Honda’s popular selling sedan, the City, has been spotted on test in Europe. The test mule visually appears to be slightly longer than the regular model, thereby indicating a possibility that this might be the hybrid powertrain with twin motors version. The vehicle also featured a new set of alloy wheels that is commonly seen in the bigger Honda cars like the Civic and the Accord.
Japanese automaker, Honda, has been working on the hybrid system for nearly a year now. Moreover, the company has also used the technology in the Accord. Combined with a twin motor system, it is expected to be independently used on the front wheels. Technical details of the hybrid version is not revealed for now and it might be known in the coming months. Currently, in India, the Honda City is available in 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine options which generate 119bhp and 100bhp respectively. The petrol version is available in five-speed manual as well as CVT option, while the diesel version is limited to a six-speed manual transmission.
Honda is unlikely to get the City hybrid to India anytime soon due to heavy taxes on hybrids which currently stands at 43 per cent under GST. However, over a period of time with rising environmental concerns and most manufacturers progressing to greener alternatives, it will be only a matter of time before the government once again decides to offer benefits on hybrid cars.
