Description
Launch
The 5th generation Honda City was launched in the Philippines on October 22, 2020. It comes to the market available with three trim levels: the S, V, and RS. Engine options are now refreshed over the previous generation as the all-new City comes with a 16-valve 1.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) gasoline engine that produces 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque. While the CVT was carried over from the previous model a new six-speed manual transmission option has been added to the entry-level variant of the City. The new model also brings with it a new exterior design as well as a new set of features.
After three years on the market, on July 13, 2023, the Honda City received a facelift providing some minor exterior and interior changes as well as new equipment for the sedan. Minor updates have been given to freshen up the sedan, however, the biggest of the updates is the inclusion of Honda SENSING on all variants of the City, the S, V, and RS along with a new variant below the S called the E.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
For its current generation, the Honda City utilizes the Honda Global Small Car Platform. It carries over its predecessor’s unibody and suspension layout coming with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. Honda states that it has tuned the suspension to be more comfortable in order to make the sedan easier to drive. The Honda City’s stopping power comes from ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear for all variants. For its parking brake, Honda has chosen to retain the hand brake in the previous model. When it comes to steering the Honda City comes with an electric-assist rack and pinion system along with an electric power steering system.
When it comes to wheels the E variant comes with 15-inch steel wheels while the former entry-level S variant gets 15-inch alloys. Higher up, the V grade comes with 16-inch wheels with 185/55R16 series tires. For the range-topping RS grade, it comes with 16-inch wheels as well but in a special RS design. The spare tire comes in the form of a space saver type to help reduce vehicle weight as well as keep the City’s dimensions to a small size. Inside the wheels are disc brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear, providing reliable stopping power with the added benefit of inexpensive maintenance costs.
| Chassis | |
|---|---|
| Class | Subcompact Car |
| Body Style | Four-Door Sedan |
| Platform | |
| Layout | Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Platform | Honda Global Small Car Platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5-liter L15ZB1 i-VTEC DOHC I4 Gasoline |
| Power Output | 119 hp, 145 Nm torque |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual Transmission CVT |
Driving Performance
The Honda City performs well at corners. The body roll is almost non-existent while the suspension can even effectively absorb road bumps with ease. Along with NVH, the vehicle has traits that give the driver and passengers a comfortable ride.
The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine is well suited for the City’s size and weight. It was powerful enough to pull the vehicle without the need for hill start assist. When entering manual mode, the CVT was able to transition into a regular 7-speed automatic with a flick of the paddles. It gives the driver control of the car’s RPM and downshifts to make use of all that it can offer.
