The introduction of a manual transmission in the petrol-powered ZX trim of the Honda City led us to believe there’s more to this development than what has been captured in the official release. Honda said that it has made rear parking sensors standard across all trims and that two exterior paint options – Carnelian Red Pearl and Alabaster Silver – have been replaced by Radiant Red Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic.

However, Honda has made more changes to the City’s recipe. First of all, the S trim has been dropped altogether. So, the sedan is now available in four trims – SV, V, VX and ZX. Apart from the ZX trim, all others have received some changes. Let’s start with the SV trim. On the plus side, it has gained two rear accessory sockets and 15-inch alloy wheels. However, it has lost turn indicators on OVRMs, body coloured mud flaps, black finish on B-pillar, chrome inside door handles and power-folding OVRMs.

Next up, the V trim. The Honda City in this derivative now comes without body coloured mud flaps and automatic folding OVRMs. Unfortunately, it doesn’t gain any other features to counterbalance those losses. Lastly, the VX trim. While it gains LED-powered rear combi lamps, it loses LED-powered fog lamps, leather finish on seats, armrests and door trims, assistant dashboard soft touchpad with stitch and gunmetal finish on power window switch panel.

Thankfully, there are no mechanical changes to report. The 1.5-litre petrol engine, which produces 119PS/145Nm, is available with a 6-speed manual and a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The claimed mileage figures are 17.4kmpl for the manual transmission and 18kmpl for CVT. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel mill puts out 100PS/200Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. While the claimed mileage figure for SV and V trims is 25.6kmpl, the same for VX and ZX trims is 25.1kmpl. The Honda City is priced between Rs 9.7 lakh and Rs 14.05 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi).

The City is the oldest surviving marque in Honda Cars India’s portfolio. It has received multiple generation changes since it was first introduced in 1998. Over the years it has gained and lost direct competitors from several carmakers. Presently, it competes with the Hyundai Verna, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Vento, Skoda Rapid and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.