Camouflaged test mule of the hatchback version of latest Honda City has been spotted testing for the first time in Thailand. The City entered its 7th generation in November 2019, call it 5th gen if you disregard the first two generations that were produced during the 1980s.
Related: 2020 Honda City Scores 5-Stars in Latest ASEAN NCAP Crash Tests
Earlier this year it was reported that the new Honda City will also get a hatchback version, since then the City hatchback has been in news on & off. Earlier this month Brazilian portal Overboost.Br also published speculative renderings of the new City hatchback since Honda has registered the new City hatchback alongside City sedan with the National Institute of Industrial Property in Brazil which means that both the City sedan as well as its hatchback version will go on sale in Brazil and most likely in the other Latin American markets.
In terms of looks, the new City hatchback will be identical to its sedan sibling with similar front-end and side profile. The obvious difference is noticeable from the C-pillar which sees the roofline extend into a top-mounted spoiler and a rakish 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.
Honda City hatchback spotted testing in Thailand
As for engines, the sedan’s 1.0 liter three cylinder turbocharged engine with 7-speed CVT will likely be available with the hatchback too, plus there is a possibility that the latest Jazz hybrid’s e:HEV powertrain, which consists of a 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a single fixed-gear ratio could also make its way to the City hatchback.
Related: Up-Close with the All New 2020 Honda City
According to reports, the City hatchback might come as a replacement of Honda Jazz in selected markets. The all new 4th gen Fit/ Jazz that debuted late last year and went on sale in its home market earlier this year has received critical response from automotive media as far as its subdued styling is concerned.
This isn’t the first time the City will appear as a hatchback, in fact the first two generations that were produced in the 1980s were both hatchbacks before the City nameplate was discontinued in early 90. It was later resurrected as a sedan in 1996 as the City SX8 based on 4th gen Civic EF platform and since then the City has never looked back.
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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