Did you know the Honda City still ranks among the top three most searched used sedans in India even after 25 years of its debut? That says a lot about a car that’s seen five generations and countless rivals. Whether it’s the silky-smooth i-VTEC petrol or the torquey i-DTEC diesel, the City has aged like fine wine and if you’re eyeing one in 2025, the real question isn’t should you buy it, but which engine makes more sense today?
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Generations That Dominate the Used Market
When browsing listings of second hand Honda City models, you’ll see most of them belong to the 4th-generation City (2014–2020) and the 5th-generation (2020–Present).
- The 4th-gen introduced Honda’s first diesel and kept Honda’s legendary 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol alive.
- The 5th-gen, launched in 2020, improved the petrol engine further, offered a short-lived diesel, and then dropped diesel entirely in 2023 as Honda moved to petrol and hybrid tech.
That means your options today are:
- 4th-gen Petrol & Diesel (widely available, more affordable)
- 5th-gen Petrol & Diesel (newer, better equipped, higher resale)
Used Petrol Honda City
If there’s one thing Honda has done well, it’s mastering their petrol engines:
4th-gen Petrol (2014–2020):
- Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC
- Power: 119 PS | Torque: 145 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual / CVT automatic
- Mileage: 17.4 km/l to 18 km/l ARAI
The 4th-gen petrol is not as quick as modern turbos, but it is predictable and incredibly refined. The manual gearbox is slick and precise, whereas the CVT provides smooth power with zero gear jerks or clutch wear. Maintenance is straightforward, parts are easy to find, and the engine itself is known to outlive the majority of ownership cycles, provided it is serviced on a regular basis.
5th-gen Petrol (2020–Present):
- Engine: Updated 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC
- Power: 121 PS | Torque: 145 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual / CVT
- Mileage: 17.8 km/l to 18.4 km/l ARAI
This one feels more mature. The throttle response is smoother, NVH levels are significantly lower and the insulation in the cabin is better. It’s also tuned to have better mid-range punch, which means overtaking on highways now feels more natural. For someone who is buying a used Honda City petrol car, the 5th generation definitely sets benchmarks.
Used Diesel Honda City
Honda brought out the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel to meet demand from long-distance drivers and this has worked well for years.
4th-gen Diesel (2014–2020):
- Power: 100 PS | Torque: 200 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Mileage: 25.6 km/l ARAI
The diesel’s strength is the fuel economy and torque. It pulls cleanly even at low revs, which makes highway cruising easy and economical. But it’s not as refined as the Petrol, there is a clear diesel clatter at idle, and some vibration through the pedals. The engine itself is powerful, but if you’re eyeing one today, it’s important to check for turbo health and clutch wear, especially on cars that have racked up more than 70,000 kms.
5th-gen Diesel (2020–2023):
- Power: 100 PS | Torque: 200 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Mileage: 24.1 km/l ARAI
With diesel now discontinued, the resale will gradually decrease, and government regulations may also have an impact. If your driving pattern doesn’t cross 25,000 km a year, then it is safer to skip the diesel altogether.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The City has always been known for being a comfort-first setup, and that hasn’t changed. Both generations provide generous cabin space, soft seats and supportive cushioning.
The 4th-gen rides a little firmer at low speeds but is well planted once up to pace. The 5th gen, however, refined this formula with better damping and less cabin noise. Petrol versions also tend to be quieter and smoother inside, which makes them a better choice for those who want a family car with refinement over torque.
Ownership Costs and Maintenance
Honda’s petrol engines are almost foolproof. Oil changes, filters, and brake pads are nothing exotic or expensive.
Typical annual service cost:
- Petrol: ₹7,000–₹10,000
- Diesel: ₹9,000–₹12,000
The diesel requires more frequent checks and proper highway running to maintain the cleanliness of the DPF system (BS6 models). The good news is that Honda’s service network is still wide, and even 4th-gen parts are still easily available. The simplicity of the petrol is such that you will find qualified mechanics everywhere, not just at dealerships.
Summary
If your drives are mostly in the city or short runs on the highway, the petrol City is the one to go for. It’s quieter and easier to maintain. Among the used options, you can check out both 4th and 5th-gen variants.
The diesel City still deserves respect for its efficiency, but only if you’re a serious highway driver who keeps up with maintenance. With the phasing out of diesel models, resale and parts will slowly be tightened over the years. Either way, the second hand Honda City still defines what a reliable, comfortable sedan should feel like. It’s not just another used car: it’s proof that proper engineering stands the test of time.