The long-awaited new Honda City hatchback will officially be unveiled in Thailand tomorrow. The new model will replace the Jazz/Fit hatchback in select international markets including Thailand and Brazil.
The City hatchback was on sale as the Gienia in the Chinese market. The new Honda City hatchback will be a global model, as it will be launched in several growing markets. The new Fit/Jazz hatchback is designed and developed for growing markets including Europe and Japan. This model will prove to be expensive for the emerging markets.
The new-gen Honda City hatchback looks identical to the regular sedan model. The new model shares the design with the sedan until the B-pillar and the major upgrade is made at the rear. It will have bigger greenhouse area, rear door, sleeker tail-lamps and sportier rear bumper.
Similar to the exterior, the interior of the new Honda City hatchback will be similar to that of the sedan. However, the hatch could receive different interior scheme. It will be equipped with a new, larger touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Other features will include automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, multi-functional steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, etc. The new model will sit above 4 meters in length and is likely to measure close to 4.2 meters in length.
In Thailand, the hatchback will be equipped with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that also powers the City sedan. This engine is capable of producing 122bhp of power at 5,500rpm and a peak torque 175Nm between 2,000 and 4,500rpm. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT automatic.
The City hatchback could also receive the 1.5L NA petrol engine producing 121bhp and 145Nm. The hatch could also receive Honda’s hybrid powertrain, which comprises of 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors that distribute power between the axles via e-CVT. This hybrid system offers 109bhp and 253Nm of torque. The new model accelerates to 100kmph from zero in just 9.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 175kmph. The new Jazz has 3 driving modes – EV, Hybrid and Engine.
