Minor-change Honda City released
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First 'facelifted' vehicle in first-car buyer scheme
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Honda has launched the new Honda City – the first “refreshed” model in the market to qualify for the government’s first-car buyer scheme.<br />
According to distributor Honda Automobile (Thailand), the facelifted City is the first new model to qualify for the maximum Bt100,000 tax rebate under the government’s scheme.<br />
With improved design and features, the City is expected to attract domestic sales of 70,000 units and exports of 20,000 units within a year. <br />
Honda Automobile (Thailand)’s president Atsushi Fujimoto said every one of the new-generation models of the City to date had incorporated the best of Honda’s innovative technologies and stylish designs and had received positive reviews.<br />
“The third-generation City, in particular, has become one of the best-selling sub-compact sedans since the all-new model made its worldwide debut three years ago. It took the Thai market by storm, and we intend to stir up another round of excitement with the new, sportier, premium-looking City.”<br />
The City has gained excellent customer acceptance in more than 55 countries, as well as Thailand. Cumulative worldwide sales have exceeded 1.6 million units. In Thailand, the third-generation model became a best-seller and topped Honda’s sales chart for many months after its launch in 2008. <br />
“Oil prices have climbed steadily and remained high over the past several years and this factor has influenced customers’ preference for cars in the compact and sub-compact<br />
segments. In Thailand, these segments contributed 79 per cent of total<br />
passenger-car sales in 2010, a trend that is likely to be repeated this<br />
year and in 2012,” Fujimoto said.<br />
The sub-compact segment alone – the category in which the new City will competes – has contributed about 50 per cent of total passenger-car sales in Thailand over the past three years. <br />
“With a facelift that highlights a sportier, premium appeal, its roomy cabin and driving comfort, the new City will intensify customers’ senses and driving experience. It is a car that makes a statement about modern lifestyles, and is an ideal choice for those who are considering their first car,” Fujimoto said.<br />
The minor-change City is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that delivers 120-horsepower through a five-speed automatic transmission and a “drive-by-wire” control system. <br />
It comes with a re-designed interior featuring practical and convenient amenities, including a new blue-light speedometer with ECO indicator, a metallic console theme with chromium decoration, and an automatic door lock by speed.<br />
“Fuel-conscious drivers will like the ECO Indicator because it automatically lights up to tell them when the car is being driven fuel-efficiently,” Fujimoto added.<br />
Prices for the minor-change City range from Bt559,000 to Bt704,000, depending on the model, version and specifications.</p>
