Honda Cars PH Introduces 2021 City, prices start at Php 838k

While some of its competitors have been launching new and updated versions of their models, Honda Cars Philippines was seemingly quiet. Well silent no more as Honda has finally introduced the much-awaited seventh generation of its popular subcompact sedan, the City.

The launch of the all-new 2021 Honda City, alongside the updated Honda CR-V compact SUV, is Honda Cars Philippines’ first online launch due to the pandemic. This launch also coincides with the brand’s 30th anniversary in the country. The all-new City is now sourced from Thailand just like the Japanese brand’s other models.

Introduced in the Philippine market in 1996, the Honda City was first launched as an exclusive model for the Asian region and has become HCPI’s best-selling model over the years. With over 131,000 units sold since its arrival in 1996, the City consistently reflected its core values of smart style, outstanding interior space and strong commanding presence through its sportier exterior, and comfortable and spacious interior that surpasses other subcompact sedans in the market.

As this is a new generation, the 2021 Honda City is completely new inside and out. First, it is larger than the model it replaces being 111 mm longer and 54 mm wider. The overall look is also definitely a revolution rather than just an evolution. 

It sports a new Chrome Front Grille that is paired with a new Front Bumper. The front fascia is even more stylish now with its new LED Daytime Running Lights across all variants that expresses its integrated solid wing face, and presents Halogen Projector Headlights for other variants. At the back, rear LED Tail Lamp is also now standard across all variants. On the side, sharp horizontal character lines inspired by the Katana Blade In Motion is visible for a more commanding road presence.

For a more convenient driving experience, the All-New City maintains its Power Adjustable Door Mirrors across all variants, and Power Folding Door Mirrors with Integrated Side Turn Signals for the 1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT variants.

Inside the 2021 City gets a larger interior. In the center of the dashboard for all variants except the base 1.5 S M/T is a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WebLink. 1.5 V and RS variants also get automatic climate control, push button start, and rear climate vents. Other unique interior bits for the RS variant are leather and suede seats with red accents, an 8-speaker audio system, and paddle shifters. 

The 5th generation All-New City also inherits and embodies Honda’s sporty DNA through its new RS variant. For the first time in the Philippine market, the All-New Honda City is available in a 1.5 RS CVT variant that gives it a sportier and more premium look. The RS variant comes with a complete set of sporty upgrades including a High Gloss Black front grille with RS logo emblem, sporty front bumper and grille, full LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, Sporty Black Power Folding Door Mirror with Integrated Side Turn Signals, Gloss Black Trunk Spoiler with RS logo, and a newly designed sporty 16-inch Alloy Wheels.

The cabin is fully equipped to reflect a complete look of sportiness with a combination of newly designed leather and suede seat material with Black and Red stitching interior trims, new Sport Pedals, 8 (4 + 4 Tweeters) Speakers, and a Multi-information Display with red illumination that are exclusively available for the 1.5 RS CVT variant. It is also now equipped with a new Remote Engine Start, which is a first-time feature for the City, while Paddle Shifters are also offered for an engaging driving experience.

Under the hood, the 2021 Honda City is powered by a new 1.5-liter Inline-4 DOHC i-VTEC engine. The outgoing model’s 1.5L engine is a SOHC unit. The new powertrain produces 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels through an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission. 

The all-new City also gets improvements in the safety department. Standard are Dual Front and Side airbags, Side Curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Stability Control. The 1.5 V adds a multi-view reverse camera and the RS adds side curtain airbags bringing the total number of airbags to six on the top-spec variant.

The 2021 Honda City is priced as follows:

• 1.5 S M/T – Php 838,000
• 1.5 S CVT – Php 878,000
• 1.5 V CVT – Php 968,000
• 1.5 RS CVT – Php 1,048,000

What’s interesting is that the new model is actually both slightly more affordable and more expensive than the outgoing model’s lineup where pricing, at least for the 1.5 S was priced at Php 820,000 while the top-spec 1.5 VX+ A/T at Php 1,068,000.