April 22, 2014

Honda Cars Philippines Launches All-New City and Confirms Brio for PHL Market (w/ Complete Brochure)

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Honda Press
UPDATE 2: We have driven the all-new Honda City to La Union! Read about our First Drive here. (4/29).

UPDATE: We have included more photos, higher resolution of the brochure (spec sheet), and the official press release (4/27).

Honda Cars Philippines is aiming to set the standard in the sub-compact sedan segment with the launch of the all-new City. Penned under Honda’s new design language—Exciting H Design—the all-new City is a mix of angular lines, creases, and curves that look to elevate Honda back into the forefront of design. Beyond the design, the all-new City also presents new convenience features and a revised powertrain for improved power and efficiency.

Compared to its immediate predecessor, the all-new fourth-generation City carries the same-sized body in terms of length (4,440 mm) and width (1,695 mm), but is +10 mm taller (1,495). The biggest news though is the additional +50 mm in wheelbase bringing the City to 2,600 mm—comparable to some C-segment sedans. And despite the additional size, the all-new City is actually lighter than the outgoing model, shedding some 75 kilograms for same speced-automatic transmission variants. The City rides on standard 15-inch alloy wheels with the top-of-the-line variant getting 16-inch rims. Other exterior features include LED side mirror turn signal indicators and front fog lamps.




Inside, the all-new City is designed to give maximum comfort to both driver and passenger. It features more room, particularly in terms of rear leg room to make it the class-leading sub-compact in the segment. The City also offers more adjustment to its seating and even the tilt/telescopic steering wheel for the best driving environment possible. Like all other new Hondas, the City now has a full-featured instrument cluster with multi-information display and ambient coaching light built in. The City also comes standard with the ‘Econ’ button that maximizes fuel economy by controlling throttle and transmission response.

The higher variants of the all-new City feature the company’s first full touch screen interface for both the infotainment and climate control system. The full-featured infotainment has an HDMI input (that mirrors the display of your smartphone) and 2 USB inputs. The touch screen panel is also highly customizable with re-arrangeable icons, colors, and even wallpaper. The infotainment system also features Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming and 8 speakers. Other class-leading features of the City include a smart key keyless entry with engine push button start/stop, reverse camera with multi-view. In the VX+, the new range-topping model, the City is rated at 5-star ASEAN NCAP making it the safest car in its segment. This City model comes with 6 airbags, vehicle stability assist with hill start assist, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and leather seats.




The all-new City is only available as a 1.5-liter model. This engine is largely a carryover from the previous City meaning it develops 120 horsepower. However, improvements have been made to its exhaust system, particularly the EGR valve, to improve fuel efficiency. This is mated to a 5-speed manual or the new Earth Dreams 7-speed CVT with paddle shifters. In an unprecedented move, Honda Cars Philippines announced on the same night that the 1.3-liter version of the City has been omitted largely due to the fact that the company will launch the Brio really soon. This puts Honda in contention in the sub-B segment populated by the likes of the Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Wigo, and Hyundai Grand i10.


The all-new Honda City is available in three variants: 1.5E M/T (P 756,000), P 1.5E CVT (P 796,000); 1.5 VX CVT (P 880,000); VX+ CVT (P 970,000). Honda Cars Philippines also announced the availability of the full line of Modulo accessories for the City which is priced 30 percent less than the outgoing Modulo kit. Mugen also held the world-premiere of the City Mugen (the Philippines is the largest Mugen market outside Japan after all) which they will sell in the third quarter of 2014.

Press Release: Honda Sets New Standard with All-New City

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines officially launched the 4th generation of its best selling model, Honda City at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Debuting in a futuristic concept, the All New City is bound to let its customers “Touch Tomorrow” with six available variants to choose from.

The engineers who worked on the City paid equal attention to vehicle improvement and meeting customers’ diverse demands in an automobile. The All New City presents itself with values that exceed customers’ expectations – a design that embodies premium and sporty feeling, comfortable and spacious interior, high level of dynamic performance and improved fuel efficiency.

The All New City is offered with Honda’s improved 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm. The 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine is mated to a new 5-speed Manual Transmission and developed under the Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology, new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT with 7-speed paddle shifters).

Furthermore, the All New City is the first Honda model locally that bears Honda’s new “Exciting H Design!!!” concept that will be applied to all future Honda global models. The “Exciting H Design!!!” represents three key elements – High Tech (innovative spirit), High Tension (pursuit of a beautiful body structure and layout) and High touch (finely-honed surfacing and texture), that focus on overall pleasing human experience.

Stemmed from the “Exciting H Design!!!” concept, the All New City’s exterior concept is “sleek cross motion”, successfully unifying sleek front form and dynamic side form. It features a solid wing face harmonized with low front face, aerodynamic bumper design and clear-cut side panel; giving the All New City a stylish yet sporty look in every angle.

The All New City retains its compact size yet it has taken Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum’ design philosophy to a higher level. The engineers achieved to create an interior space that exceeds the class standard with increased and substantial head, shoulder and knee room, a leg room that is comparable to some mid-size sedans and a top class trunk space. Matching the City’s advanced packaging is the application of the “layered floating cockpit” concept that is expressed through advanced and high quality textures that give a comfortable feeling.

Complementing the spacious interior, the All New City exudes a refreshing atmosphere accomplished with careful selection of design and materials; and exclusive to the top of the line variant are plush leather seats. Inside, feast your eyes on the All New City’s advanced interior equipment. The All New City offers first in class features such as the 7-inch touch screen display audio, the application of such equipment minimizes the use of buttons making it easier to operate while radiating a premium feel. The 7-inch touch screen display audio features functions such as hands-free telephone (HFT) and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition control.  For added convenience, the audio and Bluetooth HFT can be operated via the controls mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Just below the display audio unit, is the automatic air-conditioning system that also comes with user-friendly touch panel.

To further provide convenience to everyone on board, the All New City is equipped with different ports such as auxiliary, USB, and the new HDMI port that lets you connect and mirror your smartphone on the display audio screen. On selected variants, three accessory sockets are made available in front and at the rear for hassle-free gadget charging.

Another addition the advanced dashboard design is the push start button. The Smart Key with Push Start System intelligently locks and unlocks the doors without even touching the smart key and a push button to start or turn off the engine.

Taking cue from the market’s demand for better fuel efficiency, Honda has equipped the All New City with the ECO Assist system; which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, and air conditioning performance to improve fuel consumption; and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit by glowing green when throttle input is light and glowing blue when throttle input is heavy.

Together with driving performance and fuel efficiency, one of Honda‘s primary thrusts includes comprehensive methodology on vehicle safety. As standard, the All New City is equipped with driver and passenger SRS airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).  The top of the line variant comes with additional safety features such as side airbags, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist, child seat anchors, 60:40 rear seats, and driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder. And another new safety feature that can be found in the top of the line variant is the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that automatically pulsates the brake and hazard lights when it senses an emergency stop normally during heavy braking situations. Certain variants of the All New City are equipped with a multi-view reverse camera that is capable of displaying in three views (normal, wide, and top down).
Crafted to let you experience advance technologies, the All New City is available with the following suggested retail prices:
  • 1.5 E MT Php 756,000
  • 1.5 E CVT Php 796,000
  • 1.5 VX CVT Php 880,000
  • 1.5 VX+ CVT Php 970,000
To further enhance driving enjoyment and ownership experience of our most valued customers, HCPI is offering All New City variants equipped with genuine Honda accessories that provide added safety, convenience, and style. Modulo is Honda’s genuine accessory brand and Modulo accessories are developed in parallel with Honda’s new car development. The All New City is available in two Modulo variants: 1.5 E Modulo Utility and 1.5 VX Aero Sports. The 1.5 E CVT Modulo Utility variant includes front grille, door visor, trunk tray, seatback holder, tablet holder, door side protector, trunk cargo hook and Modulo emblem with suggested retail price of P821,000. On the other hand, the 1.5 VX Aero Sports variant includes front grille, front under spoiler, side under spoiler, rear under spoiler, wing-type tailgate spoiler, illuminated side step garnish and Modulo emblem with the suggested retail price of P935,000.

The All New City is available in five colors:
  • New Gold Brown Metallic (VX and VX+ only)
  • Carnelian Red Pearl (E CVT and VX only)
  • Modern Steel Metallic
  • Crystal Black Pearl (except VX+)
  • Taffeta White






29 comments:

  1. Overpriced and definitely going to lose out against the Vios, perhaps even the Accent hatch.

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    Replies
    1. LOL. Overpriced only if you don't look at the specs and features that come standard. You can't even buy some of those features on the aftermarket.

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  2. Please post a higher resolution image of the spec sheet. Thanks

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  3. Hi Ulysses, please help me in deciding which is better City or Vios in terms if Engine longevity. The 7 CVT and paddle shifters of City is a sure advantage over Vios in my opinion.

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  4. Mash-up...mazda1.5,city1.5,vios,elantra1.6 or accent,fiesta...

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  5. Before anyone screams overpriced, look at the spec sheet. The 796k 1.5L CVT is a cheap contender to the 4 speed vios. The 980k City is not for everyone. It won't even be considered by people who has only so much to settle for a subcompact.

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    1. This blog has already been infested with the same trolls on AI & TS. All their reactions to new model releases are predictable: it's either "overpriced" or "underpowered". LOL. Diba peterian and and that other m0ron on AI & Tsikot?

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  6. Honda City VX priced at 870k is definitely better than the Toyota Vios 1.5 and perhaps even better than the Mazda 3 1.5...

    However, I'll go for the Honda City 1.5E M/T.. priced at 756,000, It's cheap, the engine displacement is at 1.5, you still get good specs for that price. why not right?

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    1. Really? Were you able to get your ass on this car. How about fuel consumption? And isnt this car a 3rd world crap? How about reliability and quality because as far as i know (and correct me if im wrong) this car is made in thailand.

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    2. What do you mean by "isn't this car a 3rd world crap"? Yes, I was able to test drive the city just yesterday... I don't hear people owning previous models of the city complaining about its reliability. And NO, it's made in the Laguna plant.

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    3. good, sa pinas gawa....

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    4. both of you are partly correct.. it is made in thailand and malaysia but assembled in laguna plant. :D

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  7. Is it worth waiting for the minor model change of civic? Or go for the vx city? Any update for civic guys?

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  8. Sir Ulysses, What are the fuel consumption figures of the new city? City driving and Highway drive

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  9. Hello,want to. See the e variant and spec.thanks

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  10. the phil price of the brio is way too high compared to it's price in other asian countries, it's suppose to be around PhP 300,000 for the low-end variant, and around PhP 450,000 for the high-end

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  11. Is this a good upgrade for the previous gen or should people wait for another all new model? I don't see too much reason to sell my Honda City and get this new one.

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  12. Trunk size and fuel capacity seems to have been reduced compared to the previous model... Not only that, there's no rear disc brakes even for the top of the line variant. Cost cutting perhaps?

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    Replies
    1. seeing on the specs, the cost has been transferred to other features like safety.

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  13. City E or Mazda 3 V?

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  14. So where the eff is the article about the Brio?

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    Replies
    1. It was mentioned as a line in the City article. Unfortunately, we don't have any more details than that. However, the Brio will be launched real soon.

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  15. impressive sub-compact, im currently driving a 2013 civic and when I saw the new city from a dealer, I was blown away..it makes my civic look like a soccer mom's car..looking forward for the mugen inspired city to hit our shores very soon and I might even be persuaded to get one if it arrives here..

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  16. Can't read the text in the 2nd to the last page. The text in the chart looks really small and pixelated when zoomed-in. But thanks for sharing the brochure anyway.

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  17. I personally prefer a honda city for reliability reasons and it's so fuel efficient. I've had my old honda city since 2005 and I have no complaints. I just upgraded to the latest one last week, the VX+ and I love it! Even more fuel efficient for me considering I drive 2 hours round trip to my kid's school per day at min.

    Also for obvious reasons that I don't want to be driving a brand that CABs/Taxi's used and abused.

    That is my opinion so sue me. #toeachhisown

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  18. This 4th generation comes out by a diesel?

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  19. which is better honda city E manual or honda city E auto?

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