Which 2021 Honda City variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

If you’re reading this article, it's safe to say that you might be looking into getting into the saddle of the Honda City sometime soon.

With the release of the all-new 2021 Honda City GN model, you should know that it is one of the better-equipped choices in the market today. Currently, the new City has four variants and each will have some differences.  

So, to guide potential Honda City Philippines buyers here’s a short guide on what you get from each variant.  

Honda City Variants: Exterior 

For exterior amenities, the City S variants are the simplest. Providing forward illumination for this variant is a pair of projector halogen headlamps, and the rear gets LEDs. It also has halogen turn signals with side repeaters, and it rides on 15-inch alloy wheels.  

The top-of-the-line City RS has the most bells and whistles when it comes to exterior design

Then there’s the City V variant, which gets the same exterior equipment. It does have a larger set of 16-inch wheels though.

And finally, the top-spec Honda City RS stands out with its blacked-out trim pieces. Of note, the body-kits and the 16-inch wheels are specific to the RS trim. Apart from that, it also gets a rear spoiler, LED headlamps, and front fog lights which the entry-level S and mid-range V lacks.

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Honda City Variants: Interior 

Inside, all variants of the 2021 Honda City can comfortably fit up to five people. The top-spec RS however offers the most amenities. It has leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dark-themed cabin.

In turn, the other variants have fabric seats and a urethane steering wheel. The RS Turbo and the mid-range V variant also comes with automatic air-conditioning with rear-vents.

For on-board entertainment, only the entry-level City S doesn’t have the eight-inch unit that’s available on the rest of the variant lineup. Instead, it gets a simpler 2-DIN head unit linked to a four-piece speaker system.

With this update, the Honda City now comes with an up-market interior

On the City S CVT, V, and RS Turbo, the said headunit is capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth. It also has offline navigation and is also connected to four speakers.

For the driver, the midrange City V and top-spec RS Turbo are equipped with cruise control, and a push to start button. Both variants also come with power-folding side mirrors, as well as a reverse camera.

All variants of the all-new Honda City come standard with an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip computer, and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel.

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Honda City Variants: Engine and Performance

All variants of the 2021 Honda City are propelled by a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At maximum, the said engine can produce up to 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels.

The City S CVT, City V, and City RS variants use a continuously variable transmission. Moreover, the RS trim gets paddle shifters for its manual mode. On the other hand, the entry-level City S MT uses a six-speed manual.

The Honda City's 1.5-liter gasoline engine

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The Honda City S variants come standard with independent MacPherson struts for its front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The V and the RS instead get a multi-link type suspension for the rear.

All variants of the City use a manual hand-operated parking brake, as well as a front disc brake and a rear drum brake.

Honda City Variants: Safety 

To keep its occupants safe, the Honda City comes standard with antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX, stability control, traction control, speed-sensing door locks, and hill-start assist. For security, all variants are equipped with a security alarm and an engine immobilizer.

The top-spec RS, however, gets the most airbags numbering at six. In turn, the City S MT, City S AT, and City V AT variants only have four airbags.

Honda City Variants: Price  

Honda City Variants: Conclusion 

If you really want a sporty-looking subcompact sedan, then the City RS is for you. The same goes if you want maximum crashworthiness since the top-spec variant has the most airbags.

That said, it might lean towards the youthful side looks-wise, but without a doubt, it will make for a good family sedan. 

The top-spec RS Variant (right), and the City V variant (left)

If you’re the type who wants a quieter-looking, but still feature-rich Honda City, then the City V might be your sweet spot. Like the RS, it has leather-wrapped seats, and it does come with the same suspension setup as the RS. There’s also the City S CVT which is even cheaper than the City V, although it only has fabric-covered seats.

As you might already know, leather can be easier to clean when it comes to beverage spills and food particles. As such, the City V and RS might be a better choice for families with active, small children.

For those who prefer to row through gears, then the only choice for you is the City S 1.5 MT. Do note though that if you care about ease of use especially when it comes to smartphone integration, then the entry-level City S MT lacks that. But then again, penny pinchers will love the City S MT since it’s the most affordable.

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The City V is humbler-looking, but it still boasts a well-equipped interior

For more variant guides like this, as well as more car maintenance guides, keep it here on Philkotse.com.