Honda City Hatchback 2024 Facelift Unveiled in Thailand With with ADAS, India Launch?

Key Highlights

• The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift debuts with 5 variants.
• New e:HEV SV variant introduced, e:HEV RS variant gets a price cut.
• Enhanced styling from City sedan facelift, two exclusive RS colors.
• Interior updates include rear USB-C ports and a smartphone pocket for e:HEV.
• Standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) across all variants.
• Uncertain entry into the Indian market due to SUV preferences.

Last year's Honda City facelift in Thailand has now inspired a set of updates for the Honda City Hatchback, blending both cosmetic and functional enhancements. The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift brings a total of five variants, improved performance, and a standard inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Variants, Performance, and Pricing

The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift offers five variants, providing consumers with a diverse range of choices. The base S+ model is priced at 599,000 baht (approx. Rs 13.85 lakh), followed by the SV variant at 679,000 baht (~ Rs 15.70 lakh), and the RS variant at 749,000 baht (~ Rs 17.32 lakh).

Powering these three variants is a 1.0-litre inline-three VTEC Turbo petrol engine, producing 122 PS of maximum power and 173 Nm of peak torque. The engine is adaptable to gasohol, a fuel mix containing around 10% ethanol.

A new addition to the lineup is the e:HEV SV variant, priced at 729,000 baht (~ Rs 16.85 lakh), while the existing e:HEV RS variant sees a price reduction of 50,000 baht (~ Rs 1.16 lakh), now priced at 799,000 baht (~ Rs 18.47 lakh). The e:HEV variants utilize an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, incorporating an electric motor generating 109 PS and 253 Nm.

Stylish Upgrades

Borrowing aesthetic elements from the City sedan facelift, the 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift boasts improved styling. Notable changes include a slimmer chrome strip at the front and a new mesh insert for the grille. RS variants exhibit a more aggressive bumper design and a new diffuser-like element at the rear, while non-RS variants feature a blacked-out lower apron.

Exclusive color options for RS variants include Ignite Red Metallic and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic With Black Roof, with other choices like Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, Taffeta White (S+ only), and Platinum White Pearl (e:HEV RS, e:HEV SV, RS, and SV variants).

Interior

While the interiors remain largely consistent, minor tweaks have been introduced. Rear passengers now benefit from two USB-C charging ports instead of a power outlet, and a dedicated smartphone inner pocket is now available exclusively with e:HEV variants.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Standard

All variants of the 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift come equipped with ADAS features through the Honda Sensing suite. Higher trims offer additional features such as a multi-angle reverse camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Honda Connect telematics, 16-inch alloy wheels, electronic parking brake, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, rain-sensing wipers, and Honda LaneWatch.

Market Considerations

While the Honda City Hatchback facelift is a noteworthy update, its availability in the Indian market remains uncertain. Indian consumers generally lean towards SUVs, with popular options such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the upcoming Tata Curvv compact SUV offering stiff competition at similar price points.

Also Read: Upcoming Maruti's Hybrid Trio: Fronx 35kpl+ in 2025, Swift & Baleno Next with 40 Kpl Mileage

Verdict

The 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift impresses with its comprehensive updates, enhanced styling, and the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard across all variants. However, its potential launch in India may face challenges due to the prevailing preference for SUVs in the market.

Source: Rushlane