Honda has unveiled its new self-charging hybrid car–the City e:HEV–in India. The hybrid sedan, based on regular City sedan models, will be launched in only one variant: the ZX, with full options.

Bookings for the new vehicle have already commenced in India and Honda plans to roll out its first hybrid vehicle in the first week of May.

Design

The City e:HEV is based on the City sedan’s regular model, but gets new changes such as a revised grille with blue H-mark logo, e:HEV signature rear emblem, one-touch electric sunroof with slide/tilt function, rear diffuser, and body coloured trunk spoiler. 

The sedan comes with a dual-tone interior with leather-upholstered seats. On the dashboard sits a 7-inch HD colour instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen display infotainment system.

Engine

The Honda City e:HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that is paired to a two electric-motor set-up (traction motor and generator motor). The petrol engine, mated to an e-CVT, generates a power of 97 hp and a torque of 127 Nm. The generator motor acts as a starter and it generates electrical energy to charge the battery. The traction motor is the vehicle’s primary propulsion unit that is capable of generating 107 hp of power and a torque of 253 Nm. Overall, the vehicle generates 124 hp of power.

The hybrid vehicle comes with three non-selectable driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive. EV Drive mode is the default driving mode, until the vehicle gets to 80 kmph (even though the engine switches on/off regularly to charge the battery). From 80-120 kmph, the clutch disengages the electric part of the powertrain and the 1.5-litre engine takes over. 

The Hybrid Drive mode is engaged when the traction motor draws power from the generator motor to provide an acceleration boost while climbing steep ascents or when overtaking, and also when driving above 120 kmph.

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Specifications

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Features

The City e-HEV comes with a plethora of convenience features such as smart key system with keyless remote, push start/stop button, automatic climate control with the Max Cool mode, electric air conditioning compressor, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with mounted control buttons, deceleration selector paddle shifters, driver seat height-adjuster, follow-me-home lamp, and LED ambient lamp.

The hybrid sedan comes with a Honda Sensing technology that features Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam.

Other notable safety features include six airbags, front pretensioner seat belts with load limiter, electric parking brake with automatic brake hold, rear parking sensors (4), ABS with EBD and BA, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with electronic stability and traction control, and vehicle immobiliser with security system alarm.

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