The next-gen City is expected to be dimensionally bigger along with incorporating new technologies; Honda confirms launching locally-made hybrid in 3 years
Honda Cars India is planning to introduce hybrid vehicles into the domestic market in the near future and sees it as a viable option for growth as far as alternative propulsion options are concerned. The Japanese manufacturer is mulling over rolling out locally assembled hybrid vehicles in the next three years as part of achieving the bigger step towards electrification.
The company is also studying the possibility of bringing in more SUVs into the Indian space. Recently, Honda has been enduring positive sales momentum courtesy of the latest generation Amaze. Ever since going on sale in May 2018, the 2018 Amaze is on a consistent success path by registering over 9,000 unit sales on average in its first four months of presence.
It quickly rose to fame as the best-selling product within the domestic range by beating the mighty City. Honda has used the mid-size sedan to introduce new technologies traditionally, as it is the most popular name plate here. The next generation City due for 2020 or 2021 is expected to be dimensionally bigger as well as incorporating new technological elements.
It could have a thoroughly overhauled exterior sticking by the global standards, along with new powertrain choices. We suspect it to be the hybridised model Honda was reportedly talking about. Though Maruti Suzuki Ciaz’s SHVS mild-hybrid tech has been well-received among customers, Honda will likely opt for a full hybrid system.
Honda believes it will take some time for pure electric vehicles to become affordable for customers and needs support from the central Government going forward. The next generation Jazz spied testing on international roads had larger proportions and it could adopt a hybrid unit from Insight or Accord, and we reckon it is another considerable option for India.
Having introduced the new-gen CR-V this month with seven-seat configuration and 1.6-litre turbo diesel powertrain, it is switching its attention towards the launch of Civic. Making a comeback to India, the premium sporty sedan is expected to be up for grabs by the end of this year or in early months of 2019.