by Updated Honda City spotted without camouflage ahead of its premiere in India
For Honda in Asia, the City sedan is one of the most important models, and the brand has just placed this region at the center of its plans. A new hybrid-focused strategy identifies North America, Japan, and India as priority markets. Just in time, the updated Honda City for the Indian market has been spotted completely without camouflage ahead of its scheduled unveiling.
Second update for the fifth generation
The fifth-generation Honda City was introduced in 2019 and received a minor update in 2023. The second update for 2026 brings more substantial changes, helping the model remain competitive against the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and VW Virtus.
The leak came thanks to journalist Akbar Merchant, who published photos of a prototype without any camouflage. The images effectively reveal the design before the official debut on May 22. Based on the visible changes, a render was created showing the updated front end combined with the existing silhouette.
EXCLUSIVE! Here is your first look at the updated Honda City for India ahead of the May 22 launch.
Exterior design changes
The main change is the front end. Narrower LED headlights frame a more modern grille with a honeycomb pattern, the chrome strip is gone, replaced by a body-colored element, and the Honda emblem has moved to the hood. The front bumper has also been redesigned, featuring updated air intakes and a sharper splitter.
The car’s profile appears to remain largely unchanged, but Honda will likely introduce new colors and alloy wheels. At the rear, the sedan may get updated LED taillight graphics, possibly combined with minor bumper tweaks.
Expected interior updates
The interior is where the pressure for updates is greatest. Indian buyers have become more demanding of automotive technology and comfort. The current 8-inch infotainment screen will likely increase in size. A 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and a more advanced Honda Sensing safety package are also expected.
Illustration: Thanos Pappas for Carscoops
Powertrains unchanged
Mechanically, continuity is expected. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine will remain, producing 119 hp (89 kW) and driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The e:HEV hybrid will also stay in the lineup, with a combined output of 125 hp (93 kW).
Launch date and prices
All details about the 2026 Honda City will be announced during the official presentation scheduled for May 22. The current model in India costs from 11,99,900 rupees (about $12,500 at current exchange rates), although the e:HEV version starts significantly higher at 19,99,900 rupees ($20,800).
The City is not the cheapest Honda sedan in the country, being undercut by the smaller Amaze model, which starts at 7,51,390 rupees ($7,800).
Honda
Future plans
Starting in 2028, Honda plans to expand its lineup in India with “strategic models” in the most popular segments. The company will also double down on its motorcycle business, hoping to attract more buyers looking to upgrade to a car.
This update shows that Honda continues to invest in the compact sedan segment, which remains important for Asian markets. While the design changes are noticeable, especially up front, the key question remains how substantial the technology updates in the cabin will be to compete with more modern offerings from other manufacturers. The strategic focus on India as one of three priority markets indicates the company’s long-term plans in a region where demand for affordable and economical cars continues to grow.
