Honda’s iconic mid-size sedan ‘Metropolis’ completes 25 years in India

Japanese automotive producer Honda Vehicles India Ltd’s iconic mid-size sedan ‘Honda Metropolis’ has accomplished 25 years within the nation. Honda Metropolis, a mannequin that has shaped the bedrock of the corporate’s gross sales in India, began its journey in 1998 and is now in its fifth-generation avatar. Curiously, the sedan can be the longest-running mainstream mannequin in Indian automotive historical past.

Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO of Honda Vehicles India Restricted, speaking in regards to the milestone achievement for Honda Metropolis in India, stated, “Honda Metropolis’s Silver Jubilee celebrations are being organised throughout our pan-India seller community of 330 amenities in 242 cities and we’re taking this chance to have interaction with our customers and Honda Metropolis followers. A communication marketing campaign round this particular milestone can even be promoted extensively on digital and social mediums.”

India, which is the biggest and most vital marketplace for the Honda sedan, presently accounts for greater than 28 per cent of the automotive’s gross sales in Honda’s Asia Oceania area. At the moment, the Honda Metropolis sequence’ cumulative gross sales are 4.5 million models globally. To mark the start of Honda’s electrification journey in India, the corporate has additionally launched the Honda Metropolis e:HEV in 2022.

“Additional to the launch of the fifth technology Metropolis in 2020, we additionally launched Honda Metropolis e:HEV this 12 months as India’s first mainstream mannequin with Sturdy Hybrid Electrical Know-how. This mannequin will play a key function in Honda’s electrified automobile plans within the nation going ahead,” Tsumura added.

Honda’s mid-size sedan Metropolis is in its fifth technology now and every considered one of these generations has loved its run within the Indian market:

First technology: 1998 – 2003

The primary-gen Honda Metropolis marked the Japanese carmaker’s India entry and was bought within the nation between 1998 -2003. It was based mostly on sixth-generation Honda Civic (FERIO) and used a VTEC Hyper 16 valve engine that produced a 106hp of peak energy in first-gen Metropolis. It was launched with 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engine choices.

Second technology: 2003 – 2008

The second-generation Honda Metropolis, generally known as ‘Dolphin’ Metropolis in automotive fanatic circles, was conceptualised on the Honda Jazz platform, designed with the gas tank being on the centre of the automotive generally known as the ‘Centre tank format.’ It was an enormous departure from its predecessor when it comes to driving dynamics and styling.

Nonetheless, attributable to this innovation, the second-generation mannequin was extra spacious, snug and fuel-efficient. It additionally bought a brand new 1.5L i-DSI or “Clever Twin & Sequential Ignition” engine that provided 77hp. The second-generation Metropolis additionally noticed the introduction of a CVT variant – a primary for any automotive in India. It was additionally geared up with ABS.

Third technology: 2008 – 2013

The third technology Metropolis was launched with a totally new glossy look, a brand new 1.5L i-VTEC engine and a spacious cabin. Nonetheless, it lacked a diesel engine choice. It additionally provided security options like Twin Entrance Airbags and ABS with EBD as commonplace in all variants.

Fourth technology: 2014 – 2020

The fourth technology of the Honda Metropolis was launched in 2014, with an choice of a 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine together with the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine. The sedan was additionally extra spacious and much better geared up than any of its predecessors. Along with this, this model was additionally the best-selling Metropolis throughout its interval.

Fifth technology: 2020 onwards

The fifth technology of the Honda Metropolis was launched in July 2020 and took an enormous leap in related Automobile providers as commonplace. It additionally grew to become the primary automotive within the nation to function Alexa Distant Functionality.

The most recent version additionally receives a robust hybrid system within the Metropolis e: HEV. It has a two-motor e-CVT hybrid system related to a 1.5-litre Atkinson-Cycle DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, an Clever Energy Unit (IPU) with Lithium-ion Battery and an engine linked direct coupling Clutch.

The brand new Metropolis e: HEV can even have the corporate’s superior clever security expertise “Honda SENSING” for the primary time in India and comes with 37 Honda Join options.