Subcompact hatchbacks are a dying breed, but Honda Cars Philippines maintains its faith by offering the City Hatchback. In fact, a refreshed version has been introduced, fortifying its position amid a new challenger in its segment.
The Honda City Hatchback RS stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of practical, well-designed hatchbacks. This updated model isn’t just about aesthetics; it represents a significant technological leap that enhances both safety and convenience, ensuring it remains a compelling choice for those who appreciate a compact yet versatile vehicle.
The most significant change in the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS lies beneath its sleek exterior. Honda has equipped the new model with its advanced Honda Sensing suite, a collection of radar-based safety features designed to make driving not only safer but also more convenient.
Honda Sensing includes features such as Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), which alerts the driver when the car in front has moved ahead from a standstill, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a set following distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed as necessary. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) helps bring the car to a stop when a frontal collision seems unavoidable, while the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) assists in keeping the car centered within its lane. Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW) warn the driver and provide steering input if the vehicle is about to stray from its lane. Additionally, Auto High Beam (AHB) automatically toggles between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
These additions significantly elevate the driving experience, ensuring that safety is paramount without compromising on convenience. Complementing these features is the Walk Away Auto Door Lock, which automatically secures the vehicle when you walk away, and the inclusion of six airbags.
Design-wise, the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS sports subtle tweaks that collectively give it a refreshed, modern look. The front fascia now features a new honeycomb grille, a more pronounced bumper, and a redesigned fog lamp housing. There are new side skirts and a restyled diffuser that add to the vehicle’s sharpness. The redesigned 16-inch black alloy wheels not only look striking but also complement the new Sonic Gray Pearl paint option, giving the hatchback a sophisticated edge.
Inside, the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS retains the practical and user-friendly layout of its predecessor, with some notable improvements. The new leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury, while the upgraded 8-inch wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto system enhances connectivity and entertainment options. The cabin remains a paragon of practicality, thanks in large part to the ULTR mode – an innovative seating configuration system that allows for Utility, Long, Tall, and Refresh modes, providing unparalleled flexibility in storage and use of space.
Behind the wheel, the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS continues to impress with its performance and handling. Powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, it delivers a peppy 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) works seamlessly, efficiently sending power to the front wheels. This combination ensures the car is responsive and agile, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.
During my test drive, I found that the engine’s performance does not wane even when the vehicle is fully loaded. The handling is tight, providing a confident driving experience, yet the suspension remains pliant enough to absorb rough surfaces comfortably. This balance between performance and comfort is one of the key strengths of the Honda City Hatchback RS.
At PHP 1,189,000, the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS offers great value for money despite the presence of a challenger from MG. Then again, apart from its esteemed brand name, this car provides a blend of style, practicality, and advanced safety features that are hard to match in its segment. For those who are not fans of the burgeoning SUV/crossover trend, this hatchback is a refreshing alternative that does not compromise on quality or performance.
The new City Hatchback, along with other Honda models, will be on display at the 9th Ave. Bonifacio High Street Activity Center until June 16, 2024. If you are in the market for a vehicle that combines practicality with modern technology, the facelifted Honda City Hatchback RS is well worth a closer look.