India is officially adapting BS-VI emission standards from April 2020 due to which automakers are continuing to upgrade the engines to meet the upcoming stringent emission norms. India currently adapts BS-IV norms that were first put in place in 2010 and were fully enforced in 2017. However from April 2020 onwards, cars that don’t meet the BS-VI standards won’t be allowed to go on sale.
What is Bharat-VI
Bharat-Stage-VI or simply BS-VI is an emission standard that is supposed to bring much-needed changes in the Indian automobile industry in terms of pollutant emissions. With this emission norm coming into effect, India will come at par with the USA, Europe and other advanced automotive markets across the globe.
Related: India to Enforce BS-VI Emission Standards by 2020
BS-VI will put a strict check on emission control, fuel-grade, automotive electronics and vehicle ECU. The most significant enforcement is making OBD (On-board diagnostics) mandatory for all vehicles. BS-VI is in line with Euro-VI emission standards already adopted in European countries. In fact, the BS-VI will also address emission of higher PM (particulate matter) in diesel engines.
Now Honda has upgraded the City sedan in India with a BS-VI engine priced from INR 9.91 lac (PKR 21.5 lac), which is INR 16,000 (PKR 34,780) more expensive than the existing BS-IV compliant versions. In addition to the upgraded 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, the soon-to-be-discontinued Honda City now also gets a new 17.7” Digipad 2.0 infotainment system.
Commenting on the latest development Senior Vice President & Director Marketing and Sales of Honda India Mr Rajesh Goel said:
“The new Digipad 2.0 in the Honda City will provide enhanced features, along with greater access and connectivity on the go to our customers, thereby delivering ease and convenience.”
The upgraded BS-VI compliant 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine delivers the same maximum power and peak torque as the BS-IV version– 119hp and 145 Nm, respectively. Transmission choices remain same with 5-speed manual or CVT. The same upgraded petrol engine will also be deployed in the BR-V 7-seat MPV in India.
Related: All New Honda City Displayed at 2019 Thai Motor Expo
The current-gen Honda City which was launched in India back in 2014 will be replaced by the all-new 2020 Honda City (pictured above) that was revealed in Thailand last month and has been seen undergoing testing on the Indian roads quite a few times already. The all-new Honda City is likely to make its appearance at the upcoming Auto Expo to be held at Greater Noida, UP, India in February 2020.
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
