electric motors, the City Hybrid promises exceptional fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and a premium driving experience. Designed to cater to environmentally conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on style or comfort, this car integrates Honda’s signature reliability with modern innovations like the Honda Sensing suite, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). Available in select variants, it appeals to urban drivers seeking a balance between luxury and eco-friendliness, positioning it as a unique contender in a competitive automotive landscape.
The Honda City has long been a favorite in India, known for its spacious interiors, sleek design, and dependable performance. With the hybrid variant, Honda elevates this legacy by introducing a vehicle that not only meets the demands of metro city commuting but also aligns with global trends toward greener mobility. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel sedans, the City Hybrid operates seamlessly between electric and petrol modes, offering a smooth and efficient ride. Its competitors, while formidable, lack a direct hybrid rival in this segment, making the City e:HEV a standout choice for those prioritizing sustainability without sacrificing the sedan experience.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the Honda City Hybrid showcase its engineering prowess, blending a petrol engine with dual electric motors for optimal performance and efficiency. Below is a detailed tabular breakdown based on information sourced from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, verified for accuracy as of March 16, 2025.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Atkinson Cycle DOHC i-VTEC Petrol Engine |
| Displacement | 1498 cc |
| Max Power (Petrol Engine) | 96 bhp @ 5600-6400 rpm |
| Max Torque (Petrol Engine) | 127 Nm @ 4500-5000 rpm |
| Electric Motors | 2 (1 propulsion motor, 1 generator motor) |
| Max Power (Combined) | 125 bhp |
| Max Torque (Combined) | 253 Nm |
| Transmission | e-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid (Petrol + Electric) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 27.13 kmpl |
| Mileage (User Reported) | 20-24 kmpl |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 liters |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (RDE-compliant) |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Torsion Beam with Coil Spring |
| Brakes (Front) | Ventilated Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | Drum |
| Steering Type | Electric Power Steering |
| Turning Radius | 5.3 meters |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Length x Width x Height | 4583 mm x 1748 mm x 1489 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm (unladen) |
| Boot Space | 306 liters (reduced due to battery placement) |
| Kerb Weight | 1280-1300 kg (variant-dependent) |
| Tyre Size | 185/55 R16 |
| Wheel Type | 16-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels |
Variants
The Honda City Hybrid is available in a streamlined range of variants, focusing on premium trims to highlight its hybrid technology and advanced features. Below is a table summarizing the variants as of March 2025, based on data from CarDekho and CarWale.
| Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| V CVT | 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 6 airbags, LED headlamps, basic ADAS |
| ZX CVT | Sunroof, full Honda Sensing ADAS suite, lane watch camera, ambient lighting, premium upholstery |
| ZX CVT Reinforced | Enhanced safety features, reinforced structure, same as ZX with minor structural upgrades |
Note: The entry-level V variant was discontinued in 2024, leaving the lineup with these three options, with the ZX CVT Reinforced being the top-selling variant per CarDekho.
Price in Metro Cities
The price of the Honda City Hybrid varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table reflecting the on-road prices (ex-showroom + RTO + insurance) as of March 16, 2025, sourced from CarWale and CarDekho.
| City | V CVT (On-Road Price) | ZX CVT (On-Road Price) | ZX CVT Reinforced (On-Road Price) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹ 21.78 Lakh | ₹ 23.48 Lakh | ₹ 23.80 Lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹ 22.50 Lakh | ₹ 24.20 Lakh | ₹ 24.55 Lakh |
| Bangalore | ₹ 23.45 Lakh | ₹ 25.10 Lakh | ₹ 25.50 Lakh |
| Kolkata | ₹ 21.81 Lakh | ₹ 23.60 Lakh | ₹ 23.95 Lakh |
| Chennai | ₹ 22.90 Lakh | ₹ 24.70 Lakh | ₹ 25.00 Lakh |
Prices are approximate and subject to change based on dealer discounts, additional accessories, and tax revisions.
About the Honda City Hybrid
Design and Aesthetics
The Honda City Hybrid inherits the sharp, elegant design of its petrol sibling, the fifth-generation Honda City, but with subtle enhancements that emphasize its hybrid identity. The front fascia features a diamond-checkered grille paired with full LED headlamps sporting a nine-LED array beam, exuding a premium and modern vibe. The Z-shaped wraparound LED taillamps and 16-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels further elevate its aesthetic appeal. Available in six striking colors—Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and Meteoroid Grey Metallic—the City Hybrid caters to diverse tastes while maintaining a sophisticated road presence.
Inside, the cabin blends practicality with luxury. The beige-black dual-tone interior with premium wooden inserts and soft-touch materials creates an airy, upscale ambiance. The seats, upholstered in high-quality leather, offer excellent comfort for long drives, while ambient lighting illuminates the footwells, door handles, and pockets, enhancing the night-time experience. However, the placement of the hybrid battery pack reduces the boot space to 306 liters, a compromise compared to the 506 liters in the standard City. Despite this, the rear seats provide ample legroom, headroom, and knee space, making it a spacious sedan for five passengers.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Honda City Hybrid lies its strong hybrid system, a combination of a 1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine and two electric motors. The petrol engine delivers 96 bhp and 127 Nm of torque, while the electric motors boost the combined output to 125 bhp and an impressive 253 Nm of torque. This setup is paired with an e-CVT transmission, ensuring seamless transitions between electric, hybrid, and petrol modes. The car operates primarily in EV mode at low speeds, switching to hybrid or engine mode as needed, optimizing fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
The City Hybrid’s ARAI-claimed mileage of 27.13 kmpl is a standout feature, with real-world figures ranging between 20-24 kmpl depending on driving conditions. With a 40-liter fuel tank, it offers a theoretical range exceeding 1000 km, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruises. The instant torque from the electric motors provides brisk low-speed response, while the petrol engine ensures smooth overtaking on open roads. The ride quality is absorbent, handling most bumps with ease, though its 165 mm ground clearance may pose challenges on rough Indian roads or large speed breakers.
Features and Technology
The Honda City Hybrid is loaded with features that enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. The top-spec ZX variants come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though some users find the interface and graphics dated. A 7-inch semi-digital driver’s display, electric sunroof, and automatic climate control add to the premium feel. The car also integrates connected car technology with smartwatch compatibility, allowing remote control of functions like locking/unlocking and climate settings.
Safety is a forte, with the City Hybrid boasting six airbags, ABS with EBD, a rearview camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. The Honda Sensing ADAS suite—available on ZX trims—includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation, making it one of the safest sedans in its class. The inclusion of a lane watch camera further enhances visibility, a feature borrowed from higher-end Honda models. However, some plastics in the cabin fall short of segment standards, a minor critique in an otherwise well-built interior.
Driving Experience
Driving the Honda City Hybrid is a refined experience, blending the quietness of electric propulsion with the reliability of a petrol engine. In city traffic, the EV mode ensures near-silent operation, reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. The transition to hybrid or engine mode is barely noticeable, thanks to the smooth e-CVT gearbox, which minimizes the rubber-band effect typical of CVTs. On highways, the car feels composed, with precise steering and a suspension tuned for comfort over agility. While it’s not a driver’s car in the enthusiast sense, its sorted dynamics and ADAS features make it engaging and stress-free for daily use.
Market Positioning and Updates
Since its launch, the Honda City Hybrid has carved a niche in India’s sedan market, appealing to buyers seeking a premium yet eco-friendly alternative to SUVs. Honda has periodically updated the lineup, with the V variant discontinued in 2024 and a price hike of ₹20,000 implemented in January 2025 for the top variants. Discounts of up to ₹65,000 have been offered on hybrid trims, as reported by ZigWheels, making it more accessible. The car complies with BS6 Phase 2 norms, ensuring it meets stringent emission standards, a testament to Honda’s commitment to sustainability.
Close Competitors
While the Honda City Hybrid lacks a direct hybrid rival in the mid-size sedan segment, it competes with several capable alternatives in terms of pricing and features. Below is an in-depth comparison with its close competitors.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, a compact SUV, is one of the closest competitors due to its hybrid powertrain and overlapping price range (₹11.14 Lakh – ₹19.99 Lakh ex-showroom). It offers a 1.5L petrol-hybrid setup with 91 bhp and a mileage of 27.97 kmpl (ARAI), slightly better than the City Hybrid. However, its SUV body style contrasts with the City’s sedan appeal, targeting different buyer preferences. The Hyryder includes a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats—features absent in the City—but its ADAS suite is less comprehensive. Priced lower at the base level, it appeals to budget-conscious buyers, though its top variants align with the City Hybrid’s pricing.
Skoda Slavia
The Skoda Slavia (₹10.34 Lakh – ₹18.69 Lakh ex-showroom) is a premium sedan rival, offering a 1.5L TSI petrol engine with 148 bhp, outpacing the City Hybrid in raw power. It lacks a hybrid option, resulting in a lower mileage of 19.47 kmpl. The Slavia boasts a larger 521-liter boot and a sportier driving feel, appealing to enthusiasts. Its feature list includes a 10-inch touchscreen and ventilated seats, but ADAS is absent, giving the City Hybrid an edge in safety tech. Priced competitively, the Slavia targets buyers prioritizing performance over efficiency.
Volkswagen Virtus
The Volkswagen Virtus (₹11.56 Lakh – ₹19.41 Lakh ex-showroom) shares its platform with the Slavia, offering similar engines (1.0L TSI and 1.5L TSI) and a mileage of 18-19 kmpl. It matches the City Hybrid’s premium positioning with a refined cabin, 520-liter boot, and features like wireless charging. However, it lacks hybrid technology and ADAS, making it less future-proof. The Virtus excels in build quality and driving dynamics, positioning it as a strong alternative for those who don’t prioritize fuel economy.
Comparison Insights
The Honda City Hybrid’s unique selling proposition is its hybrid powertrain, offering unmatched efficiency in the sedan segment. Competitors like the Slavia and Virtus provide superior power and boot space, appealing to traditional sedan buyers, while the Hyryder caters to the growing SUV trend with comparable efficiency. The City Hybrid’s ADAS suite and premium features give it an edge in safety and technology, though its higher price and reduced boot space may deter some. In metro cities, where fuel costs and emissions are concerns, the City Hybrid stands out as a forward-thinking choice.
Final Thoughts!
The Honda City Hybrid is a compelling blend of style, efficiency, and technology, redefining the mid-size sedan segment in India. Its hybrid powertrain, delivering 27.13 kmpl, caters to eco-conscious urbanites, while features like Honda Sensing and a plush interior ensure a premium experience. Though it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus, its lack of a direct hybrid sedan rival gives it a distinctive edge. Priced between ₹21.78 Lakh and ₹25.50 Lakh (on-road) across metro cities, it’s a premium offering that justifies its cost with innovation and refinement. For buyers seeking a sustainable yet luxurious sedan, the City Hybrid is a standout choice in 2025.
