New Honda City hatchback to be sold in markets where 2020 Jazz/Fit won’t

One of the most popular models in Honda’s Philippine-lineup is the City. Everyone knows this model as a sedan because it has simply been ever since it was first sold here. 

Several reports online have been talking about Honda preparing a hatchback version of the fifth generation of the popular sedan which was revealed in Thailand in 2019. Patent images of the City hatchback even surfaced online a few months ago showing the same styling except for the rear where it gets a hatch instead.

Based on a report from Wapcar, there is a possibility that the new City hatchback will be replacing the Jazz (or Fit in other markets) in which the latter won’t be sold. The new City hatch is being positioned for markets such as China, Brazil, and South American markets. The all-new Jazz on the other hand was engineered for developed markets like Japan and European countries.

It is definitely a possibility as Toyota has the same arrangement for its Vios sedan and Yaris hatchback. The Yaris sold in markets like Japan and Europe is completely different from that sold in Asian markets like ours. We get a hatchback based on the current generation Vios sedan. 

An Autocar India report did say that the new City hatchback will be replacing the Honda Gienia notchback in China. Another report from Wapcar said that the all-new Jazz will be sold in China. This means the two models will be sold side-by-side in that market but it is not uncommon there.

As for us in the Philippines, we won’t really know perhaps until the Honda City hatchback is finally revealed in other markets. We are also still waiting for the all-new 2020 Honda City. It might not be long though as Honda recently stopped production of the City in their local assembly plant which means they may begin importation of the all-new City soon.