The Honda City has been a trusted name in the Indian sedan market for years, and the 2025 model takes this legacy forward with some impressive updates. Whether you’re a young professional looking to upgrade your ride or a family person seeking reliability with a touch of luxury, the new City promises to deliver on multiple fronts.
What Makes the 2025 Honda City Special
Honda has given the City a comprehensive makeover for 2025, focusing on three key areas: advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced comfort. The biggest highlight is the introduction of Honda’s e: HEV hybrid technology, which brings the City into the modern era of fuel-efficient vehicles.
The new model comes packed with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that were previously found only in much more expensive cars. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure alert make the City feel like a premium sedan while keeping the price reasonable.
Design and Looks
The 2025 Honda City sports a bold new look that’s sure to turn heads. The front end features a more aggressive grille design complemented by sharp LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The car maintains its sleek profile with flowing lines that extend to the redesigned rear end.
New 16-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish give the car a premium stance, while the smoked-out tail lamps add a modern touch. Honda has aimed to create a design that appeals to both young executives and established family buyers who want something that looks sophisticated yet sporty.
The dual-tone color schemes available in higher variants add to the premium feel, making the City stand out in parking lots and on the road.
Engine Options and Performance
Honda offers the City 2025 with two powertrain options, catering to different buyer preferences and budgets.
Petrol Engine
The standard option is a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that delivers smooth performance for both city driving and highway cruising. This engine has been refined over the years and offers a good balance of power and efficiency. It’s available with either a 6-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts or a CVT automatic for those who prefer convenience.
Hybrid System
The star of the show is the new e: HEV hybrid system. This setup combines the petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver immediate torque, whisper-quiet operation at low speeds, and the ability to run on electric power alone in certain conditions. The system intelligently switches between electric and petrol power based on driving conditions, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times.
The hybrid system makes the City exceptionally smooth to drive, with minimal noise and vibration reaching the cabin. It’s particularly impressive in stop-and-go city traffic, where the electric motor does most of the work.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the strongest selling points of the new City is its fuel efficiency, especially the hybrid variant. Here’s how the different variants perform:
| Variant | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Petrol Manual | 17.8 km/l |
| Petrol CVT | 18.4 km/l |
| Hybrid (e:HEV) | 27.13 km/l |
The hybrid’s fuel efficiency is particularly impressive, with real-world city driving easily achieving 22-23 km/l. This makes it an excellent choice for people with long daily commutes or those who frequently travel between cities.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2025 Honda City, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels premium and well-thought-out. The dashboard features soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a clean layout that’s both modern and functional. The leatherette upholstery adds to the upmarket feel without being overly flashy.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustability for drivers of different heights. However, where the City shines is in rear-seat comfort. The spacious back seat offers excellent legroom and headroom, making it one of the most comfortable sedans in its class for rear passengers. Dedicated air conditioning vents for rear passengers ensure everyone stays comfortable during longer journeys.
Storage spaces are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin, with cup holders, door pockets, and a useful center console. The addition of a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports keeps everyone’s devices charged and connected.
Technology and Features
The 2025 City comes loaded with technology features that enhance both convenience and safety. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use, with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchscreen is well-positioned and doesn’t require reaching too far from the driving position.
Honda Sensing is the real game-changer here. This suite of safety features includes:
- Adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the car ahead
- Lane-keeping assist that gently steers the car back if it starts to drift
- Collision mitigation braking that can automatically apply brakes to prevent accidents
- Road departure alert that warns if the car is leaving the road unintentionally
These features work seamlessly in the background, providing an extra layer of safety without being intrusive or annoying.
Driving Experience
The Honda City has always been known for its refined driving experience, and the 2025 model continues this tradition. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, with 165mm of ground clearance ensuring you won’t scrape the bottom on speed bumps or rough roads.
The steering is light and easy to handle in city traffic but weights up nicely at highway speeds. The ride quality is comfortable, absorbing most road imperfections without transferring harshness to the passengers.
The hybrid system adds an extra dimension to the driving experience. The seamless switching between electric and petrol power is barely noticeable, and the instant torque from the electric motor makes the car feel peppy in city driving conditions.
Variants and Pricing
Honda offers the City 2025 in five different variants to suit various budgets and feature requirements:
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SV | ₹12.38 lakh | Basic features, manual transmission |
| V | ₹13.50 lakh | Mid-level features, CVT available |
| VX | ₹15.20 lakh | Premium features, better comfort |
| ZX | ₹16.80 lakh | Top petrol variant, all features |
| ZX Hybrid | ₹18.89 lakh | Hybrid system, maximum efficiency |
The pricing strategy is competitive, especially considering the features on offer. The mid-level V and VX variants offer the best value for money, while the hybrid variant, despite being the most expensive, pays for itself through fuel savings over time.
Should You Buy the Honda City 2025?
The Honda City 2025 makes a strong case for itself in the compact sedan segment. Here are some factors to consider:
Buy it if:
- You want excellent fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid variant
- Rear-seat comfort is important for your family
- You value Honda’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs
- You want advanced safety features at a reasonable price
- You do a mix of city and highway driving
Consider alternatives if:
- You’re on a very tight budget and don’t need the premium features
- You prioritize performance over efficiency
- You don’t drive enough to justify the hybrid’s higher price
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda City represents a significant step forward for the model. The addition of hybrid technology, advanced safety features, and improved comfort makes it a compelling choice in the sedan segment. While it faces competition from SUVs that dominate the Indian market, the City offers something different: the comfort and efficiency of a well-designed sedan with modern technology.
Honda’s reputation for reliability, good resale value, and reasonable maintenance costs adds to the City’s appeal. The company offers a standard warranty of 3 years, with the hybrid battery covered for 8 years, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.
For buyers who appreciate the sedan format and want a car that’s comfortable, efficient, and well-built, the Honda City 2025 deserves serious consideration. It’s a car that does the basics exceptionally well while adding modern touches that make daily driving more pleasant and safe.
Katherine Johnson is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.