The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The hatchback segment of the local auto market is getting to be exciting these days as Honda Cars Philippines entered its New City Hatchback that now boasts updates to its interior and exterior and now also comes with Honda Sensing last week at the Bonifacio Amphitheater in Taguig.
“Its predecessor has been so popular in the Philippines that it previously held 90% of the B-Segment hatchback market share,” said HCPI president Rie Miyake, who reported the 20 percent sales growth of the company last year vis-as-vis 2022. She said the main mover is the HR-V which has already sold 10,000 units since its second generation launch while the RS e:HEV has already sold 500 units since its launch several months back.
The City Hatchback has been improved with an updated RS body kit with a new bumper and front grille. It also comes fitted out with 16-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels, with radial, unrestrained spokes to support its sporty image with its large diameter expression. Only the RS CVT version will be sold in the country with a tag price of P1,189,000, according to newly promoted senior vice president Atty. Louie Soriano.
Honda Sensing will now make rides in the New City Hatchback extra safe as its Honda’s driver-assist system is developed for the brand’s goal to realize a collision-free society by 2050. Among its features incorporated within the vehicle are: Lead Car Departure Notification; Adaptive Cruise Control; Collision Mitigation Braking System; Lane Keep Assist System; Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning; and Auto High Beam. For added safety and convenience, it now has Walk Away Auto Door Lock and six airbags. Technological updates to the New City Hatchback include a 4.2” TFT Meter and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.