Spy photos in India show camouflaged Honda City facelift for 2023 model year
It's been over 3 years since Honda revealed the fifth-generation City. First launched in Thailand during the 2019 Thailand International Motor Expo, the B-segment sedan surprised everyone with its Civic-like exterior, new Solid Wing face design, bigger dimensions, and more stylish cabin.
Equally impressive is the fact that it's available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder VTEC Turbo engine. Sadly, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. only brought the all-new City to the country with the upgraded 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that now has DOHC instead of SOHC.
With the fifth-generation Honda City now three years old, the subcompact sedan is due for a refresh. And it looks like the automaker is already busy preparing to reveal it soon. Spotted recently in India is what appears to be the 2023 Honda City facelift and it will apparently be revealed sometime in March 2023.
Despite the camouflage livery hiding the exterior changes, it's quite clear the 2023 City will come with cosmetic updates. First are the huge cutouts for the LED taillights which appear to indicate they will have an altered look for the latest refresh. The bumper, on the other hand, looks like it has been modified as well.
Towards the front, we can expect the City to sport an updated grille as well as restyled headlights. Since the rear bumper could also get redesigned, the front bumper will also likely get some tweaks to match the former. Last but not least, new alloy wheel designs may also be available once the 2023 City is officially launched.
Interior pictures of the facelifted City are not yet available. However, we can expect the cabin to be carried over. In addition, Honda could put brand new features like a wireless phone charger, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and additional amenities to keep it up-to-date against its rivals.
Under the hood, the 2023 Honda City will likely continue to be powered by the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that makes 121 PS with 145 Nm of torque. It will then be paired to a CVT that drives the front wheels. The e:HEV version will also likely be offered in India as it will replace the 1.5-liter turbo-diesel engine in order to meet stricter emissions laws.
With only a month to go before the 2023 Honda City supposedly makes its debut in India, we're wondering if Honda Thailand will also reveal it next month. After all, HCPI gets the City from The Land of Smiles. For now, all we can do is wait for future announcements or possible leaks.
Sources: AutoCar India & Motorbeam