Honda is preparing an all-new hatchback based on the next-gen 2020 City sedan. A first set of patent drawings of this new hatchback have surfaced online, giving us a glimpse of what Honda’s newest hatch could look like.
For those who don’t know, Honda has been selling a City-based notchback – called the Gienia – in the Chinese market since 2016. Unlike the Honda Gienia, the new City-based hatchback gets styling that is more similar to the sedan’s, at least up to its C-pillar. The rear end has a proper hatchback-like design unlike the liftback-like looks of the Gienia. The new car’s character lines and roof design blend in well with the hatchback body style. When seen from the back, the hatchback bears similarities to the Mercedes-Benz A-class hatchback, with its wide horizontally placed tail-lights. On the inside, expect the new Honda City-based hatchback to feature similar dashboard and other bits from its sedan cousin. However, there will be differences in trims depending on market and variant.
Under the hood, we expect the City hatchback to be sold with either a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine or a 1.5-litre petrol with Honda’s e-HEV mild-hybrid technology.
Honda took the wraps off the latest-gen Jazz late last year and the model is now being introduced to most markets gradually. However, the new Jazz will not be brought to the Indian market. The new City hatchback could be a potential replacement for the Jazz in some markets. However, we expect the model to be China-focused, at least initially, and act as a replacement to the Gienia.
In the Indian market, the current-gen Jazz will see mild-update that will include the introduction of BS6-complaint petrol and diesel engines, in the coming months. All-new Honda City prices will also be announced soon.
Do let us know in the comments section whether if a City-based hatchback would make sense for Honda in India as a Jazz replacement.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
