by Honda City update for Thailand: sedan and hatchback get a new face
The Thai market has always treated the Honda City with more interest than most others, and the latest update continues this trend. Following the sedan update for India, Honda has introduced the same changes for the Thai lineup, which still includes a hatchback and the “hot” RS version not available in India.
Exterior changes: sharper lines and new colors
Visually, the hatchback and sedan received a redesigned front end with sharper LED headlights and a narrower honeycomb radiator grille. Standard models have their own air intakes in the bumper, while the RS version stands out with its signature red badges and different lower trim.
The car’s profile has remained unchanged since 2019. At the rear, the LED taillights have received clear lenses on a dark gray background. The RS differs with a larger pseudo-diffuser, although the exhaust pipe is still hidden under the bumper.
Honda has also introduced new alloy wheel designs and new colors for the RS version, notably Belzing Red and Urban Grey with a pearl finish. However, the Drival Edition with its more aggressive body kit does not appear to have survived the update, at least for now.
Interior: larger screen and new technologies
The main innovation inside is the new 10-inch infotainment display. Base models have received a slightly smaller main panel that is better integrated into the dashboard. Other new equipment includes ambient lighting, a surround-view camera, wireless charging, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
City sedan buyers also gained access to a new Platinum Gray interior, available only with Meteoroid Gray Metallic or Crystal Black Pearl exterior colors.
Powertrains: hybrids dominate
The updated City lineup places a greater emphasis on hybrids. The only non-electrified option remains the base S version, which is still equipped with a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder VTEC engine paired with a CVT.
The V, SV, and RS versions are available exclusively with the e:HEV hybrid system, which combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor. Detailed specifications have not yet been released, but for reference, the previous VTEC produced 120 hp, while the hybrid generated 125 hp.
Prices and sales start
Honda is already accepting orders for the updated City in Thailand. Orders open on July 1st, with first deliveries expected by August 31st. Official prices will be announced in the coming weeks, but the updated model is expected to remain in the same range of 599,000–829,000 baht ($18,400–$25,400 USD) as the previous one.
Interestingly, the Thai market receives a more diverse City lineup than the Indian one, particularly due to the availability of the hatchback and the more powerful RS version. This shows that Honda is adapting its offering to local preferences, where in Thailand a sportier image and greater practicality are valued. The discontinuation of the Drival Edition may be related to a desire to simplify production and focus on hybrid technologies, which are becoming a key trend for the brand in the region. Overall, the update makes the City more modern and technologically advanced, which should help it compete with models like the Toyota Yaris Ativ and Mazda2.
