Triple treat
Honda Cars Philippines launched the new City, City Hatchback, and Civic RS e:HEV. The Japanese brand aims to give its customers a sharper driving experience and more on-board technology.
The new Honda City and City Hatchback incorporate fresh 16-inch alloy wheels, clear lens taillight, and a “light bar” style headlamp design up front. The new lights provide improved nighttime visibility, thanks to longer-throw LED units. Illumination is improved by up to 170 meters in low beam (vs the old system), and up to 130 meters longer in high beam.
The City 1.5 RS VT Honda Sensing variant now has a new trunk accent and high-gloss black door handles, while the City Hatchback 1.5 RS CVT includes a redesigned rear bumper.
Inside, the City 1.5 RS CVT Honda Sensing and City Hatchback now feature a larger 10-inch touchscreen display for its infotainment system. Phone connectivity is now wireless. Seat trim has been refreshed as well, and rear USB-C charging ports are now standard on both RS variants for the new City and new City Hatchback, and the City 1.5 V CVT Honda Sensing.
The City is powered by a 1.5-liter engine matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The DOHC i-VTEC mill produces 121ps and 145Nm of torque. Honda is quoting fuel efficiency of 25km/liter, based on the brand’s eco-run witnessed by Automobile Association Philippines (AAP).
The new City and City Hatchback have standard Honda Sensing on board. This driver assistance suite includes collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, lead car departure notification, auto high beam, and most importantly, adaptive cruise control. The City and City Hatchback now also feature rain-sensing wipers, Honda LaneWatch Camera to help eliminate blind spots, and auto-dimming rear view mirror. Thankfully, Honda has held pricing steady for the City:
S P998,000
V P1,083,000
RS P1,178,000 – additional P10,000 for Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl and additional P20,000 for Platinum White Pearl
City Hatchback:
RS P1,238,000 – additional P10,000 for Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl and additional P20,000 for Platinum White Pearl
Customers can also opt for Honda Racing Corporation accessories such as trunk spoiler and bumper-mounted aero parts.
As for the Honda’s mainstay sedan, the Civic, the big news is the addition of the S+ Shift mode for the car’s CVT. S+ Shift aims to deliver a sportier drive by providing virtual upshifts to simulate the rev build up of a planetary-gear or dual-clutch automatic transmission. To further enhance the experience, vroom-vroom engine sounds are pumped via the audio system during acceleration—Honda calls it Active Sound Control.
What is not simulated is the fuel efficiency of the hybrid powertrain, pegged by Honda at 30.12 km/liter. The 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine delivers 141ps and 182Nm
The Honda Civic hybrid likewise includes Honda Sensing. It also features Honda Connect. Using Honda Connect, a car owner can check vehicle status and location, be alerted of any crashes, and remotely start the engine.
Honda Civic RS e:HEV starts at P2,080,000 with additional P10,000 for Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl and additional P20,000 for Platinum White Pearl
The new Honda sedans are covered by a 5-year /150,000 km warranty, while the Civic hybrid’s battery is covered by an 8-year/160,000-km warranty.
We put the new Honda City, City Hatchback and Civic through their paces on a closed road loop. The trademark Honda ergonomics– excellent driving position, and intuitive switchgear placement—allow for an engaging driving experience. The cars react well to steering and braking inputs, even when tested in simulated low-traction situations. Honda fans will find plenty to like in the new trio.
