New Honda City Will Feature 1.5-Litre Petrol Engine: Will Produce More Power

According to Autocar India, the new 1.5-litre engine will be from the company's L15B architecture. As a result, the new engine will feature a (DOHC) Double Over-Head Cam setup, which will make its debut in the next-gen Honda City when launched in India.

In comparison, the 1.5-litre engine on the older models was from the brand's L15A architecture, which features a (SOHC) Single Over-Head Cam setup. This engine dates back to 1998 when the first-gen Honda City was launched in the Indian market.

The new engine will also feature improved internal components. This includes a new crankshaft that is now around 25 per cent lighter, which will increase the engine's responsiveness. It also features new pistons which will come equipped with up-rated oil-jets, and aluminium sleeves. This aids for enhanced cooling with improved heat transfer.

Talking about the power and torque figures on the upcoming 1.5-litre DOHC engine, it will produce 120bhp and 150Nm of peak torque — 2bhp and 5Nm more than the older-generation engine. It may not seem much but according to the company officials, the new engine will produce more low-end torque and will have a larger powerband. The new engine will redline at 7,000rpm.

Apart from the new petrol engine, the 2020 City will continue to be offered with the 1.5-litre diesel engine updated to meet BS6 standards. The engine will produce 100bhp and 200Nm of torque. Both engines are expected to be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic transmission.

The new-gen Honda City has also been revised with new design and features inside and out. The changes include a new LED headlight, Z-shaped wrap-around LED tail-lights, reworked bumper design at both ends and new alloy wheels; among others. As a result of all the new changes, the 2020 City looks more aggressive and appealing compared to its previous-gen models.

On the inside, the 2020 Honda City has been revised with a host additional features. This includes a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a segment-first Alexa Remote voice assistance feature. Honda will also offer its app-based connected technology called the ‘Honda Connect'. It offers users a host of information including driving telemetry.

The other segment-first feature on the upcoming Honda city will be the addition of a G-meter to measure the cornering forces, which are found on performance cars. Other features include a new semi-digital instrument cluster with a seven-inch, HD, full-colour MID with an analogue speedometer, and tachometer flanked on either side of the display, steering-mounted controls for the audio system, cruise control, and a revised climate control unit with physical rotary knobs. The company decided to discontinue the last-gen City's touchscreen-based climate control system, which was difficult to operate.

Safety features have been upgraded on the new-gen Honda City as well. This includes a lane-monitoring camera on the left-wing mirror will relay feed to the centre screen and alert the driver of any approaching traffic on the wrong side. In addition to this, the next-gen sedan will also feature traction control, an electronic stability programme, hill-start assist, a low-tyre-pressure warning system, six airbags and a reverse camera with an assist function.

The upcoming Honda City will rival the new Hyundai Verna, the Skoda Rapid, the Volkswagen Vento and the Toyota Yaris in the Indian market. With the newly added features, we expect the next-gen Honda City to retail between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh, ex-showroom (India). The company also confirmed that the new Honda City will be sold alongside the older-gen model — here are more details.

Thoughts About The New Honda City's 1.5-Litre Petrol Engine

The Honda City's i-VTEC engine is among the most sought after engines in the Indian market and across the world as well. With all the new changes made to the upcoming engine, it promises to be better than the best. With many segment-first features, the new Honda City will give stiff competition to its rivals in the Indian market.