House of Investments Inc. president Medel Nera (left) with HCPI’s new president and general manager Noriyuki Takakura
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile unit in the Philippines, found the perfect place to unveil its new, refreshed 4th generation Honda City.
In line with Honda’s tagline “The Power of Dreams,” the new City was unveiled at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams last Monday evening with HCPI’s new president and general manager Noriyuki Takakura presenting Honda’s latest debut for 2017.
The refreshed model revolves around its concept dubbed as “Advanced Energetic Smart Star.”
With its high-tech and sporty design, the new City promises class-leading fuel efficiency and comfort and above-class safety features that is sure to make this one of the brand’s highest selling models.
Takakura said since 2014, Honda sold 26,324 units, making it the brand’s best selling model ever.
As HCPI’s lone locally assembled nameplate, it is a major contributor in the company’s overall sales.
Takakura reported that HCPI sold 3,479 units last March, the highest monthly sales performance in its history. Its January to April year-to-date sales hit 8,813 units, a growth of 18 percent versus its 2016 figure.
So what’s new with the Honda City? The most obvious is the exterior, the refreshed model getting a redesigned front fascia with a slightly lower and wider stance, giving it a sportier look.
The designers gave a new front and rear design that made it look sharper with a more aggressive look, thanks to the new front grille.
Across all variants, the new City is now equipped with LED daytime running lights (DRL), with the top variant VX+ with LED headlights and LED fog lights.
The City also sports a new set of diamond-cut aluminum alloy wheels (a larger 16-inch diameter wheel for the VX and VX+ variants and 15-inch diameter wheel for the E CVT variant).
The VX and VX+ variant also get power folding side mirrors.
Looking inside, a new and elegant interior is complemented with decorative gun metallic panels and leather seats for the VX+ variant, giving it a more premium feel.
Takakura reports Honda’s first quarter performance
Honda designers also placed a new metallic trim around the air-conditioning vent and gearshift.
On the dashboard, the City’s gauges and lighting has been redesigned as well.
Manila-proofed
Driving the new City has never been easier, starting from the convenience of its push start button.
The VX and VX+ variants are now equipped with cruise control that correctly maintains a steady driving speed set by the driver. This feature is very useful especially in highways with speed detectors.
Another feature that’s useful in city driving is the hill start assist (HSA), which allows the driver a few seconds to shift the right foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal without having to worry about sliding back if the car is on an incline—very practical when on steep bridges and parking lot ramps.
Another relevant and very useful feature is the new 7-inch touchscreen audio system for the E CVT, VX and VX+ variants that consists of Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio streaming, and USB connectivity.
With the new Anti-Distracted Driving law, this feature is a must-have for city driving.
Furthermore, the VX and VX+ variants are equipped with a navigation system and a multi-view reverse camera with guide lines, voice command, Miracast, and Cube user interface (UI).
The new City is also packed with safety features as all variants are equipped with a G-con body structure, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and dual SRS airbags.
The VX and VX+ variants also feature a smart entry system, while the VX+ variant gets additional side and side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), and emergency stop signal (ESS) for added safety.
The new City still uses the same fuel efficient Earth Dreams Technology based 1.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 120 ps at 6,600 rpm and 14.8 kg-m of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission (for the base E variant) or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
With today’s rising fuel cost, Honda’s eco assist system features the econ button and eco-coaching ambient meter, both being useful driver aids promoting smart and fuel efficient driving habits.
The VX and VX+ variants are also now equipped with paddle shifters for a sportier driving experience.
Just like other Honda models, genuine Modulo accessories for the new City are available in dealerships for that added personal customization.
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