Honda City's 1.5‑litre petrol CVT posted a real‑world fuel economy of 13.3 kpl, with 10.1 kpl city and 16.5 kpl highway results in a 2026 efficiency test.

Honda City’s 1.5‑litre petrol model with CVT achieved an overall fuel economy of 13.3 kpl in real‑world testing, according to a recent efficiency trial.

Vehicle and powertrain

The fifth‑generation City received its second facelift in 2026, adding a sleeker front fascia and minor equipment upgrades. Powertrain choices remain unchanged: a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 121 hp and 145 Nm, available with a six‑speed manual or a seven‑step continuously variable transmission (CVT). The model weighs 1,168 kg and lacks an automatic stop‑start system.

Test methodology

The test team filled the 40‑litre fuel tank to capacity and set tyre pressures to the manufacturer’s specifications. Vehicles were driven on fixed city and highway loops around Navi Mumbai while maintaining prescribed average speeds. Only one occupant rode in each car; the air‑conditioning was set to 22 °C in full‑auto mode, and ancillary systems such as audio, ventilated seats, indicators and wipers were used as a typical driver would. Driver swaps were performed periodically to minimise individual style effects. At the end of each circuit the tank was refilled and mileage recorded.

Results

In ECON mode, the City recorded 10.1 kpl in city traffic and 16.49 kpl on the highway. The combined figure of 13.3 kpl translates to an estimated real‑world range of about 530 km on a full tank.

• Claimed fuel economy: 17.97 kpl (CVT)
• Actual city mileage: 10.1 kpl
• Actual highway mileage: 16.49 kpl
• Combined real‑world mileage: 13.3 kpl
• Estimated range: 530 km

Observations

The highway figure approached the manufacturer’s claim, but city performance lagged behind, partly because the CVT responded aggressively to light throttle inputs, causing higher revs. The absence of a stop‑start system also limited city‑driving efficiency. Testers noted that the transmission’s eagerness made the car feel responsive, yet it reduced overall fuel savings.

Conclusion

While the 2026 Honda City’s CVT variant delivers respectable highway economy, its city consumption remains below the advertised figure. Prospective buyers seeking maximum efficiency may consider the strong‑hybrid powertrain, which the manufacturer offers alongside the petrol engine.