Almost exactly a year since the 7th gen Honda City sedan made its global debut, the 2021 Honda City hatchback has just been unveiled in Thailand. This is also the first time that Honda’s popular subcompact is available in hatchback iteration after the discontinuation of the first two hatchback-only generations from the 1980s.
The 2021 City hatchback has been in news on & off ever since its patent images appeared on the internet earlier this year. Later on the car was also spotted testing in Thailand wrapped under a camouflaging livery.
In terms of styling the City hatchback maintains its identity from the frontal half and begins to differentiate itself from its sedan sibling as we proceed to move to the rear. The roofline of City hatchback extends into a top-mounted spoiler and a steeper rear window. Like sedan, the City hatchback gets slimmer horizontally oriented tail lamps carrying similar light signature, plus there is a rear windshield wiper and off course a redesigned bumper to round off the exterior details. And yes the City hatchback also gets a unique set of 15-inch alloys too.
2021 Honda City hatchback
The interior remains identical to the sedan with an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system. However according to Honda, the City hatchback offers more legroom than its sedan sibling and comes with Ultra Seats, allowing for 4 different rear seat arrangements namely Utility, Long, Tall and Refresh modes.
In terms of dimensions the 2021 Honda City hatchback is exactly as wide as the sedan version while retaining the same wheelbase, however obviously being a hatchback its 208mm shorter but stands 21mm taller than its sedan sibling.
Under the hood the City hatchback gets the same 1.0 liter three-cylinder turbocharged unit that comes fitted with the Thai-spec City sedan, delivering 122 hp of power and 173 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to CVT gearbox sending power to the front wheels.
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The City hatchback in Thailand is available in three variants called S+, SV and RS. Standard features include manual air-conditioning, keyless entry and push button engine start, idling stop system, 4 speakers and Bluetooth, 4 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, ABS, EBD and Isofix child seat anchors. Moving up the trim, the SV gets side mirror with integrated indicators, leather seats, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, white illumination for the MID, a center console storage box, 8-inch Advanced Touch system and a multi-angle rear-view camera.
2021 Honda City hatchback
The range topping RS version comes equipped with 16-inch wheels, combination suede/fabric/leather seats, paddle shifters, cruise control, red illumination for the MID, two more power outlets for rear passengers, a rear arm rest, 8 speakers, Honda Connect telematics and 6 airbags in total. The RS also differentiates itself visually having black front grille, shark fin antenna, tailgate spoiler, door handles, side mirror caps, rear diffuser and fog lamp garnish.
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It is being said that the City hatchback will be offered as a replacement of the 4th gen Honda Jazz/ Fit in the Asian region. The new Jazz was being criticized for its rather sedate styling while the City nameplate being more popular in this region will have a better chance to give Honda an edge over its rivals with a same car in sedan & hatchback configurations just like Toyota does with Yaris sedan & hatchback.
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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