Production Models

Honda Cars Philippines rolled out the hatchback variant of the City right after announcing the end of the Jazz's run in the country and the Southeast Asian region.

Perhaps, this is to further strengthen its line-up of the City without need of a competing hatchback from its own backyard.

The hatchback version of the City is taller and shorter than the sedan variant at 4349 millimeters long, 1748mm wide and 1488mm tall, while retaining the same wheelbase - 2600mm.

The attraction of hatchbacks has always been their readiness to turn from practical to sporty with some mods, but Honda decided to help would-be owners by offering the hatchback in RS or Rallye Sport package.

And Honda has signified nothing about offering the City Hatchback in any other trim level or package locally.

The Honda City Hatchback 1.5 RS CVT definitely looks sporty in RS Design kit from the High Gloss Black Grille with the RS emblem, the RS front bumper, rear bumper with sophisticated diffuser to the High Gloss Black Tailgate spoiler.

The framing and design of the LED lights also look sporty from the front headlamps with the Daylight Running Lights, front fog lamps, taillight and high mount stop light.

From the side, one can appreciate better the look of the High Gloss Black power folding door mirrors with integrated turn signal and 16-inch Two-tone Berlina Black Aluminum Alloy Wheels wrapped by 185/55 R16 tires.

Honda outfitted the City Hatchback interior in high-end material accents and trim. Leather and suede for seats, black and red trims with RS stitching, Piano Black interior accents, chrome door handles, sport pedals.

Hatchbacks are also known as practical, utilitarian and comfortable rides and Honda fitted the City Hatchback with much of the comfort and convenience features expected in top models.

Smart entry with one push start system, power windows and speed-sensing doorlocks, automatic airconditioning with rotary knobs and digital display, four grab rails, four cupholders, 12-volt accessory outlets in front and rear.

The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel tilts and telescopes and feature controls for cruise control, audio, and hands-free phone functions with voice recognition button.

The front seats slide and recline and come with height adjuster. The City Hatchback also comes with Honda's ULTR rear seats that allow for various arrangement or modes to provide room for different-sized cargo or luggage, or more relaxing and restful stays in the car.

Center armrests in front and rear seats are also great for more comfortable rides.

Infotainment and Smart connectivity are provided by a system that features an 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and WebLink, with four speakers and four tweeters.

Also making hatchbacks popular are their fun-to-drive natures.

The City Hatchback Honda rolled out locally is powered by a 1498cc in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with DOHC and I-VTEC that generates 121 horsepower and 145 Newton meters of torque.

The drive by wire engine sends power to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. You get some control over gearshift with a paddle shifter.

Stopping power comes from a brake system using front ventilated discs and rear drums.

The City Hatchback handling is partly determined by the tuning of the suspension system featuring front McPherson struts and rear torsion beams.

Honda equipped the City Hatchback with a host of driver assist technologies that help prevent mistakes and accidents or minimize their effects. These included Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, now standard in many vehicles.

Then, there is Vehicle Stability Assist to help driver maintain control over the car on slippery conditions or when driving fast on switchbacks.

Hill Start Assist helps in stop and go driving in steep roads.

The Multi-view Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines help the driver park safely in tight spaces.

Also standard safety features in the City Hatchback are 3-pt ELR seatbelts for five, Child doorlocks, Child Seat Anchor, and six airbags consisting of dual front airbags, front driver and passenger side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Finally, it also comes with security alarm and immobilizer to prevent theft.

The All-New City Hatchback in Ignite Red Metallic or Meteoroid Gray Metallic is now available in all 38 Honda dealerships at a suggested retail price of 1.115 million pesos, not counting the 13,000 peso-safeguard duty cash deposit. Add 20,000 pesos for the one in Platinum White Pearl. If one is willing to wait, there's a City Hatchback in Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic available by June.