Next-gen Honda City - New PF2 Platform, Hybrid Engine, Launch Details

Japanese automaker, Honda will launch multiple new SUVs with hybrid powertrains in the Indian market. Despite slowing demand for sedans, Honda Cars India will continue to sell sedan cars in India. The hugely popular Honda City will also enter the next generation. The next Honda City will be based on a new platform and will have a new and locally developed hybrid engine. 

Next-gen Honda City - PF2 platform

The next-gen City sedan will be based on an all-new PF2 architecture, which will be a modular platform. This platform will be hybrid-compatible and will be used to develop Honda’s future products including SUVs and sedans in India. The new PF2 architecture will be significantly localised, which will help Honda Cars India to achieve competitive pricing. 

Hybrid Engine

The current Honda City is equipped with the brand’s e:HEV hybrid engine, which features a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. The sedan is claimed to offer a certified fuel efficiency of 26.5kmpl. This engine is fully imported to India, which makes it expensive. 

It is expected that the new PF2 hybrid-ready platform will be fitted with a localised version of Honda’s hybrid engine. This will help Honda to improve its market position in the market. Moreover, the demand for hybrid cars are expected to increase as the Government of India is ready to introduce stringent CAFE norms.

Launch Details

Before the next-gen City sedan, Honda will launch two new SUVs, including an all-new electric SUV and a new 7-seater SUV with a hybrid powertrain. It is expected that the next-gen Honda City will be launched in the country by 2028. 

Also See - Upcoming Maruti and Toyota SUVs in FY2025-26