Honda of India has recently exported two prototypes of the new Honda City 2017 facelift to Japan. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number of the exported cars confirm that both of them were newly produced models. This also indicates at the early launch of the Honda City facelift. Both the prototypes were fitted with a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that also powers the existing City sedan in India.
Code-named ‘2GC’, the new Honda City 2017 facelift will receive significant exterior & interior upgrades along with a few mechanical changes. Though the details of the car are insufficient for now, speculations are on rife that the new model will be largely inspired from the Honda Greiz that is sold in China.
In China, Honda has ventures with two different auto manufacturers, GAC (Guangzhou Auto Corporation) and DMC (Dongfeng Motor Corporation). Since the GAC-Honda venture sells the 6th gen Honda City, no wonder DMC-Honda wanted a share of it as well, hence the Greiz was developed. It has the same 1.5 liter engine & same technical specs as the City sold by GAC-Honda, however visual characteristics are different. The tail lights of the Greiz sedan looks to be inspired from the 10th generation Honda Civic.
The exterior design and styling of the 2017 Honda City facelift will likely be inspired from the China-spec Greiz sedan. However, it will continue to follow Honda’s ‘Exciting H Design’ philosophy. The car will also going to retain several styling elements from the current model like bolder chromed grille, new front and rear bumpers, larger projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, sheet metal contours, additional side creases and revised boot lid.
The interior of the new City facelift will look identical to the current model. Being one of the most feature-rich cars in its segment with eight speaker audio system with CD player, Aux-in and Bluetooth support, climate control unit with AC vents for front and rear passengers, rear parking camera, five-inch LCD display and power outlets at the rear seats. The updated model will retain multimedia system, a touch-panel with climate control system and several other features.
Engine for the 2017 Honda City facelift will remain the same – i.e. 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder i-DTECH diesel and 1.5-litre i-VTECH petrol unit. While the former pushes out a maximum power of 99bhp at 3600rpm, the latter one delivers 117bhp of power at 660rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4600rpm. Transmission options, too, will remain unchanged – i.e. 5-speed manual and CVT.
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The 6th generation City was launched in international markets back in 2013 and is about to enter 4th year of its production. The facelift will definitely help Honda to continue selling the sedan in good numbers particularly in markets with stiff competition. However in Pakistan the 5th generation City which was discontinued elsewhere in 2013 continues to sell having no competition in its class and has already entered 8th year of its production in our country.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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