Honda City facelift (2GC) exported to Japan for testing; all we know so far

It is probably one of the worst kept secrets that Japanese automaker Honda is readying the facelifted avatar of its popular sedan -- the City. Codenamed 2GC, the prototype of the City facelift has already entered production and the latest is that the car has been sent to Japan for testing.

A record of Zauba, which tracks the import and export data of India, says that prototype of Honda City facelift aka 2GC is sent to Japan for testing. The 2GC was expected to make its entry into the Indian market during the festive season this year, but recent reports suggested that the launch could happen only in 2017.

From a visual stand point, the upcoming facelifted avatar of the City sedan is inspired by the Crider sedan and Greiz, which are in the Chinese market. While the car is likely to get dark colour treatment in the front, overall styling of the current model is likely to remain untouched. There is also expected to be new front grille and headlamps with re-worked rear bumper.

Mechanically, the sedan is expected to remain unchanged in its new avatar and will continue to be powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that develops 117bhp and 145Nm of torque mated to five-speed manual and CVT gearboxes, and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that can churn out 99bhp and 200Nm of torque mated to six-speed manual transmission.

As for features, expect it to pack 5.7cm touchscreen, an automatic climate control system, audio and handsfree telephone controls, paddle shift, cruise control, electric sunroof and satellite-navigation system. There will also be safety features such as ABS with EBD, rear parking sensor, anti-theft alarm, child safety locks, and front and side impact beams.