Honda City Facelift Launched In India. Hybrid Gets 27.26 KMPL Efficiency

Honda updates the City sedan with refreshed styling, a larger touchscreen and more premium features – ventilated seats, 360-degree camera from Rs 12 lakh

Honda Cars India has launched the refreshed Honda City at an introductory price of Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). This marks the second mid-life update for the Honda City since its launch in 2020. The updated sedan now features refreshed styling and several new features while retaining the existing engine lineup.

There are no changes to the current Honda City variant lineup, which continues with SV, V, ZX and ZX+ trims. The strong hybrid e:HEV option remains exclusive to the top-spec ZX+ variant. Prices have increased slightly for the higher petrol and hybrid variants.

Updated Exterior Styling

One of the most noticeable updates to the 2026 Honda City is at the front. Honda has redesigned the fascia with slimmer LED headlamps and a new two-tier daytime running light signature connected by a thin light bar. The grille now features a honeycomb mesh pattern and replaces the earlier chrome treatment with body-coloured elements.

Honda has also revised the front bumper with a larger central air intake and triangular cutouts on either side. In profile, the sedan remains largely unchanged, although it now gets newly designed dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels.

At the rear, the updated City features a revised dual-tone bumper, redesigned reflectors and a faux diffuser element. The sedan also gets a new Crystal Black Pearl exterior shade, while existing colours such as Radiant Red, Obsidian Blue, Meteoroid Grey, Lunar Silver and Platinum White continue unchanged.

Bigger Touchscreen And More Features

The cabin layout remains similar to the outgoing model, except for the addition of a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Unlike before, the display now sits prominently above the dashboard. The dual-tone interior theme, physical HVAC controls and semi-digital instrument cluster continue unchanged.

New additions include ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera, both of which were unavailable on the previous model. Other features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, wireless charging, ambient lighting, an 8-speaker audio system, electronic parking brake, rear sunblind and a single-pane sunroof.

Honda has also retained several physical buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, allowing users to operate key functions without relying entirely on touchscreen controls.

On the safety front, the sedan comes equipped with six airbags, a Level 2 ADAS suite, hill-start assist, rain-sensing wipers and Honda’s LaneWatch camera.

No Mechanical Changes

Mechanically, the 2026 Honda City remains unchanged. It continues to be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic.

The top-spec hybrid variant continues with a 1.5-litre petrol-electric strong hybrid setup producing a combined output of 126 PS and 253 Nm, paired with an e-CVT gearbox. Honda claims a fuel efficiency figure of 27.26 kmpl for the hybrid version. Additionally, the company is now offering a 5-year warranty on hybrid components.

Conclusion

Honda has introduced the updated City at a time when the midsize sedan segment is witnessing renewed activity. Rivals such as the Hyundai Verna have already received updates, while facelifted versions of the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are expected soon.