Honda City hatchback to launch on November 24 in Thailand

Honda Thailand has announced that it will be launching the all-new Honda City hatchback on November 24, 2020. This confirms the earlier leaked patent images as well as spy shots of the vehicle that were released in June of 2020. With the confirmation of the new hatchback’s launch, this could spell trouble for those who were hoping to get the new Honda Jazz in the Philippine market. The pending debut of the hatchback could indicate that Honda is planning to separate the sale of both the Honda City sedan and the Jazz for certain markets. As Thailand is a primary source of vehicles for the Japanese brand’s local arm in the Philippines this could be a likely scenario. It is important to remember that the Jazz/Fit is now being developed separately from its City brother.

While it may seem unfortunate that the dynamic duo will no longer be sold together in certain markets, the City hatchback brings with it a few new surprises. Honda Thailand has revealed that the new hatchback will be making its debut with an e: HEV version on top of its gasoline engine derivatives. 

It is important to note that Honda has yet to release an official teaser photo of the new hatchback. However, we assume that it will look similar to the patent images and to its sedan counterpart. It will possibly share the same headlamps, grille, hood, and bumper designs as well. Character lines between the two vehicles should also be similar as well as the window designs as well. Being a hatchback it will come with a shorter rear as well as with horizontal taillights similar to that found on the sedan. 

When it comes to size, we expect the hatchback to be shorter than the sedan while retaining the same wheelbase. As far as engines go, it will likely launch in Thailand with the 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. Power is expected to be at around 120hp and 173 Nm of torque, with transmission options being a 6-speed manual and a CVT with seven virtual speeds.

For its hybrid powertrain, however, it could come with a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine that should produce around 97hp and 127 Nm of torque. This engine will also be paired with a front-mounted electric motor that pushes out 106hp and 253 Nm of torque. Ideal for those who want to make the most out of their fuel and have torque on demand. As is standard with most hybrid vehicles, it will likely come with an e-CVT.

There is no official word from Honda Philippines with regards to if or when it plans to release the Honda City Hatchback for the local automotive market. However, we assume that it will arrive within the last half of 2021 as the new hatchback will still need time to get settled in, in its home market of Thailand.