2020 Honda City gets turbo-diesel power...in India

Honda gives 2020 City a 1.5-liter i-DTEC turbo-diesel in India with 200 Nm of torque

Despite the prevalence of hybrids and electric powertrains that serve as an alternative to the traditional internal combustion engine, there are still those that believe in turbo-diesel power. Take for example Honda India who recently released the specifications of the 2020 City.

First revealed in Thailand back in November last year, the Indian-spec City looks the same as the one made in The Land of Smiles. But one key difference that makes this particular model unique is the availability of turbo-diesel under the hood.

You read right, 2020 City in India can be specified with a 1.5-liter i-DTEC turbo-diesel engine that the automaker claims will deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy. It makes 100 PS at 3600 rpm along with a generous 200 Nm of torque at 1750 pm. No automatic transmissions or CVTs here as the i-DTEC engine can only be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With it, Honda claims the diesel-powered City is capable of averaging 24.1 km/l.

Not a fan of the turbo-diesel engine? The Indian-spec 2020 City is also available with the carried-over 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with i-VTEC. It makes 121 PS at 6600 rpm along with 145 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or a CVT.

Besides having the option of having a turbo-diesel engine, Honda India also added some premium touches in 2020 City. It gets a beige-colored interior, an optional sunroof, a 6.9-inch full-color TFT instrument panel, soft padded interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and faux wood grain garnishes. Amazon Alexa is available as an option for easier management of infotainment-based apps, and other in-car functions.

Could Honda offer the diesel-powered City outside of India? It's highly unlikely as the engine has been geared towards India's strict diesel emission standards. But if Honda somehow found a way to offer the engine in other markets like the Philippines, the City might be able to attract those that are looking for a subcompact sedan with diesel power aside from the Hyundai Accent.