The newly launched Honda City e:HEV is an incredibly lucrative option for the rampant increase in fuel prices. Priced at Rs 19.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the new City e: HEV is the country’s most affordable pure hybrid option. While it doesn’t have any direct rival in the mid-size HEV segment, it goes toe-to-toe with the long-range version of the Tata Nexon EV when the prices are concerned. So, which will be the best choice for you in this duel of Sedan vs SUV, Strong Hybrid vs Pure Electric, Petrol vs Electricity? Let’s find out!
Powertrain Specifications
| Honda City e:HEV | Tata Nexon EV MAX | |
| Engine Type/ Motor Type | 1.5L Atkinson Cycle i-VTEC Petrol Engine w/ Dual Motors | Ziptron |
| Transmission Type | e-CVT | NA |
| Max Power | 126PS | 143PS |
| Max Torque | 253Nm | 250Nm |
| Engine / Motor Capacity | 1498 cc | 95 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 0.784 kWh | 40.5 kWh |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | NA |
| Electric Motors | Dual Electric Motors | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency / Range | 26.5 kmpl (1060km in full tank) | 437km / charge |
- Both cars are neck and neck in terms of performance, but the Tata Nexon EVMAX is the one to provide the fastest acceleration due to its pure EV powertrain and instantaneous torque.
- The Honda City e:HEV offers a class-leading mileage of 26.5 kmpl thanks to its self-charged strong hybrid system, while the Nexon EV MAX claims a maximum range of 437km on a single charge, but real life figures have been closer to over 300 kilometers.
- The Nexon EV MAX is pure electric, while the Honda City e:HEV switches from electric to hybrid to engine power, depending on the vehicle’s speed.
- Standard charging time through an AC charger for the Nexon would be around 8-9 hours, while the battery in the Honda City hybrid is charged automatically by the motor.
Also Read: Tata Nexon EV vs Nexon EV MAX: What all has changed?
Dimensions
| Honda City Hybrid | Tata Nexon EV MAX | |
| Length (mm) | 4549 | 3993 |
| Width (mm) | 1748 | 1811 |
| Height (mm) | 1489 | 1606 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2600 | 2498 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 205 |
| Boot Space (liters) | 306 | 350 |
- The Honda City is the longest in terms of both length and wheelbase in comparison to the Nexon EV MAX, which is shorter due to being part of the sub-4m segment, giving the Honda City edge in terms of cabin space.
- However, the Nexon, due to its SUV stature, is taller, wider, and has better ground clearance, giving it a much more rugged appeal and allowing you to enjoy some rough terrain.
Safety and Security
| Honda City Hybrid | Tata Nexon EV MAX | |
| NCAP Safety Rating | 5 – Stars (ASEAN NCAP) | 5 – Stars (Global NCAP) |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Airbags | 6 | 2 |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Yes | No |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Theft Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | Yes |
| Corner Stability Control | No | Yes |
| Vehicle Stability Assist | Yes | No |
| ADAS | Yes (Honda Sensing) | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes (Adaptive) | Yes |
| Lane Watch Camera | Yes | No |
- Both cars offer ABS, EBD, ESC, and Traction control as standard.
- The City e:HEV also offers Honda Sensing ADAS technology and gets advanced driver-assist safety features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, auto high beam, and lane-keeping assist system.
- The Honda City is 5-star safety rated at ASEAN NCAP, while Nexon EV is 5-star safety rated at Global NCAP. Both NCAP’s testing parameters are pretty similar, so there’s no doubt that both vehicles are quite stable and tough.
Also Read: 2022 Tata Nexon EV MAX: Price and Variants Explained
Comfort and Convenience
| Honda City Hybrid | Tata Nexon EV MAX | |
| Connected Car Tech | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Operations | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment Display Size | 8-inch | 7-inch |
| Instrument Cluster | Fully digital | Semi-digital |
| Voice Assistant | Yes (Both Alexa and Google) | Yes (iRA) |
| Android Auto/ Apple Carplay | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic AC | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | No | Yes |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | No | Yes |
| In-built Air Purifier | Yes | Yes |
- The Honda City e:HEV is a feature-packed offering, with advanced voice assistant, connected car tech, lane watch camera, and ADAS features.
- Both cars get our beloved electric sunroof.
Price
| Honda City Hybrid | Tata Nexon EV | |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | Rs 19.5 lakh | Rs 17.74 lakh – Rs 19.24 lakh |
Conclusion
In a country where EV is currently a controversial space and range anxiety is a foremost concern, the rivalry between such polar opposite cars does fit…but when you actually get to compare, you realize that you can only really compare them on paper. In real life, both these cars are vividly different both in their segment and running.
So yes, while hybrid vehicles may seem like the perfect middle ground to transition from ICE vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), you’re still not curbing your emissions to the extent of an EV.
Hybrid vehicles are great for their mileage, and that’s all. So, if you are out to get the most distance for those liters of petrol, then look no further than the City e: HEV. But if its conservation and contribution towards a greener planet get you going, and if you want a car mainly for your urban needs, the Nexon EV MAX is the pick for you.
