Should Honda PH Bring In the MT-Equipped City Hatchback?

After being shown off exclusively with turbo power in Thailand, it’s increasingly likely that the much-anticipated City hatchback might arrive in the Philippines sporting the very same engine as the sedan version. This comes after Honda Indonesia previews the City hatchback.

While that sounds like a bummer to those waiting for a mildly-hot hatchback, the 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC isn’t shabby at all. Also found in the City sedan, it comes with 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque—making it still the most powerful sub-compact car in the market.

Interestingly enough, in Thailand, the five-door City comes solely with an Earth Dreams CVT. However, in Indonesia, it comes with, get this, a 6-speed manual option. The best part is that this three-pedaled version of the City isn’t a fleet-friendly base model; it’s the full-blown RS—the sole variant on offer for the City hatchback over there.

The City RS Hatchback MT closely mirrors the specs of its CVT-equipped sibling so it gets everything from the full-blown RS styling treatment to the leather/suede seats to the 8-inch infotainment system and automatic climate control. In fact, the only thing not present in the MT is the remote engine start—which makes a whole lot of sense for those who like to keep their cars parked in gear.

For the local market, Honda Cars Philippines has confirmed that the City Hatchback will indeed replace the Jazz within the year. This was alluded to in DENR regulatory requirement, and then a confirmation from HCPI’s President.

As for the exact specs, HCPI hasn’t made any mentions as of yet, but it’s unlikely that they will follow Indonesia’s lead. Honda would certainly be throwing purists a bone if they made the City RS Hatchback available with a manual, but the safest bet would be for them to make it available in at least two CVT-equipped variants—a mid-trim 1.5 V and a 1.5 RS.

Then again, what do we know, right? We’re just motoring journalists; we’re not product planners.

Source: Car Guides PH