Next-gen Honda City to get a full-hybrid variant in India in 2021 - Report
As per a report carried out by Livemint, the next-gen Honda City will arrive in India in 2020 and get a full-hybrid powertrain in 2021. The latest development is in sync with a recent report that the popular C2-segmenter would get a generation change around the year-end.
The possibility of the next-gen Honda City being available with a full-hybrid powertrain in India first arose in January 2018. Later, however, it was reported that the Indian-spec model would be available with a mild-hybrid setup similar to the SHVS-equipped powertrains on the 2018 Maruti Ciaz because of cost concerns.
While the Honda City has been available with a full-fledged hybrid powertrain in select international markets, the more efficient option has been kept away from the local market due to cost reasons and unclarity on the government's policies for hybrid vehicles. Now, however, the company is said to be prepping to finally introduce this technology in India. The company has purportedly even conveyed its plans to stakeholders associated with the product development.
Gaku Nakanishi, president and chief executive of Honda Cars India Ltd, had earlier said -
We have plans to introduce hybrid vehicles in India within three years. It will take some time to make electric vehicles affordable and, until that moment, to contribute to a pollution-free society, I think the hybrid will be the bridge to electric vehicles.
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The hybrid version could feature an i-MMD dual-motor powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. Internationally, customers will have an option of a new 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as well. This engine will feature a 12-valve DOHC head and will benefit from both VTEC and Dual VTC variable valve systems. The low-displacement motor is likely to offer a peak torque of 200 Nm. Detailed information on the design of the next-gen Honda City is unavailable at the moment. That said, it could take visual inspiration from the latest Accord and Insight.
[Source- livemint.com]