Honda City e:HEV, Track Test

When I first drove the Honda City e:HEV a few months ago, I was really impressed by the amount of technology it offered, especially its twin-motor strong hybrid system, the subtle styling updates that differentiate it from the standard variants, like the new two-tone ivory and black theme inside, and its noteworthy ride quality. And when I saw it enter the BIC’s pits in its signature Radiant Red Metallic colour, there was no doubt left in my mind that it simply champions the idea of understated styling.

Speaking of the pits, as soon as the car was handed over to us at the track, I was particularly eager to take it out for some hot laps. Let me explain why. The City e:HEV’s hybrid powertrain develops an impressive 124.7bhp and 253Nm of torque compared to the standard petrol-powered City’s 120bhp and 145Nm. In addition, it also gets rear disc brakes and a heavily retuned suspension. So, it was a good opportunity for me to gauge just how much of a difference more power, stronger braking and a retuned suspension setup had made to the City’s overall character.

On the track, I admit it was far from quick – the increase in power and torque figures did not help much. As a result, it did not score much in terms of its lap time. But with sharper handling and more confident braking, the City hybrid proved itself to be a more capable machine than the standard City. Plus, if you notice, the City e:HEV scored quite well in all other categories, especially in practicality, space, and comfort.
 
At ₹19.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the City e:HEV is about ₹4.5 lakh more expensive than the top-spec petrol ZX CVT variant. But for the premium it demands, the City e:HEV brings along Honda’s state-of-the-art hybrid technology, which offers exceptional real-life fuel economy figures, the Honda Sensing suite of active driver assistance systems, more features, a bespoke interior colourway, and exceptional comfort and ride quality levels. So, if you ask me, the City e:HEV makes a very strong case for itself.

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Honda City e:HEV Hybrid Review: First Drive

Honda City e:HEV launched in India and is priced at Rs 19.50 lakh