Branded Content: Ahead of the game

Technology in the cars we drive today has changed dramatically over the years. Just ask your dad or mom. The cars they learnt driving in were in all probability no-frills machines. Basic features such as air-conditioning and a stereo system were considered luxuries, and the only piece of ‘tech’ was probably the black-box-like Electronic Control Unit or ECU that controlled vital parts of the car’s electronic system such as fuel injection, idle speed control, air-conditioning and more. Today, of course, is a whole different story. Technology is one of the building blocks of contemporary automobiles. One doesn’t have to look too far for evidence of how technology has been greatly enriching safety, connectivity and driving experience in cars. The new Honda City e:HEV is a case in point. It splendidly illustrates how best to combine innovative technology and enhanced efficiency in a package that gets all the essentials spot on.

Smart and sophisticated

The Honda Connect app lets you control various features such as remote AC operation, live car location and more

Driving the Honda City has always been a delight, but with the City e:HEV, Honda has raised the stakes higher than ever before. The City e:HEV, in fact, presents a compelling case for hybrids. This Honda has a bunch of big draws, but let’s start with the intricate powertrain that gets it going. Thanks to its flourishing 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine with two additional electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, the City e:HEV breezes through peak traffic with ease. The hybrid motor mated to an eCVT gearbox makes the daily commute to the office, or the morning school trip effortless and relaxed. Capable of generating a combined power output of 126PS and a staggering 253NM of torque, the Honda City e:HEV is as lightning quick as it is comfortable; and perfect for long cross-country drives or some weekend fun. However, despite its impressive power and refinement, its fuel efficiency of 27.13kpl is perhaps the star of the show putting all your fuel efficiency worries to rest once and for all.

The City e:HEV is capable of three drive modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive – and intelligently switches between them, so you can fully concentrate on enjoying the drive. EV Drive mode runs exclusively on the electric motor offering a quiet and emission-free experience perfect for driving on urban streets. Building on the strengths of both units, Hybrid Drive synergises the combined powers of the engine and the electric motors delivering unparalleled performance and enhanced fuel efficiency. Lastly, there’s Engine Drive making the most out of the ever-reliable and refined 1.5-litre engine pushing it to the limit for maximised performance. The City e:HEV’s accomplished Regenerative Braking system ensures the batteries never run out of juice; guaranteeing a rewarding driving experience transcending road and traffic conditions.

Conveniently located wireless charging tray is a boon

Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or lounging on the rear bench while the chauffeur drives you around, the City has you covered. Honda is known for its expertise in leveraging space in its cars and the City is no different. The ergonomics are spot on with broad front seats that are supportive and exceptionally comfortable with the perfect amount of cushioning. Even at the rear, there’s ample legroom, the seat is precisely angled and the support is spot on.

Honda sensing and safety 

The stellar engine, however, is just a part of what makes this car so special. The City e:HEV is like a gift that keeps on giving with its enhanced safety tech. Offering a host of features such as its state-of-the-art ADAS suite aptly named Honda Sensing – also available in the petrol variant – the City has all the makings of a true competitor vying for the top spot. The wide-angle camera-based ADAS suite comes with all the bells and whistles amplifying safety and security.

Driving on endless stretches of highway is both relaxing and gratifying. However, switching lanes on the highway can be a notoriously tricky affair. Rear-view mirrors help, but they’re often limited by their blind spots. The City enjoys driver-forward features such as the sublime Lane Watch camera offering drivers an enhanced view of traffic on the highways making switching lanes a breeze. The Adaptive Cruise Control system further augments long distance highway driving. It also boasts a Collision Mitigating Braking System that intelligently slows down the car; minimising the risk of traffic collision. There’s also the Road Departure Mitigation System, and Lane Keep Assist System with steering assistance for enhanced safety. Completing the highlights of its ADAS suite, Honda introduces the Lead Car Departure Notification System, which uses audio and visual alerts to inform the driver if the preceding vehicle in traffic begins moving. This feature ensures stress-free driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Lastly, there’s the Auto High Beam feature that switches between low and high beam, as per the oncoming traffic. The City e:HEV also prides itself on its laundry list of other safety features, including, but not limited to six airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, rain sensing wipers, ISOFIX compatible rear side seats with lower anchorage and top tether, auto headlamps and Auto Dimming Inside Rear View Mirror that helps reduce glare and improve visibility for the driver.

Upping the ante

The City e:HEV gets Electric Regenerative Braking to charge the lithium-ion battery.

Adding to its already impressive and feature-rich ADAS suite, the new Honda City e:HEV also offers seamless connected tech features through the exceptional Honda Connect system. Packing in over 37 features, the Honda Connect suite allows you to control your car remotely at the touch of a button. Simply download the Honda Connect app on your smartphone or link the app with your smartwatch and be notified about your car’s location, perform remote operations, including AC control, door lock/unlock, boot open and even geo-fence it. You could also track your trips, share your car’s live location, be notified about tyre deflation or even perform remote diagnostics to find out if everything is working well in your City. The app also makes your life safer by sending crash or theft notifications. The Honda Connect suite comes with the industry-best, 5-year free subscription package.

The Honda City also comes enabled with Amazon Alexa-based voice commands for fuel status, car service information, car dashboard and a lot more.

A timeless icon

The City Was Ahead Of The Game When It Was Launched And It Still Is.

Fuelled by the City’s rich history and legacy, Honda has since continued to build upon the many successes of the City’s previous generations. With each generation taking giant strides forward in terms of technology and performance, the City e:HEV is the culmination of Honda’s efforts and innovation; all packaged with the timeless badge. A lot may have changed since the City’s first foray into the Indian market, but one thing remains the same. The Honda City was ahead of the game back then, and it still is.