The early morning light catches the refined lines of the 2025 Honda City as it glides through Mumbai’s awakening streets. This latest iteration of Honda’s popular sedan represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a dramatic reinvention.
It builds on the strong foundation of previous generations while adapting to changing consumer expectations and advancing technology. After spending several days with the new City across urban traffic, highways, and winding ghat roads, it is clear that Honda has refined this model with purposeful enhancements that elevate the ownership experience without compromising its core strengths.
Now in its seventh generation globally (sixth for the Indian market), the 2025 City arrives at an important moment for midsize sedans. While SUVs continue to dominate sales, sedans remain relevant in India due to their efficiency, maneuverability, and strong value proposition.
Honda acknowledges this reality and has invested in meaningful improvements rather than just keeping the City alive as a legacy model.
Instead of chasing design trends or adding gimmicky features, the new City stays true to what has made it successful—refined driving dynamics, a premium yet practical cabin, and a reputation for reliability. The result is a sedan that remains a compelling choice despite the growing popularity of crossovers and compact SUVs.
Design
The exterior of the 2025 City follows a philosophy of evolutionary refinement rather than drastic changes. The athletic proportions remain, with a long hood, flowing roofline, and short rear deck giving it a dynamic presence. The differences lie in the details, which make the new model more sophisticated and premium.
At the front, a revised grille with horizontal slats creates a wider look, flanked by sleeker LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights. Higher trims now feature adaptive headlight technology, adjusting the beam pattern based on traffic and steering inputs. The lower bumper has larger air intakes, serving both functional cooling and aesthetic purposes.
From the side, the City maintains its clean lines with subtle character creases that catch the light without looking overly sculpted. The greenhouse tapers slightly towards the rear, enhancing aerodynamics while preserving excellent visibility. New wheel designs range from 15-inch alloys on base models to 16-inch diamond-cut alloys on top trims.
The rear design features a redesigned trunk lid with an integrated spoiler for better aerodynamics. LED taillights now extend partially into the trunk, creating a distinctive light signature. The bumper has a subtle diffuser element that adds a sporty touch without being excessive.
The City is available in seven colors, including the new Obsidian Blue Pearl, which shifts under different lighting, and Platinum White Pearl, which adds a luxurious feel. Across all paint options, the finish quality is exceptional, with deep metallic reflections that give the car a more premium presence.
Interior
Step inside, and the new City immediately feels more refined. The dashboard layout emphasizes horizontal lines, making the cabin feel wider and more spacious. A semi-floating 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display serves as the technological centerpiece, complemented by slim air vents and soft-touch materials on frequently used surfaces.
Material quality has improved, with soft-touch panels extending to the upper door trims and center console. Piano black accents are used tastefully, while brushed aluminum-effect trims add visual depth without looking excessive.
The front seats are designed for long-distance comfort while offering enough lateral support for spirited driving. Higher trims now include 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with lumbar support—a rarity in this segment. The steering column is tilt and telescopically adjustable, making it easy to find the ideal driving position.
Rear-seat space remains one of the City’s strongest attributes. A flat floor and generous legroom comfortably accommodate three adults, unlike many rivals that only claim to do so. The seatback angle offers the right balance between support and comfort, while a folding center armrest adds convenience. Rear AC vents ensure even cooling, and USB-C charging ports keep devices powered on long journeys.
The audio system, especially in higher trims, deserves praise. An eight-speaker setup developed with a premium audio brand delivers deep bass and clear midrange tones. Active noise cancellation further enhances cabin quietness, making music and conversation more enjoyable.
Storage is well thought out, with a large glovebox, deep door pockets, and a center console with configurable cupholders. The 506-liter trunk is among the largest in its segment, featuring a wide opening and low lift-over height for easier loading. A 60:40 split-folding rear seatback increases versatility for carrying larger items.
Performance
The 2025 Honda City offers two powertrain options, catering to different driving needs. The standard engine remains a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol unit with variable valve timing, producing 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. While the power increase over the previous model is modest, the improved torque curve enhances drivability, especially at lower speeds.
Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT with paddle shifters that simulate seven gear ratios. The manual is precise with well-defined shifts, while the CVT has been refined to reduce the “rubber-band” effect, making acceleration feel more natural.
A new hybrid variant joins the lineup, featuring a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors. This setup delivers a combined 126 horsepower and fuel efficiency of up to 27 km/l under standard testing conditions. Unlike traditional hybrids, this system operates without a conventional gearbox, ensuring smooth and seamless acceleration.
In real-world conditions, the standard petrol version achieves around 18-19 km/l with the manual and 17-18 km/l with the CVT. The hybrid significantly improves efficiency, delivering 25-27 km/l, making it an excellent option for high-mileage users.
Driving Experience
The 2025 City retains its front-wheel-drive layout but benefits from a 15% increase in chassis rigidity, achieved through greater use of high-strength steel. This enhances stability and crash safety without adding weight.
The suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, tuned for a balance between comfort and handling. Revisions to the damping improve ride quality over rough roads while keeping body roll in check during cornering.
Steering response has been sharpened with a quicker ratio and better weighting at higher speeds. While not sports-car precise, the City feels confident on winding roads, maintaining its reputation for enjoyable driving dynamics. The brake pedal has also been recalibrated for a more linear feel, making smooth stops easier.
Highway stability is impressive, with minimal wind and road noise, thanks to additional insulation in the firewall and floor pan. The hybrid version is particularly quiet at low speeds, operating in EV mode whenever possible.
Technology and Safety
Technology plays a significant role in the 2025 City’s appeal. The 10.2-inch infotainment system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, real-time navigation, and over-the-air updates. The user interface is more intuitive, with faster responses and simplified menus.
The driver’s digital instrument cluster offers customizable layouts, including traditional dials and an efficiency-focused mode for hybrid variants. Honda’s voice recognition system now understands natural language commands for navigation, climate control, and entertainment.
Honda Sensing, the company’s active safety suite, has been expanded for 2025. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. A 360-degree camera system is now available on top trims, assisting with tight parking spaces.
Connected car features through Honda Connect allow remote engine start, vehicle tracking, and service scheduling via a smartphone app. Geofencing alerts and driving behavior analysis add convenience for families and fleet operators.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Honda City starts at ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol manual variant, with top-end hybrid models reaching ₹18 lakh. While slightly more expensive than competitors like the Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Virtus, the City justifies its price with superior refinement, features, and fuel efficiency.
Honda offers a 3-year/100,000 km standard warranty, extendable to 5 years. Hybrid components receive an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Honda City remains one of the most well-rounded sedans in the Indian market. By refining its strengths rather than reinventing itself, Honda has created a car that feels premium, efficient, and enjoyable to drive. Whether you prioritize comfort, technology, or fuel economy, the new City delivers a balanced package that stands strong against the SUV wave.
FAQs
What is the mileage of the 2025 Honda City?
The petrol variant delivers up to 19 km/l, while the hybrid offers 27 km/l.
Does the new Honda City have a hybrid option?
Yes, a strong hybrid variant with 27 km/l efficiency is available.
What are the safety features in the 2025 City?
It includes six airbags, Honda Sensing ADAS, and a 360-degree camera.
What is the price of the 2025 Honda City?
Prices range from ₹12 lakh to ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Does the Honda City support wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
