The City marque might not click with the audience from all over the world. However, it does so quite evidently with consumers residing in developing markets in South-East Asia. And they will be eager to know when is it entering the next generation. Well, we have a debut date for the all-new Honda City. It will break cover on November 25, 2019, in Thailand. Once launched there, it will eventually enter homologation and repackaging programs for India.

As you might have guessed, information about the fifth-gen Honda City is scarce at the moment. However, Honda has highlighted a couple of features. One, it will get a new turbocharged engine which will not only offer a more powerful performance but also be 33 per cent more fuel-efficient. This claim is for the Thai market and might not hold for India. Two, the new City will boast “a sporty and luxurious exterior design, and a more spacious cabin.” Although subjective, these design cues should make their way to India too.

So, what else should you expect from the new Honda City for India? Firstly, and rather predictably, it will comply with Bharat Stage 6 levels of emission norms. Secondly, it will have both petrol and diesel engine options. Unlike Maruti Suzuki, which is unlikely to offer any diesel-fed models after March 31, 2020, Honda will upgrade both its diesel mills currently available in India. Thirdly, Honda is likely to pack the City with enough gizmos to worry rivals.

Fourthly, it will play on its strengths and offer ample space for both living and non-living things. Lastly, the sedan will become Honda’s platform to introduce mild-hybrid tech in India. The fuel-saving, acceleration-enhancing powertrain will later find its way into other Honda products as well.

India should get the new City by the end of next year. Until then, Honda is expected to offer the outgoing version with upgraded powertrains. What does your gut say? Will the new City pack enough oomph to match or dethrone the Hyundai Verna in the performance department? Will it be priced competitively to worry the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz? And, will it worry the Germans (Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid) in fit and finish?