In the heart of the Philippines, where bustling city streets give way to serene countryside roads, Honda invited the motoring media to an experience that showcased the brand’s latest advancements in automotive safety and technology. This quick journey to Pampanga and back wasn’t just a drive—it was a revelation of how Honda’s updated hot hatch and its sedan counterpart perform in real-world scenarios.
The Road to Safety: Lane-Keep Assist
As we traversed the North Luzon Expressway, the lane-keep assist feature of the Honda Sensing suite immediately demonstrated its prowess. Unlike some systems that can feel abrupt, Honda’s implementation is remarkably smooth. The steering wheel gently repositions the car, maintaining it at the center of the lane without sudden movements, making the drive both safer and more comfortable. The precision and subtlety of this technology are sure to win over drivers who value a serene driving experience.
Cruising Comfortably: Adaptive Cruise Control
Long drives can often lead to fatigue, but Honda’s adaptive cruise control aims to mitigate that. By maintaining a set distance from the car in front, this system not only helps with consistent spacing but also assists with acceleration and deceleration. It’s particularly beneficial for new drivers or those unfamiliar with long-distance travel, offering a stress-free driving experience. However, for those who relish the control and engagement of manual driving, this feature might feel a bit detached.
Staying on Course: Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning
Two features that work seamlessly together are the road departure mitigation and lane departure warning systems. The former alerts the driver with visual and audible cues if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without signaling. The latter provides similar alerts if the car veers off its course. Both technologies are invaluable in preventing potential collisions, especially at high speeds where quick reactions are crucial.
Navigating Traffic: Lead Car Departure Notification
In the often congested traffic of Manila, Honda’s lead car departure notification proved its worth. This feature alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead begins to move, ensuring a smooth and timely flow in stop-and-go traffic conditions. During our return trip via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway, this system was particularly handy, preventing unnecessary delays and maintaining a steady pace.
Light the Way: Auto High Beam
As dusk fell on our return journey, the auto high beam feature of the Honda City and City Hatchback illuminated our path. These automatic headlamps adjust based on ambient light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility without blinding oncoming traffic. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances safety during nighttime or low-light driving, making the drive back as effortless as the trip out.
Preventing Collisions: Collision Mitigation Braking System
Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Honda City are equipped with a collision mitigation braking system. This technology alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions and can even apply the brakes to reduce the severity of an impact. It’s a testament to Honda’s commitment to safety, offering peace of mind whether navigating busy urban roads or open highways.
Performance and Impressions
The facelifted Honda City Hatchback delivered an impressive performance throughout our journey. Its 1.5-liter gasoline engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission, produces 119 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque. The acceleration is smooth, and power delivery is consistent, making it easy to adapt to its driving dynamics. The inclusion of paddle shifters adds a sporty touch, allowing drivers to engage more deeply with the driving experience, despite the absence of a manual transmission.
Visually, the Honda City Hatchback stands out with an aggressive fascia, faux carbon fiber trims, an updated instrument panel, and an infotainment system. The leather seats and interior trims add a touch of luxury, making it not just a performer but a comfortable ride as well.
Value Proposition
Priced at P1.189 million, the Honda City Hatchback RS variant offers a compelling mix of performance, safety, and style. It’s designed to be a sporty daily driver that doesn’t compromise on comfort or technology, making it an attractive option for a wide range of drivers.
This quick trip to Pampanga and back was more than just a test drive; it was an exploration of how far automotive technology has come in enhancing safety, comfort, and driving pleasure. Honda’s latest offerings, with their advanced driver-assist systems and thoughtful design elements, are a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and quality. For anyone in the market for a new car, the Honda City and City Hatchback should be at the top of the list.
