Honda aims to redefine the subcompact with 2013 City

MANILA, Philippines - Using kaizen (the Japanese term for “continuous improvement”), Honda Cars Philippines is aiming to redefine the subcompact segment with the introduction of the 2013 City. Now available at all Honda dealerships nationwide, the new City carries new aesthetic and safety improvements as well as the introduction of a brand-new variant, the 1.5 ENC.

For 2013, all variants of the Honda City enjoy new alloy wheel designs with the 1.3-liter variants getting new 8-spoke 15-inch alloys with 175/65R15 tires and 1.5-liter variants receiving seven split-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 185/55R16 rubber. Though the exterior changes to the City are limited to the rims, Honda’s bestselling car remains a head-turner thanks to its three-bar chrome grille, angular bumpers, and two-tone tail lamps. Capping off the changes to the City is a slew of new exterior colors such as Taffeta White, Urban Titanium, Sparkling Brown, and Carnelian Red. The availability of these colors is dependent on the variant.

Inside, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)’s bestselling car receives a more luxurious touch. The elegant black cabin features blue and white illumination on its instrument panel as well as chrome accents on the center console. The innovative Flex Audio system on all variants ensures audio compatibility with a wide range of inputs from CD to MP3 to even standard USB with full Apple iPod support. For 2013, the 1.5 E is upgraded to 1.5 EL, connoting standard leather seating.

In order to celebrate the Honda City’s recent 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, HCPI is adding the 1.5 ENC variant which sets the bar in terms of passenger safety in the B-segment class. Though dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD are standard across the City range, the 1.5 ENC sets itself apart thanks to features such as Vehicle Stability Assist or VSA—a feature once only available in more expensive models. VSA is designed to prevent skidding and stabilize cornering. Additionally, the 1.5 ENC gets ISOFIX child seat anchors, the international standard for fastening child seats. Capping off the safety features is a driver and passenger belt reminder.

The ASEAN NCAP or New Car Assessment Program is a new addition to the NCAP entities around the world. This organization targets to enhance safety standards, raise consumer awareness, and encourage a market for safer vehicles, particularly in the Southeast Asia region.

“These [safety] features make the City 1.5 ENC one the pioneers to introduce a model (in the Philippines) that gets a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating for adult occupant protection, the highest rating possible,” said Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

Aside from the additional safety equipment, the 1.5 ENC also receives a new 60/40 split-folding rear seat which adds to the already generous 506 liters of trunk space.

The 2013 Honda City is available in four variants: 1.3 S M/T (P 746,000), 1.3 S A/T (P 786,000), 1.5 EL A/T (P 861,000), and 1.5 ENC A/T (P 876,000).