Honda to launch City variant with i-VTEC engine

Honda City, the market leader in the sedan segment, is all set for the launch of its latest variant, sporting the 1.5 litre i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine, later this week.

The new City is expected to take a minor upward price revision, but hopes to maintain its market leadership, thanks to the contemporary technology and minor changes in the external and internal looks.

The three current versions of the City are priced between Rs 6.52 lakh and Rs 7.62 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and sells around 3,200-3,400 units a month.

Market sources said that the timing of the launch of the new City is a move to counter Ford India's plans to launch the all new Fiesta.

Honda Siel officials, though, said that the company was not countering any moves planned by competition. Honda Siel's head of marketing Rajive Saharia said, "I have my own plans and this has nothing to do with competition."

He, however, confirmed that the launch was slated for later this week and details of the new version and its price would be made available then. "There have been lot of views floating around about the new City. All questions will be answered during the press briefing later this week," Saharia said.

Though the Ford Fiesta could offer fresh competition for the Honda City, the segment now has three other prominent models - Ford Ikon, Hyundai Accent and Tata Indigo.

Despite low volumes, Suzuki Baleno is also a contender in the premium C-segment.

Honda City made its debut in India in January 1998. After a few minor corrections, the next major change came a little over five years later in October 2003, when the new City was launched.

Honda officials said that since April this year, the City has emerged as the largest selling Sedan in the country, replacing the position held by Tata Indigo.

This despite the sizeable price difference between the two models.