Honda City Hatchback updates revealed in Thailand

Just a few hours after some publications caught wind of an updated version of the Honda City Hatchback through some leaked photos, Honda Thailand has taken the wraps off and is now showing it in full.

The updated Honda City Hatchback is a sequel to the updates received by its sedan sibling last year. Just like that, there’s minor exterior changes, and additional technology and convenience features.

First on the exterior, the front fascia receives a new and larger front grille that is unique to the hatchback, and the front bumper has been updated with a new lower grille and fog light housings. Its wheels are also new and are the same new designs that can be found on the sedan, while the rear gets a new bumper design as well.

Changes on the inside are not as noticeable but it does get a new 7-inch (half) digital instrument cluster display just like what can be found in the Accord, Civic, and HR-V. There’s also a new electronic parking brake with brake hold function, and an updated infotainment system which now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Additional new features include the Honda SENSING suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, automatic headlights, and a rear seatbelt reminder.

Powertrain options remain the same as before. For the Thai-market, that’s the option of a 1.0-liter Inline 3-cylinder VTEC Turbo gasoline engine producing 122 horsepower and 173 Nm of torque, or a 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder paired to Honda’s dual electric motor hybrid system and producing a combined output of 124 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque. 

When launched here, we are likely to get the same 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder i-VTEC gasoline engine that makes 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque although we think that this update could be an opportunity for Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) to introduce another e:HEV model, or even a turbocharged City Hatchback.

Whatever powertrain we get, we’re sure that Honda Cars Philippines already has this in their pipeline. With the City Hatchback already gaining a foothold in the local market, especially with the local discontinuation of its main rival, the Toyota Yaris, the question now is when?