Honda has finally launched the much awaited 2020 City subcompact sedan in Thailand yesterday. The Japanese automaker calls the City as its most important model in emerging markets. The City has now entered its 7th generation– call it 5th gen if you disregard the first two generations which were produced as hatchbacks during the 1980s.
Related: All New 2020 Honda City Debuts in Thailand
Although the City has remained a popular car in our market ever since it made its debut in January 1997, Honda Atlas has yet to introduce the 6th gen City here as the company is contended selling the 5th gen model that was produced globally between 2008 and 2013. Still the 6th gen City was able to make its way here in limited numbers in form of used-JDM imports, as the same car is called as Grace in its home market in Japan.
Since the City holds a significant fan following in our market, here are 7 key things you need to know about the all new 2020 Honda City.
New Platform
Although the 7th gen City may look like a shrunken Honda Civic, it sits on a completely new platform that actually underpins the newly introduced Fit/ Jazz hatchback. However chassis setup remains same with MacPherson struts at front and a torsion beam at the rear. The same applies to the brake system, with ventilated discs up front, while drums are used for the rear.
Increased Dimensions
It’s quite surprising how subcompact sedans have kept growing in size over these years. For the sake of comparison the 7th gen City is even bigger than the 7th gen Honda Civic (2001-2005) in terms of length and width. As compared to the out-gone 6th gen model, the new Honda City is now 100mm longer and 53mm wider. However the wheelbase is now shorter by 11mm and the height has been lowered by 10mm to enhance a sportier stance.
| Dimensions | 7th Gen City | 6th gen City | 5th gen City |
| Length | 4,553 mm | 4,442 mm | 4,420 mm |
| Width | 1,748 mm | 1,694 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1, 467 mm | 1,477 mm | 1,470 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,589 mm | 2,600 mm | 2,550 mm |
Comparison of 2020 Honda City with previous two generations
New Interior
The new Honda City gets a completely new interior. There is a new 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and a large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto support. The new dashboard features vertically oriented air vents, ambient illumination, while the touch sensitive control panel for AC is replaced by conventional knobs. The seats have also been redesigned and come with new headrests. Honda says it has put more sound insulations which results in improved NVH levels making the ride quiet and comfy.
The Engine
For the first time Honda City gets a downsized turbocharged engine specifically to comply with Thailand’s Eco Car Phase 2 regulations. The 1.0 liter (998cc) P10A2 three-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 122hp and 173Nm of torque and comes mated to a CVT gearbox. Other markets are expected to get 1.5 liter hybrid with new i-MMD setup.
Safety Equipment
The new Honda City comes rich in terms of standard safety equipment which includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, multi-angle rear-view camera, hill start assist and vehicle stability control.
The RS Trim
For the first time the City gets the Sportier RS trim in its lineup. The RS variant gets a few extra items, including a piano black front grille with an RS logo emblem, a more aggressive bumper and honeycomb grille, LED fog lamps and headlamps, black-painted side mirrors and trunk spoiler, new-design 16-inch wheels, suede leather seats with red stitching, a red-themed instrument panel, paddle shifters and an exclusive Ignite Red exterior color.
Lower Price
The 2020 Honda City comes cheaper than the out gone 6th gen model. The S trim costs 579,000 baht (10k less), V cost 609,000 baht (40k less) and SV cost 665,000 baht (71k less). The RS trim however goes as high as 739,000 baht.
Related: 2020 Honda City Modulo Accessories Revealed
The 7th gen City will be exclusively built in Honda’s Ayutthaya plant in Thailand. It will officially go on sale from the 24th of December in Thailand, and will be followed by Malaysian and Indian market debut by Q1, 2020. The all new Honda City will begin reaching other markets (including Oceania) thereafter.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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