The petrol powered version of the Honda City will soon get a 6-speed manual transmission, the very same one that debuted with the recently launched BR-V crossover. The new transmission will be mated to the tried and tested 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 120 PS and a maximum torque of 145 Nm. The same engine powers the BR-V as well, and the marriage of the new transmission to the potent engine is well resolved one, as we found out in our review of the crossover.
In the BR-V, the transmission manages the power better, along with a good spread of torque in the lower gears, allowing for fantastic tractability. Pottering around at humble speeds in a higher gear felt effortless, and the City with the 6-speed MT is expected to perform similarly. What’s more, fuel efficiency gains will be marginally better than the current 17.8kmpl (ARAI certified) rating for the City Petrol. The heavier BR-V 1.5-litre Petrol MT is rated at an ARAI certified 15.4 kmpl. This mechanical update to the City might make its way during the festive season, and upon launch, the Honda will be the only sedan in its segment to offer a 6-speed MT.