Honda City has long been celebrated as one of India’s most iconic sedans. Interestingly though, India doesn’t receive the hatchback variant of this beloved model, which enjoys popularity in other markets such as Thailand. Expanding its appeal, Honda Thailand has unveiled a special, limited-edition variant of the City Hatchback, aptly named the “Honda City Drival.” Let’s explore what makes this edition unique.
Limited Availability & Pricing
The Honda City Drival has been released as an exclusive offering, strictly limited to only 1,000 units. Positioned as the new top-spec variant of the City Hatchback in Thailand, it commands a starting price of THB 829,000 (approximately Rs 21 lakh). Buyers will pay an additional THB 30,000 (around Rs 77,000) premium over the regular e:HEV RS variant for this exclusive Drival treatment.
Exterior Design and Styling
Visually, the Honda City Drival emphasizes sporty aesthetics through an exclusive Pearl White exterior contrasted by Gloss Black elements. It sports a newly designed body kit featuring a distinctive front splitter, side skirts, a rear bumper extension integrated with a diffuser, and an eye-catching rear spoiler. Enhancing its appeal further are blacked-out 16-inch alloy wheels, a black grille, black roof, and black outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), adding a striking sporty flair.
Interior Highlights
Stepping inside, the Honda City Drival continues its sporty design language. The cabin boasts an all-black interior theme accentuated by bold red highlights and contrasting red stitching. This combination lends the interior a sportier and more youthful ambiance, clearly differentiating it from standard variants.
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Engine and Performance
Despite the aggressive appearance upgrades, the Honda City Drival doesn’t deliver a performance boost in line with its sporty aesthetics. It remains mechanically identical to the standard e:HEV RS trim, powered by a hybrid drivetrain. Under the hood, it has a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 97 bhp, combined with a self-charging hybrid system. This hybrid powertrain integrates a 108 bhp electric motor and sends power exclusively to the front wheels through an e-CVT automatic gearbox.
Conclusion
In summary, the limited-run Honda City Drival offers enthusiasts an attractive and exclusive aesthetic upgrade without a corresponding leap in performance. With just 1,000 units available at a premium price tag, it primarily targets buyers seeking exclusivity and sporty visual appeal rather than outright sporty performance. Given its distinctive exterior, premium interiors, and hybrid efficiency, the City Drival will likely attract buyers in Thailand looking for something special and collectible, even if the thrill remains visual rather than dynamic.
