Honda Philippines is set to bring in the updated version of the Honda City. The new model brings a couple of tweaks to its exterior design, new connectivity features, and, most of all, Honda SENSING active safety to the nameplate.

The updated version of the sedan is now more technologically advanced than ever before and is much safer with the new advanced driver-assistance systems.

As it is a momentous occasion for the nameplate, we will quickly look at the history of the Honda subcompact sedan in the Philippine market to see how far it has come with five generations in the local market. 

The 3A/SX generation (1996)

We understand that the Honda City technically has seven generations globally, but for the Philippine market, this is where it started with the 3A/SX generation of the sedan. 

It was available with three D-series engine options, the first was a 1.3-liter, the second was a 1.5-liter, and the third was a 1.5-liter with VTEC or Honda’s variable valve timing technology. It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

During its life cycle, the 3A would transition into the SX generation with a facelift giving it sleeker headlights, new bumpers, and a new set of larger taillights. 

If you still remember Ito Rapadas' song, "I remember," as the soundtrack to this Honda City generation's TV commercial, you're legend.

The GD/GE Generation (2002)

Enter the early 2000s when Honda released the GD/GE generation of the City. The new model entered the local market in 2002 and brought a new suspension and twin-spark technology for its lineup of engines. The new tech allowed the sedan to have a leaner burn leading to better fuel efficiency. 

Honda would replace the old D-series engines and put in new L-series engines but retained the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter displacement options. Like before, it would be available with a 5-speed manual, but Honda would replace the old 4-speed with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with seven simulated gears. 

In late 2005, the Japanese automaker would give this generation of the Honda City a facelift, reworking its front with a new bumper grille, headlights, and a new set of taillights. Something to note is that Honda extended the nose of the vehicle by around 65mm and the rear of the vehicle by 15mm, making it longer than the pre-facelift model. 

This generation also brought along with it the Honda Jazz to the Philippine market.

The GM2/3 Generation (2008)

The third generation Honda City to enter the Philippine market is the GM2/ GM3. It was launched in 2008 with the Japanese automaker giving the sedan a longer front overhang and wheelbase and a lower roofline to give it more ideal sedan proportions than the previous generation.

Like the GD/GE generation, the GM2 and GM3 were available with a 1.3-liter and a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. The 5-speed manual transmission was retained along with the CVT. 

In 2011, Honda gave this generation of the City a facelift with new bumpers, a new grille design, new taillamps, and new alloy wheels. The Japanese brand would also give the sedan an eco-driving indicator and dual front airbags for all models. 

The GM4 Generation (2014)

The fourth generation Honda City to enter the Philippine market is the GM4. It rides a slightly modified chassis of the GM2 generation, with notable changes being the relocation of the fuel tank from the middle of the vehicle to the rear. The repositioning allowed the sedan to have a sportier driving feel. 

Aside from this, Honda would also lower the sedan's roofline to give it a lower center of gravity and a sleeker exterior design. It's also the first generation of the nameplate to have an all-1.5-liter engine lineup ditching the old 1.3-liter motor. Like before, it was available with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. 

This generation of the Honda City was also one of the safest, as it garnered a 4-star global NCAP rating for its 2 airbag models and a 5-star rating for its six airbag models. 

In 2017 Honda gave the GM4 a facelift with updates that included LED headlamps with daytime running lights, LED tail lights, and a revised chrome bar grille. 

The GN Generation (2019)

The GN Generation is the latest iteration of the Honda City in the Philippines. It was launched in 2019 and brought new sportier styling and many new features. It also brought a hatchback version that would replace the Honda Jazz in certain markets. 

Like the GM4 generation, the City's current generation would retain its all-1.5-liter engine model lineup. However, unlike the previous version, which had a single overhead cam engine, the new model would have a dual overhead cam motor giving it a beefier mid-range.

Honda Philippines also introduced a 1.5-liter model with a 6-speed manual option but for a limited time. The automaker would subsequently remove the variant to streamline the model lineup locally.

The GN generation would also be another of the brand’s safest vehicles as it would gain a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating. 

For its latest iteration, Honda Philippines has given it a slight refresh with minor cosmetic changes to the vehicle, including new bumpers, a new grille, and a new set of alloy wheels. The automaker even added its Honda SENSING technology giving the sedan access to features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking. 

Does the current Honda City still live up to the first generation's lofty goals?

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