Honda Atlas has finally decided to bid a farewell to the aging 5th gen City in Pakistan according to various industry sources. The replacement is expected to arrive towards the mid of this year.
Related: Honda to Finally Bring 5th gen City Replacement
The 5th gen Honda City which was introduced in our market way back in January 2009 has already entered its 13th year of production during which it has remained almost entirely unchanged and is counted among the most under-equipped vehicles currently on sale in Pakistan.
Honda which was once considered pioneers in introducing new tech & timely updating its models & facelifts lost its heritage with the 5th gen City primarily due to the absence of competition in the segment from 2010 onwards. However, after the arrival of new player such as the hot-selling Toyota Yaris and Changan Alsvin that punches above its weight, the City which was once considered a segment leader has lost it all quite badly.
Related: 5th gen Honda City Becomes 12 Years Old in Pakistan
Being the most under-equipped and featureless local assembled car in Pakistan against a horrendous price tag of nearly PKR 2.9 million for the top-spec variant, the 5th gen City misses out plenty of features which were available in international variants but were never considered to be offered with the local variant even after 12 years of production. Bear in mind this generation of Honda City was discontinued in 2014 with the introduction of 6th gen model in international markets.
The most expensive top-of-the-line Honda City Aspire 1.5L in Pakistan that cost PKR 2.9 million
Let’s have a look at the features & equipment which the City had on menu in other regional markets but were never made available with the local assembled one.
- Airbags
- Climate Control
- Sunroof
- Multi-Function Steering
- Bonnet/ Trunk Insulations
- Reversing Assist
- Traction/ Stability Control Systems
Some images of better-equipped 2012 Honda City from other markets
Bear in mind the City sedan was primarily developed for developing & emerging markets so the above-mentioned things are certainly nothing out of this world and are considered as common offerings in other markets. However, in Pakistan, even the top-spec City Aspire trim was deprived from any of the features listed above as well as many other basic things.
Related: Has Honda City Lost Its Plot?
Although Honda is said to have been working on introducing the replacement, according to sources its most likely going to be the globally obsolete 6th generation model instead of the latest 7th gen that debuted in November 2019.
Whether the 6th gen City will be able to help Honda regain its lost market share in presence of new competition such as the Toyota Yaris and Changan Alsvin, we will have to wait to find out. But a lot depends on the price & features, the supposedly new City is going to offer.
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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