Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) didn’t waste much time in filling the void that the Honda Jazz left with today’s launching of the all-new Honda City Hatchback through a virtual event streamed via HCPI’s Facebook page. Since it was launched in the country, the City has been a consistent best-seller for Honda, and this expansion of the model line-up is a logical addition.
(L to R) Mr. Masahiko Nakamura, President and General Manager, HCPI; Mr. Ryohei Adachi, Executive Vice President, HCPI; and Atty. Louie Soriano, GM for Sales and Official Spokesperson, HCPI | Photo from Honda press
Compared to the sedan version’s grand concept of “Ambitious Sedan”, the all-new City Hatchback was derived from the grand concept of “Energetic hatchback” which aims to exude a more active and energetic character. While sharing values in terms of comfort, (being) premium, and (of) high quality with the sedan, the all-new City Hatchback aims to provide a sporty yet versatile and cool vehicle that would complement the diverse needs of customers based on their active lifestyle.
| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
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| Photos by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
By virtue of its form factor, the all-new City hatchback is definitely sportier than the popular sedan version. Its sportiness is embodied by its sleek exterior combined with a low height and widened width presenting an energetic feel with solid power.
Like the sedan, the hatch has a 2600mm wheelbase. However, given its body style, the all-new City Hatchback is 21mm taller and 204mm shorter than its sedan counterpart. This is due to the removal of its rear overhang giving it a sporty look while maintaining the capability of diverse cargo capacity.
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Available in the lone RS variant, the all-new City Hatchback shares some RS design elements with the sedan, reinforcing the sporty appearance.
Upfront, the all-new City Hatchback comes with the RS Design Front Bumper and RS Design High Gloss Black front grille with RS Emblem, complemented by full LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that expresses an integrated solid wing face similar to that of the RS sedan. At the side, the High Gloss Black Power Folding Mirrors and 16-inch Two-Tone Berlina Black Aluminum Alloy Wheels contribute to its strong side profile character design. At the rear are its RS Design Rear Bumper with a sophisticated diffuser, High Gloss Black Tailgate spoiler, and Full LED taillights that give the all-new City Hatchback a distinctly young and active look.
| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
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| Photos by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
Inside, the all-new City Hatchback continues its “Energetic” concept. It features a spacious cabin complemented by high-quality materials similar to the sedan. The cabin boasts of Suede and Leather Seats, Black Interior Trims with Red Stitching and Accents, Leather-wrapped Shift Knob and Steering Wheel with Audio Controls, Front and Rear Center Armrests, Sports Pedals, as well as a Multi-information Display with Red Illumination.
The all-new City Hatchback is equipped with Honda’s signature Ultra Seats (ULTR) which allows the rear seats to be folded flat or flipped up giving it the versatility to adapt to a wide variety of passenger lifestyle and cargo hauling needs. The four ULTR adjustable modes are:
- Utility Mode: with the two rear seats folded flat, the vehicle can carry two passengers and accommodate large cargo items in the rear storage area.
- Long Mode: with the front passenger seat fully reclined and rear passenger seat folded flat, the vehicle can carry two passengers and accommodate long cargo items such as surfboards.
- Tall Mode: with the rear seats folded upward, the vehicle can accommodate tall items that need to remain upright, such as a large plant or tall luggage.
- Refresh Mode: When removing the front-seat head restraints, moving the seats all the way forward and tilting the seatbacks all the way back, the Refresh Mode allows the front and rear seats to be connected providing a comfortable place for two people to relax.
The all-new City Hatchback is equipped with an 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto & WebLink connectivity, an 8 (4 + 4 Tweeters) Speaker system, and a new Air Conditioning System with Rotary Knobs, Digital Display, and Illumination.
Because it comes in the RS trim level, the all-new City Hatchback also features a One Push Start System with Smart Entry Keyless Entry System and Remote Engine Start, which provides added convenience and ease of access.
| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
Powering the all-new City Hatchback is a 1.5-Liter 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces a maximum power output of 119hp at 6,600 rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. The engine is mated to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a smooth, refined, powerful yet fuel-efficient driving performance while allowing for an engaging driving experience through the use of paddle shifters. Honda’s Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Light is still available to help promote fuel-efficient driving.
Safety features include the G-Force Control (G-CON) body structure that helps to protect the vehicle’s cabin during collisions from any direction, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Multi-view Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines. To add to this, also standard are its Six Airbags (dual front, front driver and passenger side, and side curtain airbags). With the full stack of safety features, the all-new City Hatchback boasts of a 5-star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating which can give customers more peace of mind.
The all-new City Hatchback is now available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide with a suggested retail price (SRP) of PHP 1,115,000 (plus a subsidized Safeguard Duty Cash deposit of PHP 13,000) and comes in four (4) colors:
- Ignite Red Metallic
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic (New Color)
- Platinum White Pearl (Additional Php 20,000)
- Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (Available by June 2021)
| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David / ignitionPH
To know more about the all-new City Hatchback, visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership or Honda’s virtual showroom at www.hondaphil.com.