Honda is set to offer a hybrid version of the City C-segment sedan by the middle of this year here.
Revealed for the Malaysian market in August last year, the car looks similar to the City RS sold overseas and will further strengthen the City’s dominance in its segment in India after it gets launched.
The Honda City Hybrid makes use of the firm’s intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system that consists of an integrated Starter Generator (ISG) which is coupled with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, and a second electric motor which is fed by a Lithium-ion battery pack housed at the rear.
While the Atkinson Cycle petrol motor makes 98 PS and 127 Nm, the electric motor puts out 109 PS and 253 Nm of torque and it drives the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox.
Based on the driving scenario the driver could draw power from only the engine, or from both the engine and electric motor or operate the sedan in electric mode. Information like driving efficiency, energy flow, among others will be displayed via the MID.
Since the ISG would also provide idle stop function, the Honda City Hybrid is expected to be very frugal. Whether is does better than the City diesel variant in the real world is to be seen.
When it gets launched, the Honda City Hybrid, will cost in the Rs. 15-18 lakhs region while the non-hybrid model currently costs between Rs. 11 lakhs and Rs. 14.85 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Source – AutocarIndia.com