Even as this page went into print, Honda has just launched the updated, face-lifted new City for the Thailand market. Interestingly, Honda has launched the 2017 City at the same price as its predecessor, but the new model incorporates quite a few cosmetic upgrades. The new City has already been spied doing the testing rounds in India and is expected to be launched here later this year.
The 2017 City is a mid-cycle or mid-model upgrade to the current generation and features a reworked front and rear exterior design. The front grille now has even more chrome in its frame and its design is meant to tow the family line of many of Hondas other cars. The front and rear fenders have been completely redesigned and there is the addition of LED daytime running lights to the headlamps. The tail-lamp units also get LED and the design is larger with a new configuration. Inside the cabin, the 2017 City gets a new dashboard fascia, with high set aircon vents, new leather seats option and an updated infotainment system, with smartphone connectivity for both Android and Apple devices (Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility). There is also the addition of paddle shifters on the steering wheel for the CVT automatic transmission versions.
The engines are likely to remain the same in the 1.5 i-VTEC petrol and the 1.5 i-DTEC diesel. They are most likely to be carried forward in the same state of tune. There shouldn’t be any complaints about this – after all, both these engines are frugal with their fuel consumption and are perfectly tuned for performance in the city. For the 2017 model Honda has launched a SV+ trim variant in Thailand with front, side and curtain airbags. It remains to be seen if Honda Car India will bring it here too.