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What type of engine is the Honda City?

The Honda City is powered primarily by a gasoline engine—the standard setup in most markets is a 1.5-liter inline-4 with i-VTEC—and a hybrid variant called the City e:HEV uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors. This article breaks down current engine types across major markets and generations.


Typical gasoline engine in most markets


Most current non-hybrid City models rely on a single petrol engine, paired with automatic or manual transmissions depending on the trim and market. Here are the essential points:



  • 1.5-liter inline-4 petrol engine with i-VTEC variable timing

  • Transmission options include CVT in most configurations and a manual gearbox on select trims and markets

  • All current non-hybrid City models use petrol (gasoline); diesel options are not offered in major markets


In practice, this combination offers a balance of efficiency and practicality, with real-world fuel economy varying by driving conditions and tuning.


Hybrid variant: City e:HEV


The City’s hybrid version uses Honda’s i-MMD multi-motor system and a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine to deliver improved efficiency, especially in urban driving. The key attributes of this variant include:



  • 1.5-liter petrol engine configured for Atkinson-cycle operation

  • Two electric motors (one for propulsion, one as a generator) and a dedicated battery pack

  • i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) hybrid system that can operate on electric power at low speeds and switch to gasoline when needed


Availability of the City e:HEV varies by market, with the hybrid option commonly offered in many Asian markets, Europe, and parts of Oceania, and sometimes not offered in areas due to regulatory or cost considerations.


Market notes and what to expect


Engine options for the Honda City have evolved with generations. The latest models maintain a focus on efficiency from a 1.5-liter propulsion block, while hybrid variants reflect Honda’s broader electrification strategy. Prospective buyers should verify local specifications to confirm the exact engine and transmission pairing for their trim and market.


Summary


The Honda City is primarily powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine in non-hybrid form, with a hybrid City e:HEV option that uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an i-MMD electric-motor system. Transmission setups typically include CVT, with occasional manual options by market. Availability of the hybrid variant varies by country.

Is the Honda City 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder?


The City is a 5 seater 4 cylinder car and has length of 4583 mm, width of 1748 mm and a wheelbase of 2600 mm.



Which engine is used in Honda City?


The Honda City 2020-2023 has 1 Diesel Engine and 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 1498 cc while the Petrol engine is 1498 cc .



Does Honda City have VTEC?


All variants were powered by the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine which delivers 118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp) of power with 146 Nm of maximum torque.



What is a 1.5 L engine?


A 1.5L engine is an engine with a total displacement of 1.5 liters, meaning the combined volume of its cylinders is 1,500 cubic centimeters. This size typically provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for everyday driving in smaller to mid-size vehicles. Some 1.5L engines are turbocharged, which boosts their performance without increasing their displacement. 
What it means for performance and efficiency

  • Displacement: "L" stands for liters, which is a measure of the engine's total volume. A 1.5L engine has a cylinder capacity of approximately 1,500cc (1.5 liters). 
  • Power and fuel economy: The engine size is a general indicator of power. A larger engine can often produce more power, but a 1.5L engine is designed to offer a good balance between providing adequate power for most daily driving and maintaining good fuel efficiency. 
  • Turbocharging: Some 1.5L engines are turbocharged, which means they use a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. This allows a smaller-displacement engine to produce more power and torque, as seen in the Chevy Equinox and Honda Civic. 
  • Application: Because of their blend of efficiency and performance, 1.5L engines are commonly used in sedans, compact SUVs, and other smaller vehicles for daily commuting and general use. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.