Honda India has announced that it has commenced production of its recently unveiled City e:HEV sedan. The premium hybrid midsize sedan will be built at the automaker’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan before it goes on sale sometime in May.

Based on the fifth-generation City, the e:HEV gets an all-new hybrid powertrain, consisting of an Atkinson Cycle 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors. With a lithium-ion battery pack fitted in the boot, the setup allows for peak efficiency at 2,000rpm. 

 

This strong hybrid electric system produces a max power output of 126hp and 253Nm, with a claimed fuel economy figure of 26.5kpl. Meanwhile, Honda will offer the City e:HEV in a single ZX variant.

To differentiate the City e:HEV from the standard car, it will feature blue-line Honda logos at the front and back, new fog light garnishes, an e:HEV emblem at the rear, a boot-lip spoiler, and a new rear bumper diffuser design. Honda has equipped the interior with an updated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new dual-tone Ivory and Black colour scheme, connected car technology, and ‘Honda Sensing’ suite with active safety features.

 

These include lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control for driver and pedestrian safety. Other key features of the City e:HEV include an electric sunroof, six airbags, electronic parking brake, ambient lighting, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and smartwatch (iOS and Android) integration.

 

The automaker has started accepting bookings for the City e:HEV from April 14, with a launch slated for some time in May 2022. The hybrid midsize sedan is expected to have a higher price tag, and will compete with the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus. Other rivals include the Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.