Honda City Hybrid

At the core of the Honda City Hybrid ZX lies an extremely impressive hybrid system that Westerners have enjoyed for decades now

A 1.5-liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, producing around 97 bhp and 109 Nm of torque, and two electric motors(125 bhp, 253 nm), energized by a lithium-ion battery pack. 

For the uninitiated, the Atkinson cycle simply means that the intake valve remains open a little bit longer, allowing some of the fuel-air charge to go back up the chamber. The shortened intake and the lengthened expansion stroke mean more work done per unit of air/fuel mixture and much better efficiency.

This system has one drawback, though—lack of power at low speeds. This is where the star of the show is the traction electric motor, which delivers an impressive 253 Nm of instant torque, providing that immediate, satisfying surge that transforms city driving.

A second electric motor acts as a generator, ensuring the battery remains optimally charged and power is readily available.

During our evaluation, the seamless transitions between the hybrid system's three primary modes were truly impressive. In EV Drive mode, the City Hybrid ZX glides through city streets with the very relaxing quietness we have all come to expect from EVs. It also highlights Honda City's lack of any physical sound insulation, which became pretty apparent when I was left stranded in a traffic jam near Jamia Millia.

Hybrid Drive mode operates best under about 80 kmph or so. Here, the petrol engine hums to life, not directly powering the wheels, but rather acting as a generator, sending energy to the electric motor. This is where the City Hybrid truly shines—I got an eye-opening 29 kmpl reading at 60-65 kmph!

Engine Drive mode takes over when you slam on the race pedal or at about 90 kmph, with the petrol engine directly powering the wheels and occasionally charging the battery. I got about 15 kmpl in engine-only mode—very impressive indeed.
The e-CVT transmission, while smooth for everyday driving, can exhibit the familiar "rubber band" sensation when pushed aggressively, the engine revving before the car fully catches up. The Deceleration Selector Paddle Shifters on either side of the steering wheel allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking. The D mode is the softest, while the B mode allows for one-pedal driving with ease.

One important thing to note about the City Hybrid is that it's quite complex to operate for someone who has zero experience with hybrids. You will need a week or two to get in touch with all the regen modes, EV settings, and other functions. It keeps you on your toes and demands your attention in a very positive manner.

The City Hybrid has two characteristics—one of a full EV and the other of your tried and true Honda City. Which one you get depends on how hard you are driving. The additional 130 kg or so weight gain over the conventional model is pretty apparent during braking and cornering. Luckily, the brakes are up to the mark and stop from 120 kmph to 0 pretty solidly.

The Honda City Hybrid ZX is clearly sculpted for comfort, its suspension meticulously tuned to absorb the often-unforgiving nature of Indian roads. We found the ride to be remarkably compliant, effectively cushioning occupants from the jolts and jars of potholes and uneven surfaces. While it excels at absorbing bumps, the ride can feel a touch unsettled when encountering particularly sharp or deeply rutted roads—a trade-off for its softer setup.

Hopping into the Honda City Hybrid, the first thing you notice is how bright and airy it feels inside, especially with the lighter beige upholstery. It's a welcoming space, and the touches of metallic trim around the vents and steering wheel add a subtle touch of class without being over the top. The seats themselves are genuinely comfortable—they feel like they'd be supportive enough for longer drives, but still have a nice softness for everyday errands.

Getting settled in is easy, thanks to the straightforward layout. The smart key means you just hop in and press the start button to bring the hybrid system to life. The 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment is functional and connects to your phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it's fair to say the graphics and responsiveness aren't cutting-edge. Think of it as reliable rather than dazzling.

While the sunroof does let in a nice amount of light, it's a single-pane unit, not the panoramic kind you might see in some rivals. Speaking of which, cars in its class like the top trims of Virtus, Slavia, and Verna don't even come close to the premiumness factor of this cabin.

Other nice-to-haves include a Wireless Charger in the center console, a Rear Center Foldable Armrest with a Cupholder, and multiple accessory charging ports. The Fully Automatic Climate Control with MAX COOL mode and a PM2.5 Dust & Pollen Cabin Filter ensure a comfortable and healthy cabin environment.

The inclusion of features like Power Adjustable & Folding Door Mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators and an Auto-Wiper system with a Rain Sensor adds to the overall sense of refinement. However, the absence of ventilated seats—a feature increasingly common in this segment—feels like a missed opportunity.

The Honda City Hybrid ZX presents an exterior that is both elegant and subtly distinctive from the classic Honda City.

The front is dominated by the Wide & Thin Front Chrome Upper Grille, flanked by Projector Headlamps with 3-eye L-shaped Plating and integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that create a striking visual signature. The LED Front Fog Lamps are neatly integrated into the bumper, enhancing visibility in adverse conditions.

The car rides on R16 Dual-Tone Diamond-Cut Multi-Spoke Alloy Wheels, which complement its overall aesthetic.
The rear is characterized by the distinctive Z-shaped 3D Wrap-around LED Tail Lamps, which provide excellent visibility and a modern look. The hybrid variant is subtly differentiated by the e:HEV Signature Rear emblem and the Blue H-Mark Logo on the boot—all pointing to its hybrid credentials.
Features like Body-Colored Door Mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators and the obligatory shark fin antenna add to the car's well-rounded appeal.

The City Hybrid is based on the ACE Body Structure, which forms a strong foundation, while a 6 Airbag System (Dual Front i-SRS, Front Seats i-Side & Side Curtain) comes standard along with ABS, TCS, and ESP.

A standout feature is the Honda Sensing suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Auto High-Beam.