While the Honda City Sedan is touted by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) as the “ambitious sedan,” the recently launched All-New City Hatchback drew inspiration from HCPI’s grand concept of an “energetic hatchback,” which is said to exude a more active and energetic character.
Retaining the same 2,600-mm wheelbase of the Honda City Sedan, the All-New City Hatchback is a tad taller and wider than its original inspiration. It also aims to provide motorists a “sporty yet versatile and cool vehicle that would complement the diverse needs of customers based on their active lifestyle,” an HCPI press statement said.
Interior
The All-New City Hatchback continues its “energetic” concept via the vehicle’s interior, which features a spacious cabin complemented by high-quality materials similar to the sedan: suede and leather seats, black interior trims with red stitching and accents, leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, front and rear center armrests, sports pedals and multi-information display with red illumination. All these features embody and complement the All-New City Hatchback’s sporty RS design exterior.
Given its overall styling and configuration, it comes equipped with Honda’s signature “Ultra Seats,” which allow the rear seats to be folded flat or flipped up for added versatility to quickly adapt to a wide variety of passenger lifestyles and cargo-hauling needs. Indeed, these are much sought-after features these days in a family car where space, safety and dependable performance, especially during long road trips, are premium.
The Hatchback’s many modes
These features are summed up in four modes: Utility Mode; Long Mode; Tall Mode; and Refresh Mode. With the two rear seats folded flat, for instance, the vehicle’s interior is on Utility Mode and can carry up to two passengers while accommodating large cargo items in the rear storage area. With the front passenger seat fully reclined, it instantly morphs into Long Mode, enabling the vehicle to carry two passengers while leaving enough space for long cargo items such as surfboards.
As their respective mode’s implies, Tall Mode provides room for “tall” items that need to remain upright like a plant or tall luggage, while Refresh Mode, which can be achieved by moving the seats all the way forward and tilting the setbacks all the way back, allows two people in front to recline their seats, take a break and relax, even get some sleep.
On top of its premium yet sporty and versatile interior, the All-New City Hatchback also boasts of an array of various technology features such as an eight-inch advanced touchscreen display audio with Apple car play Android auto and weblink connectivity, an eight (four plus four tweeters) speaker system and a new air-conditioning system with rotary knobs, digital display and illumination.
Adding to the comfort and advanced features, the All-New City Hatchback also features a one-push start system with smart entry keyless entry system and remote engine start, which provides added convenience and ease of access.
Engine and transmission
Powering the All-New City Hatchback is a 1.5-liter four-ylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces a maximum power output of 121ps at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission that delivers a smooth, refined, powerful yet fuel-efficient driving performance while allowing for an engaging driving experience through the use of paddle shifters. Honda’s eco-assist system, which consists of the ECON mode and eco-coaching ambient light help promote fuel-efficient driving.
Safety
Together with its driving performance, fuel efficiency and versatile interior, Honda has also give utmost priority to safety. Following Honda’s high standards, the All-New City Hatchback is equipped with G-force control body structure that helps to protect the vehicle’s cabin during collisions from any direction, vehicle stability assist with agile handling assist, emergency stop signal , anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, hill start assist and multi-view rear camera with dynamic guidelines.
To add to this, the All-New City Hatchback also comes with six airbags consisting of the dual front airbags, front driver and passenger side airbags and side curtain airbags. Given the array of safety features available, customers may expect top-notch collision safety performance with the All-New City Hatchback as it boasts of a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.
Available in such attractive “metallic” shades as Ignite Red, Brilliant Sporty Blue, Meteoroid Gray and Platinum White Pearl, the All-New City Hatchback will start rolling out of all Honda dealerships nationwide, starting June. Alex Y. Vergara
