AFTER bidding farewell to the well-received Jazz, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) bounced back by filling the gap with the introduction of the All-New City Hatchback.
Recently launched via a streamed virtual event at the company’s Facebook page, the introduction of the All-New City Hatchback expands the renowned model’s line-up. Further, it serves as the brand’s newest offering in the B-Segment hatchback category.
Grand concept design
While the sedan edition stemmed from the grand concept of “Ambitious Sedan”, the All-New City Hatchback was conceived from the grand concept of “Energetic hatchback”. It aims to exude a more active and energetic character while sharing values in terms of comfort, premium, and high quality with the sedan. The All-New City Hatchback also targets to provide a sporty yet versatile and cool vehicle that would complement the diverse needs of customers based on their active lifestyle.
Exterior-wise, the grand concept of “Energetic” added strength and the activeness of the sedan resulting in a “cutting edge” and “sporty” combination. Given this concept, the All-New City Hatchback further emphasizes its sportiness by embodying a sleek exterior design combined with a low height and widened width presenting an energetic feel with solid power.
In terms of dimensions, the All-New City Hatchback retains the same 2600mm wheelbase similar to that of the City sedan. However, given its hatchback body style, the new hatchback is 21mm taller and 204mm shorter than its sedan counterpart. Due to the removal of its rear overhang, it gives it a sporty exterior look while maintaining the capability of diverse cargo capacity.
The interior, meantime, also has its share of the “Energetic” concept. It features generous space complemented by high-quality materials similar to the sedan. The suede and leather seats combined material matching the black interior trims with red stitching and accents. The steering wheel with audio controls, front and rear center armrests, and shift knob are also leather-wrapped. Plus, there’s the sports pedals. Even better, there’s a Multi-information Display with red illumination. Indeed, the All-New City Hatchback embodies an overall premium interior complementing its sporty RS design exterior.
On top of its premium yet sporty and versatile interior, the All-New City Hatchback also boasts many technology features. These are an eight-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto & WebLink connectivity, an eight (four + four Tweeters) Speaker system, and a new air conditioning system with rotary knobs, digital display, and illumination. Moreover, there’s the One Push Start System with Smart Entry Keyless Entry System and Remote Engine Start for ease of access.
Versatile seating configuration
Meanwhile, given its hatchback styling and configuration, the All-New City Hatchback comes equipped with Honda’s signature Ultra Seats (ULTR). It allows to fold flat or flip the rear seats to easily and quickly adapt to a wide variety of passenger lifestyle and cargo hauling needs. One of the modes is “Utility”, which allows folding both the rear seats flat to accommodate large cargo items in the back storage area. Another is the “Long Mode”. It will enable the front passenger seat fully reclined and the rear passenger seat folded flat so that the vehicle can carry two passengers and accommodate long cargo items such as surfboards.
The “Tall Mode”, on the other hand, allows the rear seats folded upward so that the vehicle can accommodate tall items that need to remain upright, such as a large plant or tall luggage. Last is the “Refresh Mode” by removing the front-seat head restraints, moving the seats all the way forward, and tilting the seatbacks back. It allows the front and rear seats to be connected, providing a comfortable place for two people to relax.
Exclusively RS
HCPI only offers the All-New City Hatchback in RS variant alone. As such, the vehicles share a myriad of RS design elements, providing a stronger impression of its sporty characteristics, like the front end’s RS Design front bumper and Gloss Black front grille with RS Emblem. These are complemented by full LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, emphasizing an integrated solid wing face similar to that of the RS sedan.
There are also the High Gloss Black power-folding mirrors, RS Design rear bumper with a sophisticated diffuser, High Gloss Black tailgate spoiler, and Full LED taillights. Completing the exclusive look are the 16-inch Two-Tone Berlina Black aluminum alloy wheels. Overall, the All-New City Hatchback has that impression of being more active and younger, complementing its distinct sporty hatchback look.
Powertrain and safety features
Motivation comes from a 1.5-Liter four-cylinder DOHC with an i-VTEC petrol engine. Power output is rated 119 hp at 6,600 rpm and 145 N-m of maximum torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is mated to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters. There’s also Honda’s Eco Assist System, which consists of the ECON mode and Eco-Coaching Ambient Light to help promote fuel-efficient driving.
As for safety, of course, there’s the standard G-Force Control (G-CON) body structure that helps to protect the vehicle’s cabin during collisions from any direction. Other functions are 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.
Standard features include Six Airbags (dual front airbags, front driver and passenger side, and side curtain). Best of all, the All-New City Hatchback boasts a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, thus giving customers better safety and peace of mind on the road.
The All-New City Hatchback is now available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide with a suggested retail price (SRP) of P1.115 million (Exclusive of Php 13,000 Safeguard Duty Cash deposit). Available colors are Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic (New Color), Platinum White Pearl (Additional Php 20,000), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic. To know more about the All-New City Hatchback, visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership or access HCPI’s virtual showroom at www.hondaphil.com.
Image courtesy of Honda Philippines
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