The new Honda City has just been unveiled in Thailand, the world premiere which witnesses the 7th generation model getting new looks, engine, features and improvements to every department. Honda has only unveiled the petrol variant, and it looks like the new Honda City hybrid (which is available in the current generation to select global markets like Japan and Malaysia) is programmed in 2020. Given that the design, interior and features would be common to the variants, here’s our first look at the 2020 Honda City vis a vis the model it replaces.
The all-new Honda City takes features Honda’s new three-cylinder 12-valve 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine that makes 122 PS at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 173 Nm at 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Honda says the new engine has a driving performance superior to the 1.5-litre engine with the torque equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine. It is paired with a 7-speed stepped continuously variable transmission (CVT) to ensure and delivers a fuel efficiency of 23.8 kilometre/litre.
Masayuki Igarashi, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd:
Honda City, one of our most important models, was developed and launched as a regional model back in 1996. It has consistently received overwhelming feedback from the 1st through the 4th generation, with accumulated sales of four million units in 60 countries worldwide. The Asia & Oceania region is an important market for Honda City, with more than 100,000 units sold in the region in 2019 (January to September 2019), which accounts for almost 70% of Honda City sales worldwide. We also consider Thailand as a key market for Honda City due to the country’s strong market potential and because it is Honda’s largest production base in the region.
The Honda City’s exterior comes with a more rounded design and sharp character lines highlighted with features like the projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) integrated with the Solid Wing Face, LED taillights, Chrome Front Grille, Shark Fin Antenna, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The ‘RS’ variant upgrades it to 16-inches and completes the look with ‘shell type’ LED headlamp and foglamps, RS logos, sportier front bumper, and black side mirrors.
Moving to the interior, featuring the ‘Package Design Concept’ and ‘Ambitious Beauty’ theme, the car arrives with an all-new cabin featuring a soft texture dashboard, Leather seats, a Multi-information Display (MID) with illumination, 8-inch Touch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Siri Voice Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel with HFT, Bluetooth connectivity, and auto HVAC. The RS variant adds red MID illumination and seat stitching. Honda says it has increased rear knee room by reducing the thickness of the front seats.
Safety kit on the 2020 Honda City includes the G-CON (G-Force Control) body structure, six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Multi-angle Rearview Camera.
The Honda City launches in Thailand with six colours including the new Ignite Red Metallic exclusively for the RS variant, Platinum White Pearl exclusively for the RS and SV variants, and Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Taffeta White for the V and S variants.
Honda Thailand has announced a Modulo accessory set that comes in 3 packages under the concept “Stage Up Booster” that lists a Trunk Spoiler (Wing Type), Under spoilers, Sport Pedals, Side Step Garnish LED, 15-inch Sport Alloy Wheels, LED Fog Lights and a Drive Recorder at 3,850 baht.
Honda Cars has updated the current City to meet BS6 norms signalling that it is in no hurry to bring down the 2020 model. Expect the 2020 Honda City to launch in India next financial year (after April 2020).
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