Honda has been presiding in Indian market since a long time now and at present the Japanese car manufacturer has become integral among our country's auto makers. The current stature of Honda is in the top 5 car makers of India and once contemplated, the path to success was not so easy for the company. Its advent in India, at the time when we just witnessed the likes of global car makers namely Ford, Daewoo and Opel, was not an exulting occasion. But, over the years Honda has delivered marvels in the auto market and appeased the consumers with its pragmatic approach. The company marked its debut with the launch of a sedan and has always focussed on its development in the same segment.
Honda, amidst all razzmatazz, launched its first diesel engined car called Amaze, early this year. The car has a snazzy outlook and it marks the company's arrival in entry level sedan segment. Although Honda's deferment in the diesel engine manufacturing was criticised by experts, the launch of Amaze sealed the blustering mouths. Honda introduced its 'Earth Dream' technology in this sedan and the success can be determined by the fact that Amaze saw a waiting period of 3-5 months. With acute marketing, Honda created the required hype for its model and once it arrived in the market, the company's dealership nationwide were swamped with bookings.
Factors that contributed to this exemplary performance of the car are its diesel engine and competitive pricing. Honda Amaze is available in a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre iDTEC engine options, both capable of accelerating with decent power output. The iVTEC engine is also melded with an option of either a 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual gearbox. However, the diesel mill only comes with the latter transmission. Interestingly, the company continuously boasts of its diesel technology and is apt in doing so. The iDTEC engine gives the best fuel economy statistics in the segment and within a price range of Rs. 5.2 lakh – Rs. 7.8 lakh, it has tempted the buyers to get their hands on this amazing sedan.
With the accomplishment of Honda Amaze, Honda proposed to launch its optimal sedan, City in a diesel avatar. The car will be arriving the auto market in January 2014 and will be equipped with the option of 1.5-litre iVTEC and 1.5-litre iDTEC engines. The diesel mill is the same as Honda Amaze and the company expects the same performance from the unit in City. Speculations are rife that the same instances will be recurring and the 4th generation sedan will see extols of global standards.
Honda started its journey with its City and it redefined the mid-size sedan segment in early 2000's. The car soon became the primary choice of buyers who only had the likes of Daewoo Cielo and Opel Astra to experience an opulent driving stance with a moderate budget. The earlier versions of Honda City were deemed huge success and the company expects to take its glory on to another level.
Honda Accord had always been emblematic to luxury and the car is still highly praised for its sturdy and dynamical looks. In the initial phases, the car was offered with the option of a 2.4-litre and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine options. Only a limited number of V6 versions were produced and people were ebullient to feel the sheer power of this powertrain. The car was company's entry in the premium sedan segment, governed by the likes of Toyota Camry at that time. Honda Accord had seen a moderate success in the past and had been constantly upgraded keeping up with the practical requirements of the modern era. However, stiff competition from Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Superb, Hyundai Sonata and the lack of a diesel engine forced Honda to discontinue its model off late. But the company has a different plan for Accord and it will be soon be in the league of cars equipped with the companies trademark “Earth Dream” diesel technology. Honda followers are eagerly waiting for Accord to arrive in its next generation version and dominate the segment with its exclusive features.
