2020 Honda City debuts in Thailand – new fifth-gen model gets a 1.0L turbo engine with 122 PS, 173 Nm

2020 Honda City debuts in Thailand – new fifth-gen model gets a 1.0L turbo engine with 122 PS, 173 Nm

The Honda City is one of the most important models for the Japanese carmaker, and we’re finally being introduced to the fifth generation of the B-segment sedan (disregarding the first two generations that were hatchbacks), which makes its global debut in Thailand.

Styling-wise, the latest City wears a softer and more rounded look compared to the outgoing fourth-generation model. The front end continues to feature Honda’s Solid Wing face, with influence from the larger Civic, most notably by the “jewel eye” headlamps and large chrome bar linking them.

Viewed from the side, the sedan doesn’t deviate too far from its predecessor, although the distinct character line now originates from the top of the headlamps, and progresses above the door handles rather than below them. You’ll also spot the repositioning of the side mirrors to the doors from the A-pillars for better visibility.

Further down in the lower apron, we find large corner “inlets” on the corners of the bumper, while the lower intake is largely blacked out, with only a body-coloured strip at the base to highlight it.

2020 Honda City debuts in Thailand – new fifth-gen model gets a 1.0L turbo engine with 122 PS, 173 Nm

At the rear, the reshaped two-piece taillights are reminiscent of those on the Insight, and boast a U-shaped light signature. As seen on the outgoing model, the clusters meet up with the prominent crease seen on the vehicle’s sides. The bumper here also mimics the one at the front, with decorative “outlets” on the corners, just behind the rear wheels.

According to Honda, the City is 113 mm longer (4,553 mm), 53 mm wider (1,748 mm) than its predecessor, but with a 10 mm decrease in height (1,467 mm) and a wheelbase that is 11 mm shorter (2,589 mm). The carmaker also states the car adopts polyurethane spray foam insulation and a thicker engine under cover insulator for better NVH.

The significant makeover extends to the interior, as the City’s dashboard layout is entirely new, and appears to be influenced slightly by the latest Jazz. Less cluttered in appearance, there are now vertical-style air vents, with the ones in the middle framing the touchscreen infotainment screen.

Below that, we find the climate control switchgear that appears to be lifted directly from the Jazz, with tactile dials and buttons rather than touch-sensitive controls. For the driver, the steering wheel carries a new design with a smaller centre boss and more conventional-looking on-wheel controls rather than the roundels on the outgoing model.

The positioning of the cupholders, gear lever and handbrake on the centre console appear unchanged from before, although there are now controls for the car’s Eco mode and other functions on either side of the gear lever, just like on recent Honda models.

The company also points out there is more leg room and knee clearance, as the front seat backs have been reprofiled, are 60 mm narrower, and have 15 mm lower headrests. The front seat rails are also spaced 25 mm further apart than before to provide more space for rear passengers’ feet.

However, the most significant change that comes with the new City is the adoption of a turbocharged petrol engine, which has a displacement of 1.0 litre (998 cc), with a 73 mm bore and 78.7 mm stroke, as well as a 10:1 compression ratio.

In terms of output, the direct-injected, three-cylinder DOHC mill puts out 122 PS at 5,500 rpm and 173 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Other specifications include a BorgWarner single-scroll turbocharger, dual Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC). The Thailand-spec engine is also E20 gasohol compliant.

2020 Honda City debuts in Thailand – new fifth-gen model gets a 1.0L turbo engine with 122 PS, 173 Nm

For the Thailand market, the turbocharged engine is the only option made available to customers, with the previous 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated unit being omitted. Additionally, the downsized mill is mated exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual speeds – there’s no option for a manual gearbox.

The new powertrain setup is necessary to ensure the City meets Thailand’s Phase 2 Eco Car framework, which is stricter in terms of fuel economy and emissions. Among the conditions are Euro 5 compliance, CO2 emissions below 100 g/km, and a fuel consumption not exceeding 4.3 litres per 100 km (23.25 km/l). The City has a rated fuel consumption of 23.8 km/l, so it meets said requirements.

Other aspects of the Phase 2 Eco Car regulation include the fitment of various safety systems such as ABS, EBD, BA and VSA as standard across the range, which are present in all four available variants – S, V, SV and RS – of the City sold in Thailand.

No changes in terms of the City’s chassis setup, with MacPherson struts at the front axle and a torsion beam at the rear. The same applies to the brake system, with ventilated discs up front, while drums are used for the rear.

2020 Honda City debuts in Thailand – new fifth-gen model gets a 1.0L turbo engine with 122 PS, 173 Nm

As for the list of available equipment, there’s projector headlamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, cruise control, manually adjustable front seats (six-way driver, four-way passenger), fabric (S and V) or leather upholstery (SV), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and a Honda Connect telematics system (remote start, vehicle locator and remote lock operation).

The RS variant gets a few extra items, including a gloss black front grille with an RS logo emblem, a more aggressive bumper and honeycomb grille, LED fog lamps and headlamps, black-painted side mirrors and trunk spoiler, new-design 16-inch wheels, suede leather seats with red stitching, a red-themed instrument panel, and an exclusive Ignite Red exterior colour.

Safety kit includes six airbags (front, side and curtain), the aforementioned systems to meet Phase 2 Eco Car requirements, hill start assist, a rearview camera and Isofix child seat anchors on the outer rear seats.

In Thailand, the new City range starts from 579,500 baht (RM80,035) for the base S grade, and goes up to 609,000 baht (RM84,107) for the V. Meanwhile, the SV goes for 665,000 baht (RM91,848), while the range-topping RS is priced at 739,000 baht (RM102,061).


Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Susah la on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    G20 style 3D taillight + lancer dashboard layout + kinda 718 cayman style aircond vent

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 6
    • Asam laksa on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      Good job Honda! The next gen City is getting better in every aspect, design, interior, features, engine, etc. I also hope Proton can learn from this to upgrade their game over Persona.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 43
      • Persona will continue to outsell City, with this lowya design, it will outsell City even more. Congrats Proton you just gamovered Honda for next 5 years.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 20
      • Small Car Grow Big with Tiny Feet on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

        Longer car but shorter wheelbase

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
    • Wong Tack on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:47 pm

      the new Proton Persona Fl better proportioned.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 15
    • Toyodied on Nov 25, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      At least the new City is a good looking sedan, habisla Vios!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 5
    • badz149 on Nov 26, 2019 at 12:12 am

      such as impressive engine but what disappointing car design

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 4
  • after the Thai market, we will still get the dush-old engine due to our incompetence government to set higher standard or challenge more technical mfg, hopeless NAP…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 54 Thumb down 5
  • Holyyy on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    Honestly it’s so ugly than current gen.. like a Facelift just different engine,, tail lamp copy BMW 3 series,, front like Mini Accord design..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 38 Thumb down 48
    • Janna Nick's Fans on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      It’s like our proton saga now.
      Ugly dashboard, ugly front. Not aerodynamic like current gen.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 37 Thumb down 10
    • QChan on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      Complete and utter disappointment!!

      Interior design is wildly disappointing! The AC vents……… no need to say more-lar…

      And no electronic handbrake which could make way for a proper arm rest.

      Exterior design is not even an improvement over the outgoing model but the LED head & tail lamps are the ONLY saving grace. Maybe the RM 20.00 road tax, too.

      Unfortunate and sad………

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 3
  • Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaafar (MD of UEM Group) on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:14 pm

    One glance look at it, macam my maid’s proton saga

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 31 Thumb down 29
    • MeiLi on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      Hi Datuk! If i’m like u, with that title at the front, i’ll not even look at it. Honda Malaysia’s quality now are very low. Even in their C-RV and Civic. However, their safety tech is one of the best; with ACC and LKAS. Not in this City apparently. Malaysian drivers needs LKAS without they even realize. They always fail to stay in lane. LDW is not enough.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 5
    • tan seri nik arini nak makan apa (mc of mcdd) on Nov 28, 2019 at 5:01 am

      ala latuk, this city not yet modified la. after modified everything will look like a sport car la latuk. vent pun dah mcm porsche. mcm i nak jimat beli low spec je lepas tu modified kaw2 sport rim, lampu bright silau, led lamp. ramai kata city i mcm civic. ex bf pun jealous tau. you should upgrade xc40 to your maid barula gempak. saga tu for bangsawan aje.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • You know how Honda designs usually have peaks and valleys one after another? So just like the superb current FC generation was after the underwhelming FB which came after the much lauded FB, City faced the same problem with this generation looking underwhelming compared to GM6.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 6
  • I think the design is taking a step backwards…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 52 Thumb down 2
  • Babushka Trol on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    If this is what the Japanese has to offer for the next few years, they are gonna be overtaken by the Koreans very soon

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 8
    • Not so kpop on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:29 pm

      People have been saying that about korean makes for the past 10 years but i still dont see many of them otr

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
      • Only in Malaysia. In US, SG, Europe etc Korean cars are everywhere

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Rip mazda 2,almera n vios

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 35
  • Alamak! Macam Proton Saga punya kakak.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 34 Thumb down 4
    • najib1312 on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:54 pm

      Exactly my thoughts!

      From what I’ve seen so far, the new Nissan Almera looks prettier than this.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 2
  • Same body profile as the previous one, well as long as it stays sleeker than the fugly Vios, it’ll sell well here no prob.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
  • Suka honda on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:52 pm

    Saga look alike…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • albag on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    it’s funny some idiots above commenting negatively on its looks.. they still fail to acknowledge the fact that this City is the market leader in sales.. it’s everywhere!

    Ugly?? copycats?? lousy?? the market does not reflect that way bodoh..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 15
    • Frozen on Nov 25, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      Just because it sells well, doesn’t mean it has to look like and assbag.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 2
  • Saga & accord had a baby

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Ape ni on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:25 pm

    Ni je?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • clean sleek design.

    comment section : look like proton saga not nice

    conclusion : if look like proton then must be bad. literally the mentality of Malaysians

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
    • badz149 on Nov 26, 2019 at 12:18 am

      nah man, you got that one wrong. it’s just that the Saga’s design is kinda ugly and this new City almost looks like that, so that’s why it’s also ugly. wanna know what else is ugly? the old Almera – so freaking ugly! not even the Nismo bodykits can save it from the ugliness!

      personally, I just don’t understand the design team at Proton. The Saga’s design was great and the follow-ups FL and FLX are still OK too and then suddenly BAAM…ugly duckling out of nowhere! back on topic, this indeed looks much like the ugly Saga. all that potential of the engine…wasted in an ugly car!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • the driver on Nov 25, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    I like it
    Never cared for edgy looks, made worse when the car is a mere bread and butter model. More rounded, means more aero. At first glance, it might look frumpy but its looks will grow on you

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • Hayenadeblue on Nov 25, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    When Honda uses BorgWarner turbo, “Fuahhh, Honda is goooood”, but when X70 uses BorgWarner turbo, “Krik, krikk, krik”, and sometimes with big thunder “China made!”. On different notice, some stupid Malaysian still calling the Persona, Iriz, Saga’s engine as Campro. Proton dh tukar ke VVT lama dh wei, Campro dh xde! Both are valves management system (on the top of the engine). When Proton said they change the intake part of the Preve Turbo to VVT, thats mean, no Campro!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 7
    • Bro. Many whoare enlightened dy knows the difference. Leave our cave troll to remain oblivious in his cave to continue pounding the keyboard hoping something coherent comes out on the comments.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • boubou on Nov 25, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    new Honda city or Volkswagen vento? For driving pleasure

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • autodriver (Member) on Nov 26, 2019 at 10:13 am

      Reliability and resale value choose Honda. Driving sensation takes Vento 1.2 TSI.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Depends on how do u describe ‘driving pleasure’.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • since this new city has turbo. no need to look for vento. some how, vento look more saga than city.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 1st gen ford EcoBoost is facing law suit for direct injection turbo defects, and new gen EcoBoost is dual injections now…Unfortunately, ford Malaysia gives up family cars, otherwise ford will be a game changer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • autodriver (Member) on Nov 26, 2019 at 10:09 am

      For most direction injection engine the carbon built up in intake valves is very common. Just apply engine cleaner will helps a lot. In recent years some car manufacturers are offering dual injections where the port injection will helps flushing the carbon deposit on the intake valves.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Karam Sing on Nov 25, 2019 at 6:12 pm

    Dont forget several years back rm1 = 10 baht.

    So starting price of 596,000 equals to rm59,600.

    Actually thailand pricing and costing remains the same as before…only.ringgit.is weak compare to baht.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
    • autodriver (Member) on Nov 26, 2019 at 10:11 am

      The factor is not only RM weak but Baht is too strong. This actually harmful to export business if the currency too high.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Turbo 122hp? my god.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Yes it’s using turbo, but with only a 1000cc engine, you can’t expect more

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • firdaus on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    wait 2 years after local launch. don’t be a guniea pig and buy when 1st launched.otherwise end up like cr-v gen5 buyers!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol (Member) on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    I find it a bit frumpy based on these early images. But will need to have a better look with clearer pictures. But honestly, so far, I kinda prefer the new Jazz over the new City. Jazz has a better balance of metal to glass. And the Jazz’ interior is so minimalist cool.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • ahmadjohnson97 on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

    Too much automotive news on what happening in Thailand. How about Singapore and Brunei?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Benji on Nov 25, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    Is rear ac vents omitted?

    https://www.carbase.my/honda/city/gm6-facelift/interior/36633

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • no more rear aircond vents? sad…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Maria on Nov 25, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    At first I thought it was a glorified saga. mix feeling between beauty and ugly. And I found something intresting on this new generation compared to old:
    1. There is no more rear ac vent!! What a let down. Hopefully My version will have just like current generation. Mind you Thai previous city never had rear ac vent even on top spec model.
    2. Still there is no Honda Sensing.
    3. Please Honda Malaysia don’t change the original head unit with aftermarket unit if it is coming to MY. I’m curious with Honda Connect telematics systems.
    4. Maybe the next model will have 6 airbags as standard across range for MY?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • Rugal on Nov 25, 2019 at 9:13 pm

    Looks okay la but the meter cluster..hmm..even Persona and Vios got TFT LCD full colour display.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Saini on Nov 26, 2019 at 9:42 am

    Ekonomi juga…..design pun cantik. Tapi aku bayar axia basic pun teruk juga. Apatah lagi kalau harga 2 kali ganda dari axia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • beli saga jela bang. ramai org kata city ni mcm saga. nanti bawa saga tu feeling2 mcm bawa city. utk sedapkan hati.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Not troll on Nov 26, 2019 at 10:14 am

    What a ketchup and mustard spec, 1000cc turbo vtec pair with glass transmission with price of base vios

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • autodriver (Member) on Nov 26, 2019 at 10:38 am

    It looks like Honda going to replace all the NA to turbocharged engine even for the small car. In fact 1.0l turbo charge 122ps and 173nm is an impressive output. This figure is better than the VW Vento 1.2TSI where additional 200cc it was only 105ps and 175nm.

    Btw for enthusiast and seeking for more power, it is easy to boost to 140ps and 200nm with stage 1 remap tuning. Racing chip tuning shop going to have more businesses soon if this 1.0L turbocharged bring into Msia market.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Lalaland on Nov 27, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    For the new city, the designer got lazy in designing.

    Very apparent on the new generation.

    The past 2 generation they put much effort to do it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • wrc59 on Dec 05, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Honda Tauke : Use a little abit of civic front design, abit of accord back tail light. downgrade to 3 cylinder so less expensive to build and install turbo charger to compensate for loss torque. now there! all new city! increase price in bakayaro 3rd world country. DO IT NOW!

    Honda designer & engineer : HAIK! boss! *bow* *bow* (my life suck)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required