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The car that made Honda in India: Success and the City

by Steven Brown

Autofun Philippines – This city was born in Thailand in 1996. At that time, Thailand was in the early stages of mechanization, like India. The smallest car sold by Honda was the Civic. But to meet the needs of early car buyers, Honda decided to develop a smaller car and called it the City.

Fifth Generation (2020)

In July 2020 (along with the fourth generation), it stepped into the market. That was a period of when SUV sales skyrocketed (from 15 to 20 years, according to house data). And it also was a golden era of car manufacturing, and SUV sales. Both of them increased from 15% to 26 mid-size sedans down from 9.1% to 3.9%). 

While it can’t stop the SUV onslaught, City can still dominate its segment from afar. For example, in fiscal year 22, the city sold 37,137 units, more than Verna (20,52) and Ciaz (15,869) combined. In the first 23 months of the year, City again led the segment, with sales of 19,277 units, more than Verna (9,230) and Ciaz (6,926) combined. The price does not change a lot, keeping consistent with other countries, like Honda City price Philippines.

Five generations together sold 867,000 units and 42,000.

In May 2022, Honda launches the City e: HEV, a hybrid vehicle with a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/litre for the petrol, compared to 18 km/litre for the City petrol.

As announced, Honda will step into the midsize SUV market, competing with current-dominant: Hyundai Creta as well as Kia Seltos. 

Fourth generation (2014-20)

In early 2014, Honda launched the fourth generation City, with two engines: 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol and 1.5-liter i-Diesel DTEC. Honda had to introduce diesel engines; The market is heavily oriented toward fuel.

In fact, because of the lack of a diesel option, the city first lost its lead in 2011 to the Hyundai Verna. But powered by a diesel engine, the new City, less than a month after its launch, is once again the best-selling mid-size sedan in the country.

Since then, it has faced fierce competition, such as the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in 2014, the new Verna in 2017, the Skoda Slavia and the Volkswagen Virtus in 2022, but still holds its ground. 

Third Generation (2008-13)

This model introduces i-VTEC engine technology in India and comes standard with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and airbags. Its success (192,939 units sold between 2008 and 2013) paved the way for the global launch of the fourth generation City in India in 2013.

Second Generation (2003-08)

The power comes from a 1.5-liter i-DSI engine. Back then, fuel economy was synonymous with an 800cc engine, but here it’s an engine that shifts twice as fast but still comes back over 20km/litre. Honda also introduced the CVT automatic transmission for the first time in India.

First Generation (1998-2003)

When Honda entered India in 1998, City had already proven itself in the Asian markets, so going there was an obvious choice. It comes with two engine options:

1.3 liter and 1.5 liter, both petrol. In 2000, she received a VTEC engine, which offered both high performance and fuel economy, which was unprecedented at the time. This model has also gained popularity with the racing community.

Harish Bijoor, branding expert and founder, Harish Bijoor Consults, adds that a car as a bid can be bypassed a country with tweaks and modifications, or can be reverse-engineered to survive in a country on its unique journey. and driving conditions. 

A retired Honda veteran shares with FE the reason for City’s success. It has been the industry standard for quality and has been top-rated by the JD Power Initial Quality Study approximately 15 times a year. Its engine is the best in its class in various parameters. It introduced many “firsts” in India – CVT, ABS and airbags were standard. It was ahead of regulation, sunroof for the first time in the segment and more, he says. A study conducted during my tenure showed that the city has an enthusiastic fan following, with 22% of shoppers in the city being repeat shoppers. What do you think of such a car model Honda City? Have you experienced this kind of vehicle? If you would like to share your ideas with us, we are glad to hear from you. So, please feel free to leave your comments, write down your opinions and exchange them with others.

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