5 things we like in the all-new Honda City Hatchback

The recent virtual launch of the all-new Honda City Hatchback paved the way for the expansion of the City model range. It's also the marque’s newest offer in the B-Segment hatchback category.

The all-new City Hatchback showcases an athletic, cool and flexible vehicle that can match the various needs of customers and their lifestyle, while sharing the values of superior quality and comfort with the sedan. 

As compared to the concept of “Ambitious Sedan” of the City sedan, this Honda vehicle originated from the idea of “Energetic Hatchback,” which targets to exhibit a more energetic and active vibe.

Here are five things we love about the all-new Honda City Hatchback:

Energetic exterior

The exterior styling of the All-New City hatchback was developed with the “Energetic” idea through the inclusion of  dynamism and strength to the sedan that results in a “sporty” and state-of-the-art combination. 

Through this concept, the all-new City Hatchback further highlights its sportiness through sleek exterior styling, a broad width and low height, displaying an energetic vibe with solid power.

The all-new City Hatchback maintains the same 2,600mm wheelbase as that of the City sedan. But due to its hatchback body design, the all-new City Hatchback is 204mm shorter and 21mm taller compared to its sedan counterpart. This is because of the elimination of its rear overhang, thereby providing the vehicle with a sporty exterior appearance while retaining the capability for variable cargo capacity.

The RS variant is the only variant available here for the City Hatchback and it shares a few RS design elements with its sedan counterpart, thereby strongly emphasizing on the hatchback's sporty features.

Sporty styling cues

Upfront, the all-new City Hatchback features an RS design high-gloss black front grille with RS logo and RS design front bumper, matched with full LED daytime running lights and LED headlights that convey an incorporated solid wing face similar to the one present in the RS sedan. 

The strong side profile character style of the all-new City Hatchback is further enhanced by the presence of 16-inch two-tone Berlina black aluminum alloy wheels and high-gloss black power folding mirrors. 

Sport styling cues located at the rear like the full LED taillights, high-gloss black tailgate spoiler, and the RS design rear bumper with an elegant diffuser provide the City Hatchback an impression of being younger and more active, which matches its exceptional sporty hatchback appearance. 

Smooth and refined performance

The all-new City Hatchback is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that generates a maximum power output of 119hp and a torque of 145Nm. 

This engine is matched to continuously variable transmission (CVT) that brings a refined, seamless, powerful but fuel-efficient driving performance while enabling an engaging and convenient drive. It also has paddle shifters. 

The Honda Eco Assist System, which includes the Eco-Coaching Ambient Light and the Econ mode, helps to promote fuel-efficient driving. 

Comfortable seats and ample space

Inside, the all-new City Hatchback is equipped with an expansive cabin and additional space matched with high-grade materials similar to its sedan counterpart. 

It gets sports pedals, a multi-information display with red illumination, front and rear center armrests, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, black interior trims with red accents and stitching, as well as leather and suede seats.  

The all-new City Hatchback features a versatile interior that matches its RS design exterior.

Because of its hatchback configuration and design, the all-new City Hatchback is fitted with the iconic Ultra Seats (ULTR) of Honda, which enables the rear seats to be flipped up or folded flat. This provides the hatchback with the flexibility to conveniently adjust to a broad range of cargo hauling and passenger lifestyle needs. 

The four ULTR adjustable modes are Utility Mode, Long Mode, Tall Mode, and Refresh Mode.

In the Utility Mode, the vehicle can accommodate two passengers and large cargo items in the rear storage area. 

As for the Long Mode, the front passenger seat is completely reclined and the rear passenger seat is folded flat so the vehicle can accommodate two passengers and have enough space for long cargo items like surfboards. 

With the Tall Mode, rear seats are folded upward, which allows the vehicle to have adequate space for tall items that need to be positioned upright, like tall luggage or large plant. 

Finally, for the Refresh Mode, the seats are moved way forward as the front-seat head restraints are removed. The seatbacks are also tilted all the way back.

With this mode, front and rear seats can be connected to make way for two passengers to relax in a convenient manner inside the vehicle. 

Top-notch safety and interior features

Aside from its versatile and sporty interior, the City Hatchback also takes pride in a range of numerous technological features like a new air-conditioning system with rotary knobs, illumination, and digital display; an eight- (4 + 4 tweeters) speaker system, and an eight-inch advanced touchscreen display audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Weblink connectivity. 

Contributing to the innovative and comfort features of the hatchback are the Remote Engine Start and One Push Start System with Smart Entry Keyless Entry System, which both offer additional ease of access and convenience. 

Along with its flexibility, fuel efficiency, and driving performance, Honda also prioritizes safety. 

The City Hatchback is fitted as standard with Hill-Start Assist (HSA) and Multi-view Rear Camera with dynamic guidelines, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), and G-Force Control (G-CON) body structure that aid in protecting the cabin of the vehicle during collisions from all directions. 

It also has six airbags that include passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, front driver airbags, and dual front airbags to give you peace of mind while driving. 

With the range of safety features available, customers can expect cutting-edge collision protection performance — capped by a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, providing customers with better security on the road. 

The all-new Honda City Hatchback can be availed in Honda dealerships across the country in four unique colors, namely, Ignite Red Metallic, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic. Its retail price is P1,115,000.   

Photos from Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)