There’s a good reason why Honda City Hatchback only has one variant

Updated Apr 21, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Do you agree?

The introduction of the new Honda City Hatchback sparked conversations among car buyers wondering why the model only has one variant, namely the RS variant. In case you didn’t know by now, the RS variant is the range-topping trim for most Honda models in the country.

That said, the potential buyers of the new hatchback from Honda won’t have the option to go for a more affordable trim. The introductory price of the City Hatchback is Php 1,115,000, a price that many regards as relatively expensive and prompted them to ask the brand to introduce lower-end variants.

Honda City Hatchback front view

The new Honda City Hatchback RS

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), the official business unit of Honda in the country, has answers regarding the matter. According to the Japanese carmaker, the local hatchback segment is slowly drifting to the dark and becoming more of a niche due to the emerging crossover segment.

Crossover vehicles have been the go-to for many Filipino families due to a few reasons such as an increased size as compared to a hatchback with only slight differences in price. HCPI added that car buyers also generally opt for the top-of-the-line variant so introducing lower-end variants for the City Hatchback isn’t the best marketing move for them.
Honda City Hatchback rear view

The RS variant adds sportiness to the overall design

The top-spec RS variant of the City Hatchback comes with variant-exclusive RS body kits from the front to the back to showcase a sportier and more aggressive on-road appeal. It is powered by the same 1.5-liter gasoline engine as its subcompact sedan counterpart that makes 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque.

As of this writing, HCPI didn’t clarify whether it will add new lower-end variants for its newest hatchback entry or not. HCPI is currently in an attempt to prove that it did the right decision for discontinuing the Jazz to make room for the newest hatchback entry. We guess only time can tell whether the sole variant of the City Hatchback will manage to pull it off.

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Know more about Honda City Hatchback 2024

Honda City Hatchback

The Honda City Hatchback is the more compact version of the seventh-generation Honda City. In the Philippines market, this model only has one variant: the City Hatchback RS 1.5 CVT. Currently, it is priced at Php 1,189,000 and Php 1,209,000 for pearl white color.

Propelling the City Hatchback is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. The said engine is capable of making up to 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. The sole trim for this model uses a continuously variable transmission, which sends power to its front wheels. 

In terms of size, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback is 4,349mm long, 1,748mm wide, and 1,488mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,600mm, a ground clearance of 134mm, and a curb weight of 1,141kg. 

Locally, the Honda City Hatchback rivals the likes of the Toyota Yaris and the Mazda 2 Hatchback

 

Honda City Hatchback Launch

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. launched the Honda City Hatchback in April 2021. The said vehicle replaces the Jazz in Honda Philippines’ model lineup. The City Hatch is available with one variant only, the sporty-looking RS trim. 

The all-new Honda City Hatchback RS is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that delivers 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The said vehicle also comes with paddle shifters. 

The new Honda City Hatchback shares similarities with its Sedan version except for the rear design. In terms of dimensions, the City Hatch measures 4,349mm long, 1,748mm wide, and 1,488mm tall. It comes with a wheelbase of 2,600mm and a ground clearance of 134mm.

Honda City Hatchback Launch Exterior

The Honda City Hatchback gets the same front-end design as its Sedan sibling. It gets the same design for its headlights, grille, and bumper. The City Hatchback RS is fitted with LED headlights and daytime running lights. 

The side of the hatchback version also features similar design cues to the sedan version except for the rear end. The new City Hatch is equipped with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which adds style points to the vehicle. The rear, on the other hand, gets restyled taillights, a spoiler, and a revamped bumper design. 

Honda City Hatchback exterior

Honda City Hatchback rear end

Honda City Hatchback grille

Honda City Hatchback wheel

Honda City Hatchback Interior

The interior of the new Honda City Hatchback is similar to the Sedan version. It has the same dashboard layout that’s integrated with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear seats of the City Hatchback can also be folded flat, utilizing more cargo space in case you need it. It can also slide further back to provide more legroom for rear passengers.

Honda City Hatchback interior

Honda City Hatchback steering wheel

Honda City Hatchback instrument cluster

Honda City Hatchback seats

Honda City Hatchback trunk

Technology & Safety Features

The Honda City Hatchback’s eight-inch multimedia touchscreen is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It is also equipped with stability control, traction control, speed-sensing door locks, hill start assist, a security alarm with engine immobilizer, ISOFIX, and six airbags.

Platform & Chassis

The Honda City Hatchback comes with MacPherson struts for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear. It also comes with a front-wheel-drive layout. In addition, the City Hatchback has disc brakes for the front and drums for the rear.

Honda City Hatchback Engine

The all-new Honda City Hatchback is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that puts out 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission.

Locally, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback color is available in Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Brillant Sporty Blue Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl. 

Compared to its direct competitors, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback is the more powerful model. The difference in torque that it makes though is negligible. Size-wise, it is also the larger model compared to the Toyota Yaris and the Mazda 2 hatchback. Tech-wise, it is on-par with its competitors. Well, save for the fact that it has cruise control. It is also comparable to its rivals when it comes to exterior features and interior features. 

Honda City Hatchback Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Cruise control 

  • Compact and easy to handle 

  • Stylish 

  • Well-equipped 

  •  Only one variant

 

Honda City Hatchback Q&A

1. What is so special about the Honda City Hatchback?

The Honda City is a wonderful car that has practicality, comfort, features, space, and good value.

2. Is the Honda City Hatchback a small car?

No, it's not. Honda City is a compact car with a length of 4,349 mm, a width of 1,748 mm, and a height of 1,488 mm, with a ground clearance of 134 mm. It's actually quite spacious and comfortable for the occupants inside.

3. Which is better the Toyota Vios or the Honda City?

It's really hard to say but Honda City is larger than Vios. Based on the specifications, if you want a fun-to-drive family car, you can choose Honda City but if you care about safety, then get the Toyota Vios.

4. Is the Honda City a hatchback?

Honda City has both sedan and hatchback versions.

 

₱ 1,153,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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