Honda City 2026 Facelift: Specs, Price & India Launch
Introduction
Honda refreshes its bestseller with the City 2026 facelift, set for India launch in the second half of 2026. This update sharpens the sedan’s appeal amid rising SUV demand, blending premium looks, refined drive, and smart tech. Enthusiasts praise its space and reliability, while families love the boot and comfort. As a bridge to the next-gen in 2028, it promises bolder styling and enhanced safety to keep the City ruling compact sedans.
Key Highlights
- 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with 121 PS power and 145 Nm torque; hybrid option at 126 PS combined
- 6-speed manual or CVT automatic; 0-100 kmph in 10.8 seconds (CVT)
- ARAI mileage up to 18.4 kmpl (petrol), 27.26 kmpl (hybrid)
- Updated grille, LED lights, and 16-inch alloys for sporty stance
- 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay; Honda Connect telematics
- 6 airbags, Level-2 ADAS with adaptive cruise and collision avoidance
- 506-litre boot; spacious for five with rear AC vents
- Prices start at ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom); launch in H2 2026
Design & Exterior
Honda gives the City 2026 a bolder face inspired by the Civic. The front grille grows wider with chrome accents, flanked by slim LED headlights featuring a nine-LED array. Bumpers gain sharper lines and fog lamps, while sides showcase 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and blacked-out pillars. At the rear, Z-shaped LED taillamps connect via a chrome strip, paired with a subtle spoiler. This facelift measures 4,583mm long with a 2,600mm wheelbase, offering a planted stance that handles Indian potholes with ease.
Interior & Features
The cabin stays driver-focused yet welcoming. Soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and leather seats (higher variants) create a premium feel. Front seats adjust electrically with memory on top trims, while rear space impresses with 60:40 split-folding. Tech shines through an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a seven-inch digital cluster. Rear vents, USB ports, and a 506-litre boot make long drives practical. The facelift adds optional 360-degree camera and new upholstery for everyday luxury.
Engine / Motor & Performance
Power comes from the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol unit, pumping out 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm from 4,300 rpm. It pairs with a slick 6-speed manual or responsive CVT with paddle shifters. The hybrid e:HEV variant combines the same engine with electric motors for 126 PS total, using a single-speed e-CVT. Acceleration feels peppy in traffic, with smooth overtakes on highways. Ride quality balances firmness for corners and plushness over bumps, making it ideal for mixed urban-rural use.
Mileage / Range (Real world focus)
ARAI claims 17.8 kmpl for manual and 18.4 kmpl for CVT petrol variants, while the hybrid hits 27.26 kmpl. In real-world tests, expect 14-16 kmpl in city-highway mix for petrol (drops to 12 kmpl in heavy traffic). Hybrids deliver 22-25 kmpl consistently, thanks to regenerative braking. With a 40-litre tank, petrol offers 550-650 km range; hybrid stretches to 1,000 km. Owners report low running costs, especially for commuters avoiding fuel spikes.
Safety Features
Honda equips the City 2026 with robust protection. All variants get six airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability assist, and hill-start assist. Higher trims add tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX anchors. The facelift introduces full Honda Sensing suite: adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with auto braking, and road departure mitigation. A multi-angle rear camera and emergency stop signal enhance urban safety. It earns a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating for peace of mind.
Variants & Colors
Honda offers eight petrol variants from SV to ZX, plus the hybrid ZX e:HEV. Manual suits budget buyers; CVT and hybrid target ease. Key trims include V (mid-spec) with sunroof and alloys, and ZX (top) with ADAS. Colors span seven options: Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and Candy Red Metallic. Facelift may add new shades for vibrancy.
Price in India (Expected / Confirmed)
Ex-showroom prices start at ₹12.00 lakh for SV MT and climb to ₹16.12 lakh for ZX CVT. The hybrid ZX e:HEV commands ₹20.00 lakh. Facelift expects a ₹20,000-50,000 hike per variant for added features. On-road figures in Delhi hit ₹13.5-22.5 lakh with insurance and taxes. Honda includes a 3-year/unlimited km warranty, extendable to five years.
Launch Date & Booking Details
Honda launches the City 2026 facelift in H2 2026, targeting November for festive sales. Bookings open two months prior at dealerships or Honda’s website, with a ₹10,000-20,000 token. Deliveries follow within 1-2 months. Limited hybrid allocations may sell fast, so early birds get priority.
Competitors Comparison
| Feature | Honda City 2026 | Hyundai Verna | Skoda Slavia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹12-20 Lakh | ₹11-17 Lakh | ₹10.5-18 Lakh |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol/Hybrid | 1.5L Petrol/Turbo | 1.0L/1.5L Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 121/126 PS | 115/160 PS | 115/150 PS |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.4/27.26 kmpl | 20/18 kmpl | 19.47/18.73 kmpl |
| Boot Space | 506 Litres | 528 Litres | 521 Litres |
| Safety (Airbags/ADAS) | 6/Yes (higher) | 6/Yes | 6/Optional |
| Key Strength | Refinement + Hybrid | Turbo Punch | Ride Quality |
City edges on hybrid efficiency; Verna offers turbo fun; Slavia shines in handling.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious cabin and massive boot for family hauls
- Smooth hybrid option with top mileage
- Loaded ADAS and five-star safety
- Reliable build with low maintenance
- Value-packed features over rivals
Cons
- No diesel in lineup anymore
- Base variants lack alloys and sunroof
- CVT feels numb under hard acceleration
- Waiting period for hybrids post-launch
- Styling update mild, not revolutionary
Who Should Buy This Vehicle?
Buy the Honda City 2026 if you seek a refined sedan for city commutes and highway spins. It fits young professionals or small families in metros like Delhi who prioritize space, tech, and fuel savings over SUV hype. Opt for hybrid if eco-conscious; skip for turbo thrills.
Final Verdict
The Honda City 2026 facelift solidifies its sedan supremacy in India. It delivers refined performance, smart safety, and unbeatable practicality at accessible prices. At ₹12-20 lakh, it outshines rivals in everyday usability. Gear up for H2 launch—this update keeps the City eternally young and road-ready.
FAQs
1. What is the expected price of Honda City 2026 in India?
Honda City 2026 starts at ₹12.00 lakh (ex-showroom) for base petrol, up to ₹20.00 lakh for hybrid top variant.
2. What engine powers the Honda City 2026 facelift?
It features a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with 121 PS, or 126 PS hybrid setup, paired with manual or CVT.
3. When does Honda City 2026 launch in India?
The facelift launches in H2 2026, likely November, with bookings opening two months prior.
4. What is the mileage of Honda City 2026 hybrid?
The e:HEV hybrid offers 27.26 kmpl ARAI, with real-world figures around 22-25 kmpl.
5. Who are the main competitors of Honda City 2026?
Key rivals include Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus in the compact sedan segment.