Evolution of the Honda City Across the Years

The Honda City has been a household name and an icon of the Indian automotive industry. 2025 marks 27 years since its introduction and the sedan has been ever so popular in all its iterations. With five generations bringing in cutting-edge technologies, it has now progressed onto a highly fuel-efficient hybrid with the Honda City’s latest generation. The Honda City in India, has been known for its impeccable blend of style, performance, and renowned Honda reliability.

Since its introduction in 1998, the Honda City has undergone several transformations, becoming one of the most beloved sedans in the Indian market. In the nearly three decades of its existence, the Honda City has solidified its status as the longest-running mainstream model and the largest-selling mid-size sedan in India. With such accolades worthy of a standing ovation, CARS24 delves into its illustrious journey, from its early days to the latest innovations and enduring legacy. Have a Honda City ownership story to tell? Join the official CARS24 auto community; AUTOVERSE, where we host lively auto discussions, updates, and more.

First Generation (1998-2002) – Setting the Stage

The first-generation Honda City, introduced in 1998, revolutionised the Indian sedan market with its sleek design, powerful 106 bhp VTEC Hyper 16-valve engine, and exceptional reliability. It quickly became a favourite among consumers and motorsport enthusiasts, setting a solid foundation for Honda’s presence in India.

Launch and Design

The first-generation Honda City made its debut in India in 1998, revolutionising the sedan market. With its timeless modern aesthetic appeal, it quickly captured the hearts of Indian consumers who sought a stylish, powerful yet practical vehicle.

Specifications

The first-generation Honda City came equipped with a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engine options, offering a balance of power and fuel-efficient performance. Its lightweight body and responsive handling made it a joy to drive, setting the stage for Honda’s success in the country.

Second Generation (2003-2008) – Innovation Redefined

Launched in 2003, the second-generation Honda City received a drastic exterior makeover. Popularly referred to as the “Dolphin” design, it brought innovation with its centre tank layout, which maximised interior space. Paired with the fuel-efficient i-DSI engine and the introduction of a CVT automatic variant, this generation redefined comfort and practicality, keeping Honda ahead of its competitors.

Features

The second generation introduced a complete design overhaul, featuring a more compact yet spacious look. Its focus on premium ness, safety and comfort set a benchmark in the segment. Honda added ABS, and enhanced suspension, making the ride smoother and safer.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the key highlights of this generation was its improved fuel efficiency, a critical factor for Indian buyers. The introduction of Honda’s i-DSI engine ensured that the car offered better mileage without compromising on performance.

Third Generation (2008-2013) – Power and Style

The third-generation Honda City, launched in 2008, embraced a bold new Arrow-Shot design that appealed to modern buyers. Powered by the advanced 1.5L i-VTEC engine, it set new benchmarks in safety with dual airbags and ABS with EBD as standard across all variants, yet again establishing itself as a segment leader.

Design

The third generation marked a departure from the compact look, embracing a more premium and aggressive three-box sedan design. It introduced sleek curves, a striking grille, and improved aerodynamics that appealed to younger buyers.

Technological Upgrades

Technological advancements such as paddle shifters, USB connectivity, and improved infotainment systems made the Honda City stand out in its class. Safety features like airbags and ABS were standardised, cementing its reputation as a safe and reliable choice of sedan.

Fourth Generation (2014-2023) – Diesel Power Arrives

The fourth generation, introduced in 2014, marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine. This met a longstanding demand for diesel-power from the manufacturer in India, for the City. Alongside innovative features and a new-generation CVT, it offered unmatched fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and cutting-edge equipment, further solidifying the City’s dominance in its segment. The model was so popular, Honda continued to offer the fourth-gen City, alongside the fifth-generation model till 2023.

Introduction of Diesel Engine

Catering to the growing demand for diesel vehicles in India, Honda was pushed to introduce a much-awaited diesel engine. The 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine produces 99 bhp and 200 Nm while claiming over 25 kmpl in fuel economy. This factor alone increased the sedan’s appeal to a wider audience, providing excellent fuel efficiency to long-distance, high-mileage clocking users. There are plenty of used Honda City diesel examples in the market and although reliable, be sure to check the engine condition before making a purchase.

Features

The fourth-generation Honda City boasted luxurious interiors with touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, a sunroof, and a rear-view camera. It offered multiple variants which were immensely popular for their combination of comfort and technology at different price ranges.

Fifth Generation (2020–Present) – A New Era of Technology

Launched in 2020, the fifth-generation City brought technological advancements including connected car services. It became India’s first connected car with Alexa Remote Capability. The latest addition to the City line-up however, was the inclusion of a hybrid variant – the Honda City e:HEV. The car blends cutting-edge hybrid technology with unmatched fuel efficiency and ADAS safety features.

Hi-Tech

With connected car services, the Fifth-generation Honda City offered advanced telematics through the Honda Connect platform. It provides over 32 connected features, including real-time car tracking, geofencing, and remote operations.

Hybrid Power

The Honda City e:HEV introduced India’s first strong hybrid technology in a mainstream model of the segment. This innovation combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering an unparalleled mix of performance, fuel efficiency, and eco-friendliness. The Honda Sensing safety suite also debuted with the City e:HEV, offering advanced ADAS features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

Key Highlights of the Honda City’s Evolution

The Honda City’s evolution has been marked by several milestones through the 27 years of its existence. Some of the notable ones are –

• Transition from compact to premium sedan designs as the generations progressed.
• Introduction of a hybrid variant to a fuel-efficiency conscious market.
• Incorporation of high-end safety technologies like ADAS.
• Consistent focus on blending fuel efficiency, comfort as well as performance.
   

Honda City’s Legacy in India

The Honda City became the quintessential sedan to get for the Indian buyer. Given Honda’s reputation, being an icon of reliability, the City carried the same bullet-proof reliability across the generations along with premium luxury, and constant technological innovations. Its adaptability to Indian road conditions, customer needs, and evolving trends has contributed to its lasting popularity.

Key Highlights for Model Years

Conclusion

The Honda City has continually set benchmarks in the Indian sedan market. With its blend of style, comfort, and technology, it remains a top choice for both new and second-hand buyers. The Honda City continues to define excellence in its category. Its enduring legacy ensures that the Honda City remains a symbol of trust and innovation in the Indian automotive market. It’s no surprise that it even remains popular in the used car space as a wide range of used Honda City cars available in India also feature on CARS24.