The Honda City is Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)’s entry into the subcompact sedan segment. Now on its 7th generation across the globe and 5th in the Philippines, It comes with a refined look similar to its bigger brothers the Honda Civic and Honda Accord. The City comes in a small and practical package ticking all the right boxes for those looking to get a versatile and affordable sedan. It comes with a large grille at the front along with LED headlights for the higher variants and halogen bulbs for the lower models.
The all-new City features a roomy interior and has modern amenities, plus an ample amount of storage space and cubby holes. The interior seats come in black fabric for the lower variants or black leather for the range-topping variants matching the interior theme of black. Climate controls can be controlled with manual buttons or a touch panel layout.
Along with its new looks, the Honda City has the performance to match. Powering the sedan is a chain-driven 1.5-liter (L15B1) naturally aspirated engine featuring Honda’s i-VTEC technology with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). It can be had with a choice of either a convenience-centric CVT or a six-speed manual gearbox. It also features an ECON button for all variants except the S grade and an eco-coach ambient meter function which changes the dynamics of the engine and helps give you the most out of your fuel.
In July 2023, the City was given a facelift along with its smaller sibling the Brio. In terms of design updates, the front bumpers of the Brio have been refined, featuring smoother contours around the corners. The grille now showcases a design reminiscent of the all-new Civic, incorporating a fresh pattern. Moving to the rear, the bumper gains more defined corners and a diffuser, enhancing the overall aesthetics.
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.
Technology Features
The Honda City in the Philippines comes equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen audio infotainment system for its S CVT, V CVT, and RS CVT variants. The entry-level E variant only comes with a 2-DIN Audio system. Models with the eight-inch head unit, come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard along with WebLink. Bluetooth connectivity is standard for all variants of the Honda City, however, only the E variant comes with one USB port while the other models come with two. Audio and hands-free telephone (HFT) with voice recognition is also available for the RS, V, and S CVT variants of the City. The entry-level E variant only comes with audio controls and HFT without voice recognition.
All models of the Honda City come with a four-speaker sound system with the exception of the RS variant which comes with eight in a four-speaker, four-tweeter configuration. An automatic air conditioning system is present in the RS and V variants. The S and E variants only come with manual air conditioning. Air controls come in the form of rotary knobs with a digital display and illumination as standard for all models. Rear ventilation is available for the Honda City but only in its RS and V variants.
For its indicators, all variants come standard with a tachometer, speedometer, fuel level, fuel consumption meter, trip meter, range computer, temperature, and illumination control.
The RS variant along with the V variant also comes with cruise control. A multi-view camera is also available for the RS and V grades of the subcompact sedan. All variants of the Honda City come with a one-push start system with the RS and V variants getting Smart entry. When it comes to 12-volt sockets, the RS variant comes with two while the other variants only have one available at the front.
Exterior
The 5th generation Honda City comes with an all-new sleek and dynamic design. The front has been sculpted to match the design language of its bigger brothers the Civic and Accord. It comes with halogen projector headlights for the E, S, and V variants with the RS variant getting full LEDs. Front LED fog lamps along with a sport-type fog light garnish are available for the Honda City but only for its RS variant. Side turn signal lights are available for all models with the E and S variants having them mounted on the fenders while the S and RS models have them integrated into the door mirrors. All models come with LED tail lamps and a LED high-mount stop lamp.
The front grille for the S and V variants comes in chrome while the top-of-the-line RS comes with a special high gloss design with an RS emblem. The RS variant also comes with a sports-type bumper while regular variants only get the regular version. Door handles for the RS variant come in exclusive trim, while the V gets chrome, and the rest of the variants are body-colored instead. Door mirrors for all variants come in their own body colors while the RS variant comes with a high gloss black. Updated in July 2023, the City’s exterior has been given a minor redesign. The exterior enhancements of the vehicle primarily focus on its bumpers, grille, wheel designs, and the inclusion of more color options.
Starting with the front bumpers, their corners have been refined to give a smoother appearance. The grille now features a design inspired by the all-new Civic, sporting a fresh pattern. Although the new grille may appear larger, this effect is achieved through the implementation of a slimmer chrome trim piece, creating an illusion of increased size. Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the bumper receives sharper corners and is equipped with a diffuser, adding a more pronounced and stylish look.
The Honda City comes available in the following colors: Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoriod Gray Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Taffeta White.
Interior
The cabin of the Honda City in the Philippines comes with three different color schemes. The E and S variant comes with a black-only layout, while the V variant comes in black with silver trim, and the RS variant comes in black with red trims.
Seating material for the Honda City comes in two forms. Leather and suede for the RS model and fabric for the E, S, and V variants. A height adjuster is present in all variants of the City along with a fabric seatback pocket located behind the front passenger seat. The rear center console of the RS trim level also comes with cup holders.
For the shift knob, the RS and V grades get leather while the S variants only come in urethane. The same can also be said for the three-spoke steering wheel for the RS and V variants as they both come in leather while the S grade gets a three-spoke urethane steering wheel. Steering adjustment for all Honda City models comes with tilt and telescopic functionality. When it was updated in July 2023, Honda introduced some minor changes to the City’s interior, which includes new garnish colors and an updated instrument cluster for the RS trim. Meanwhile, the E, S, and V variants have largely retained their interior design from before the update.
Safety
When it comes to safety the Honda City is well-equipped. It comes with driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags as standard. Only the RS variant comes with side curtain airbags for added safety. Other standard features across the variant lineup include a G-CON body structure, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, ABS with EBD, emergency stop signal, adjustable three-point ELR seatbelts at the front, three three-point ELR seatbelts at the rear, a seatbelt reminder for the driver and front passenger, power door locks with speed sensing auto lock, a child lock, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a knee bolster for the driver, and a security alarm with an immobilizer.
Further adding to the Honda City’s reputation for safety, Honda has equipped the City with the Honda SENSING suite of safety features for all variants of the sedan in its 2023 update. The features include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high beam, and, lead car departure notification.
Overall Score
86.54
Tested Variant: Honda City 1.5 RS CVT
Child Occupant Safety
22.82
Front Impact Score
16
Side Impact Score
8
ISOFIX
Yes
Adult Occupant Safety
44.83
Front Impact Score
13.98
Side Impact Score
16
Head Protection Score
2.30
Driver Airbag
Yes
Front Passenger Airbag
Yes
Curtain Airbag
Yes
Side Airbag
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Seat Belt Retractor Driver
Yes
Seat Belt Retractor Front Passenger
Yes
Safety Assist Technology
18.89
Effective Breaking & Avoidance
ESC
Yes
ABS
Yes
Seat Belt Reminders
SBR for Driver
No
SBR for Front Passenger
No
SBR for Rear Passenger
No
Blind Spot Technology
BST Nearside
No
BST Offside
No
Advanced Safety Assist Technologies
Intelligent Rear View Mirror
No
AEB Inter-urban
No
AEB VRU
No
Lane Departure Warning System
No
Forward Collision Warning System
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
Top Agents
Connect with the top Honda sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
View our pricelist table and select a variant to view further specifications.
Add To Comparison
Honda City Colors
The Honda City comes in the following colors: Ignite Red Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White and Platinum White Pearl
Ignite Red Metallic
Modern Steel Metallic
Lunar Silver Metallic
Crystal Black Pearl
Taffeta White
Platinum White Pearl
Honda City Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Honda City. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Sedan
No. of seats
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
CVT
Max Output (hp)
119 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
15 in - 16 in
Airbags
4 - 6
*Depending on variant
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, WebLink, USB Port (x2), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
*Depending on variant
Warranty
3 Years (100,000 km)
SRP
₱973,000
₱998,000
Wheels Metal Type
Steel with Full Cover
Alloy
Entertainment System
2DIN Audio System
8-inch infotainment system
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, WebLink, Bluetooth, USB Port (x2)
The Honda City lineup got a huge spec bump from its pre-facelift, but this is the RS, does the top-spec remain top dog? First impressions are still good.
On this first drive, we go on a trip with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. to fully experience all the new and shiny features in the City, and the zippy performance of the Honda Brio. Updated for the 2024 model years, the City and Brio are both updated with new tech that's sure to enhance your drive. We bring the duo out of town and to the race track. Find out what's new on this first drive.
The new Honda City is here for the 2024 model year, and it's facelifted and with all-new standard features for the Philippines. Honda has improved this model's looks coming into the facelift...
Learning the ropes of driving isn’t really hard when you’re in the right car, but choosing the right one can be challenging, especially with many choices available in the local market. That'...
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5
Overall value for money
5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
100.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5
Quality of work performed
5
Was it completed on time?
5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
5
Honda City 1.5 RS CVT Honda SENSING
Honda Cars, Marcos Highway
5/5
Anonymous · Apr 14, 2024
My original plan was to get the Brio RS Black top because I really missed driving a small car. But I saw the City Blue RS and I fell in love hahahah. It’s still smaller than an SUV so pde na. Haha For me, it’s perfect for day to day use. I don’t need a super fast car but you can have fun driving this thing! The Honda sensing is a great bonus too for your safety. I say, you get what you paid for here overall. No regrets, I’m happy I decided to go for this! I love this thing! (but I still want a smaller car, balang araw sana 😆)
My original plan was to get the Brio RS Black top because I really missed driving a small car. But I saw the City Blue RS and I fell in love hahahah. It’s still smaller than an SUV so pde na. Haha For me, it’s perfect for day to day use. I don’t need a super fast car but you can have fun driving this thing! The Honda sensing is a great bonus too for your safety. I say, you get what you paid for here overall. No regrets, I’m happy I decided to go for this! I love this thing! (but I still want a smaller car, balang araw sana 😆)
This is my first car and so far I am impressed with everything! It’s very efficient and features are great! Honda customer service is also great! Kudos!
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
5
Overall value for money
5
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
100.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
5
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
5
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
5
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
5
Quality of work performed
5
Was it completed on time?
5
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
5
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
5
Honda City 1.5 RS CVT
Honda Cars, Greenhills
· Service Score 100%
4.9/5
Oscar Jensen Binsol · Jun 19, 2023
Honda Greenhills always uplifts its promise to deliver excellent after-sales service. I always feel at ease when ever I visit their branch for my scheduled maintenance.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
What generation is the City?
In the Philippines, the City is on its 5th generation. The first model came to the country in the 90s, but globally, the City nameplate is in its 7th generation.
Is the engine of the Honda City SOHC or DOHC?
Previous models of the City were single-overhead-cam (SOHC), but the new Honda City now has a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) valvetrain that still has the brand's i-VTEC technology.
Does the Honda City have sunroof?
The Honda City, even on its top-spec variant, doesn't have a sunroof.
Is the Honda City a safe car?
Based on its 5-star ASEAN-NCAP rating, the Honda City is a safe car as long as it's equipped with ESC and seatbelt reminders for front passengers.
Where is the Honda City made?
The Honda City in the Philippines is no longer assembled locally in Santa Rosa, Laguna, instead, Honda Cars Philippines gets the subcompact sedan from Honda's Thailand factory.
Is the Honda City a good car?
With a balance of power and fuel economy, the Honda City is a good first car or a daily commuter.
Important: AutoDeal.com.ph aims to provide the most accurate and updated vehicle information as possible. However, please note that vehicle specifications, prices, and images may be changed by the manufacturers and dealerships without prior notice. Always test drive a vehicle before purchasing. If you spot a potential mistake, feel free to contact us at info@autodeal.com.ph.
Get the best deal - Choose multiple dealerships to compare offers!
Select up to 5 dealerships and compare their offers
Tested Variant: Honda City 1.5 RS CVT
