Fourth generation Honda City has finally arrived in diesel trim for the first time ever. It was officially launched on January 6 in the humble presence of company's all senior officials, along with celebrities and media giants. The presentation ceremony was deemed much success and now it is the time for the car to display its superior on-road performance, for which it is so much hyped. Interestingly, the price bracket of all variants of next generation Honda City is steeply lower than its older version. Considering City's rivals Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid and Volkswagen Vento, it was an acute move by the company to competitively price its new creation. However, a bigger obstacle of almost 9000 pre-bookings of this car is standing ahead of Honda and it will be interesting to see how this problem is dealt with efficiently.
Prior to launch, new Honda City went through so much razzmatazz that it was in the mind of every prospective buyer. To intensify the astute marketing strategy, Honda came with so called priority booking of its car among all its dealership. Showroom owners were charging a mere amount of Rs. 51,000 to reserve this car for consumers and interestingly, the amount was refundable in case customers divert their mind from this iconic sedan. All these dealerships were inundated with pre-bookings and at the same time, they were coming up with adequate strategies to deliver the car duly, once it is launched. Now as the car has finally arrived in showrooms and customers are peering into their chance to get behind the wheels of this impeccable creation.
Earlier it was conjectured that similar circumstances will be reviving, which once persisted during the launch of Ford EcoSport. This compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was supposed to arrive in mid-2013 but got delayed for sometime. After its arrival, the car saw a waiting period of 3-5 months before its final delivery, which was quite disappointing for consumers who had opted for this compact SUV at first place. Incessantly, the impatient buyers got inclined towards its rival Renault Duster which encashed this golden opportunity to perfection. Notably, the consequences were hampering brand image of Ford India, which ultimately was forced to cease bookings for this car, as it was incapable of managing such high demand.
Experts are of a view that Ford India was relatively new for Indian auto market as it could not gain much acknowledgement with its previous creations. The compact SUV however, made an attempt to refine the company's image but there was a certain lack in apt strategies employed. Honda, on the other hand, is renowned for its upgraded technology, worldwide. India has also witnessed the same in past decade, since the company has incepted in the domestic market. Also, the Japanese auto major recorded escalated sales of up to 34 per cent last year in India and the abovementioned reasons suffice this achievement.
It is reported that fourth generation Honda City is set to witness a waiting period of not more than 2 months. This could be a defining moment for the car's fate in upcoming time and it will all depend on how Honda India imparts its acute schemes into the punctual delivery of its legendary sedan, to its owners. Much has been said and speculated, but the final performance of the car will surely depend on the impressive performance of the company. It will be compelling to see how the auto giant eradicates all problems standing in new Honda City's path to become the undisputed champion of mid-level sedan segment.
