Abhijeet A
Hello friends! If you’re a fan of premium sedans, you’ve probably felt the pang of missing a true legend: the Honda Civic. That’s why the internet has been buzzing with exciting rumors that an all-new, stunning 2025 Honda City is launching soon, packed with a powerful hybrid engine and luxury features to fill that void.
But before you start picturing this new beauty in your driveway, let me be your trusted auto dost (friend) and tell you what’s really happening. Is the king of sedans getting a massive upgrade, or is it just a rumor? And more importantly, how does the fantastic Honda City you can buy today stack up against its toughest rivals, the Hyundai Verna and the Volkswagen Virtus? Let’s find out!
The Rumor Mill: What a “New 2025 City” is Said to Offer
First things first, let’s be clear: As of August 2025, Honda has NOT officially announced an all-new 2025 City model. The news you are seeing is based on online speculation. However, these rumors are exciting because they talk about features from the international models. Here’s what the “new” City is rumored to bring.
| Feature | What it Would Mean for You |
| Bolder New Design | A sharper, more aggressive look, possibly inspired by the global Honda Accord. |
| More Powerful Hybrid | Rumors suggest a tweak to the existing hybrid system for even better performance. |
| Upgraded Interior | A larger, more advanced touchscreen and even better quality materials inside the cabin. |
| Advanced Safety | An enhanced version of Honda Sensing (their ADAS feature) with more capabilities. |
What This Means for Your Wallet: Rumor vs. Reality
Any price you see for a “new 2025 City” is purely a guess. Let’s talk about the real money for the amazing sedans you can actually buy today. The current Honda City is already a premium offering, especially its unique Hybrid version.
Here’s the actual on-road price of the current champions in our big cities.
| Car Model | On-Road Price (Delhi, Top Model) |
| Honda City e:HEV (Hybrid) | ~₹23.90 Lakh |
| Hyundai Verna Turbo DCT | ~₹20.50 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Virtus GT | ~₹22.50 Lakh |
| Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI | ~₹22.75 Lakh |
(Note: These are actual, estimated on-road prices for the top-end automatic variants.)
The Real-World Battle: City vs. Verna vs. Virtus
Since the new City is just a rumor, let’s compare the kings that rule the roads today. This is a fierce battle of Japanese reliability, Korean technology, and German performance.
| Feature | Honda City | Hyundai Verna | VW Virtus / Skoda Slavia |
| Engine & Performance | Smooth & Refined | Punchy & Quick (160 bhp) | Explosive & Thrilling (150 bhp) |
| Mileage (“Kitna deti hai?”) | Excellent (27+ kmpl Hybrid) | Good (~20 kmpl) | Good (~19 kmpl) |
| Rear Seat Comfort | WINNER (The Benchmark) | Good, but a bit low | Good, but a bit firm |
| Safety | Good (ASEAN NCAP 5-Star) | 5-Star GNCAP Rating | 5-Star GNCAP Rating |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Unbeatable comfort & hybrid mileage. Weakness: Not as powerful as the turbos. | Feature: Packed with the most tech. Weakness: Divisive styling. | Feature: Incredible driving fun & solid build. Weakness: Interior feels a bit plain. |
Our Verdict: Should You Wait for a New City?
So, the big question: do you wait for a new City that might not be coming soon, or buy one of the fantastic sedans available now? Here’s our direct advice.
- For the “Comfort and Reliability” Seeker: The current Honda City is an absolute ‘BUY’ If you want the most comfortable back seat, a super-smooth engine, and legendary Honda reliability, don’t wait. The current Honda City is still the king of comfort. We’ve spent hours in its back seat in traffic, and it’s a wonderfully relaxing place to be. The City Hybrid, while expensive, is a technological marvel that gives you unbelievable mileage. It’s a true ‘paisa vasool’ car in the long run.
- For the “Driving Enthusiast”: The Virtus/Slavia is a ‘BUY’ If you love to drive, the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia with their 1.5 TSI engine are the cars for you. That engine is pure magic on an open highway and will put a bigger smile on your face than any other sedan in this class.
- For the “Tech and Features” Lover: The Hyundai Verna is a ‘BUY’ The Verna is like a smartphone on wheels. It’s packed with the most features, including a brilliant ADAS system, and its turbo-petrol engine is incredibly quick. It offers an unbeatable combination of tech, performance, and 5-star safety.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
So, is the 2025 Honda City launch in India officially confirmed?
No. As of August 2025, Honda has made no official announcement about a new City for 2025. The current facelift model launched in 2023 is the latest version available.
Why was the diesel engine discontinued in the Honda City?
Honda discontinued the diesel engine due to the stringent BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, which made small diesel engines very expensive to produce. They are now focusing on their excellent petrol and petrol-hybrid engines.
Which car has the best back seat comfort for family use?
The Honda City is still the champion when it comes to back seat comfort. It has the most supportive seats, ample legroom, and a great sense of space, making it perfect for family trips.
Is the Honda City Hybrid really worth the extra money?
If you have a very high monthly running (more than 2000 km a month), the fuel savings from the hybrid’s incredible mileage can help you recover the extra cost over a few years. It’s also a very smooth and silent car to drive in the city. For most people, however, the regular petrol City offers better value.
