The Honda City started as subcompact, slotting in between Japan’s diminutive “Kei” car class and Honda’s own Civic. Eventually, the nameplate was repurposed, keeping the same basic size but designed as a low cost vehicle aimed primarily at developing markets. By avoiding the Kei’s 660cc engine size limit, Honda was able to put low cost, larger displacement motors in a Kei-size body.
First Generation: 1981-1985
The first City used a now common tall design, allowing the car to seat four adults despite being just over 11 feet (3.4 meters) in length. Body styles included a van, sedan, convertible and widebody “Bulldog” turbo models. Primarily targeted at the domestic market, some of these variants were imported to Europe as the “Jazz,” as Opel had rights to the “City” nameplate.
The rear cargo area was designed specifically to fit the Motocompo, a folding scooter that would allow commuters in crowded areas to park their cars where convenient and complete their journeys using two-wheeled power. The idea never really took off, with production of the scooter ending in 1983.
Second Generation: 1986-1994
The convertible and turbo models were dropped, leaving only the two door hatchback. A lower, wider design helped bring weight down to just 1,340 lbs. (608 kg) while maintaining interior space. It was the first car to get the new D-series engine, expanding from 1.2l to 1.3l in 1988. That year also saw fuel injection offered as an option.
Third Generation: 1996-2002
Based on the Civic, this model was only sold as a sedan, making it much larger and heavier than its predecessor. Engine choices included a 1.3l and a detuned 1.5l, with a high performance version available that added Honda’s famous V-TEC valve control system.
While designed with cost in mind, it retained the Civic’s independent rear suspension. While it was available in Japan, sales were focused squarely on the developing world.
Fourth Generation: 2002-2008
This new version of the Honda City brought “lean burn” L-series engines for greater fuel economy as well as optional all wheel drive. Some markets were offered a CVT designed to with a seven “gear” manual mode which could be operated using paddle shifters.
To help avoid tariffs, shippings costs and currency fluctuation problems, manufacturing of the car was spread over six factories worldwide. This model returned to production in 2011 to launch Everus, a Chinese budget brand that will reuse older Honda platforms.
2008-Today
Although it’s only offered in a sedan, the Honda City is built on the same Global Small Car platform Honda uses to build the Fit/Jazz 5 door and Freed MPV. The car launched with 1.3l and 1.5l i-VTEC engines, while the CVT has been dropped in favor of a more traditional five speed automatic.
To help tailor cars to each market, it’s manufactured in nine countries. While previous City sales were concentrated in Asia, the company has expanded sales in South America, going so far as to open the first Japanese car plant in Argentina. A flex fuel version is sold in Brazil, while a new 1.4l diesel was recently added to the car’s India lineup.
Want to learn more about Honda’s small car lineup? Check out gaadi.com.
