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The current Auto Developing Policy 2016-21 brought in many new players in the market with very high local investment in the sector , which also automatically resulted in wide range of new products for the consumers. Since mid-2019, with start of KIA local assembly of their model lineup, the automobile industry in full swing. We witnessed new products one after another and it kept consumers on the toes and it kept building their excitement.
Although the new brands and their models lineup might be flashy and attractive, there is one another long running model in our market which has always been point of discussion in good or bad way and you can guess it easily, โ The Honda City โ. Although Civic is the flagship model for Honda Atlas, it is statistically Honda City which has been running the show and bread and butter for the Honda Atlas Pakistan Limited [HAPL] .
A consumer in the market has been always on lookout whenever there is slight indication or any news about the replacement of the currently available Honda City. No matter how much the City is criticized, people still talk about it and want to know more about it.
๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ก๐, ๐ง๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ง๐ :
The current model of Honda City went into production outside Pakistan in 2008 while in Pakistan it got life in 2009 as 5th generation with chassis code GM2/GM3 and Honda Atlas blessed it upon us since then . Back in November 2013, the 6th generation chassis Code GM4/5/6 was introduced "OUTSIDE PAKISTAN" . which went into sales first quarter of 2014 across India and number of countries in the ASEAN Region. While world started enjoying the newer 6th generation of City, HAPL introduced a facelift to the local model City in October 2014 enough though the lifecycle of the 5th generating was already over.
Local consumer in Pakistan had a hope that after this facelift we might see a 6th generation which is typical after a facelift but it never happened. Then in early April 2017, Honda Atlas started its teaser camping and the fans again went wild and thought now its time for something new but all hopes went down the drain when Honda Atlas launched yet another facelift and named it a "NEW CITY". 4th months later in early August 2017, another teaser campaign started with taglines like "Are You Read ? " and "Accelerating Perfection" showing all time famous Shark-Fin Antenna .
The intelligent auto/ Honda fans of Pakistan started becoming skeptical and although many were already sure this is the same City, yet few still were optimistic about a new one. Unfortunately again all hopes were buried when Honda Atlas introduced yet another facelift and this time within 4 months of an already earlier facelift. This was like a facelift of the facelift and really disappointing and heartbreaking.
Although there was a lot of criticism going on all across the social media, Honda City remained the best seller and there was no dent in its demand, resale. Around the same timeframe Honda Atlas was also selling the newly released 10th Gen Honda Civic and financially Honda Atlas was posting record profits and this can be seen from the fact that the profits jumped from 3.5 Billion in 2016 to 6 Billion in 2017.
Icing on the cake, Honda Atlas did another minor facelift change in 2019 although it was not advertised or officially reported because of fear of extreme backlash . In contrast to the situation of Honda City in Pakistan, Honda Thailand reveled the all new 7th generation of Honda City in November 2019 . The 7th went for sale in India and other markets in first quarter of 2020 and this made a Pakistan domestic model Honda City "2 Generations" behind. It was time to change the name of Honda City to "Honda Facelift" .
Keep in mind with every facelift and with other regular interval, the model kept on creeping up in prices. It is also important to note that even after being in production for such a long time, the delivery time of Honda City still remained 3 months and in some cases even more and the unfortunate black-market/ premium mafia remained active because of demand supply gap.
Lack of competition in the market , non-availability of any small size B-Segment sedan gets all the credit for making the 5th generation Honda City the longest running in production Honda Model in Pakistan . The consumer had either an option of small hatchbacks or the flagship sedan in shape of Corolla and Civic. Anyone looking for a budget friendly "diggi wali gari" had no other option.
Meanwhile, luckily not only the new Auto Policy went into action but Toyota also did their homework and introduced Toyota Yaris sedan in early 2020 and that was some turning point for Honda to think about their operation. Sales charts started showing decline and It was now time for Honda ATLAS to ATLAST sacrifice their hen. Arrival of Changan Alsvin and entry level Proton Saga further saturated the segment.
๐๐ ๐ฒ / ๐ฒ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐ข๐ก ๐ข๐จ๐ฅ ๐ช๐๐ฌ:
In late 2019 , when the world was still very normal with no apparent signs of COVID-19 , a very strong news was circulating about the release of Toyota Yaris sedan , which later was spotted multiple times in camouflage on the road of Pakistan. The model was officially revealed in March 2020. Around the same time there was another interesting news and I feel proud that I personally broke this news on Pakwheels Editorial. Read here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/PakWheelsOfficial/permalink/3067021906746445/ and here > https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/the-upcoming-honda-city-in-pakistan-preliminary-update/
This news was the first sign of death of 5th generation of Honda City . I found out via Pakistan Import Data that Honda Atlas imported a CBU/ Completely Built Unit of a 6th generation GM6 Honda City from Thailand. Car companies in Pakistan import built cars as demo units to develop local models, including the parts development/ supply chain and it is typical procedure everywhere across the world. As per initial reports, Honda Atlas planned to introduce the GM6 before end of 2020 but because of ongoing COVID-19 situation, there were operational delays.
Although , there was an evidence of GM6 City under development, there were also many strong rumors of 7th generation City. For over a year of guessing, anticipation, forecasting and everyday rumors, Honda Atlas at last started social media teaser campaign recently and once again prediction started. The second teaser image came as a short video clip which shows a DRL on front headlight and playing around with Photoshop, one can guess what it is.
It is now virtually confirmed that customers in Pakistan will soon welcome a replacement of the 5th generation of Honda City. Although this is a good news because this is NOT AN ANOTHER FACELIFT, like multiple times previously but this time again, the controversy and disappointment is back in action and even much before the launch of the model. Reason being, yet again introduction of a discontinued model.
While Honda Atlas is trying to tease us with shadow image and will keep on doing it until its reveal, this upcoming model is not new to us even in Pakistan. The same generation of City is imported in Pakistan as secondhand JDM/ Japanese Domestic Model with hybrid powertrain and the model is known as Honda Grace in Pakistan.
I personally think Honda Atlas definitely have tested their version of local assembled 6th generation Honda City on Pakistani roads. Atlas might never require to keep it discrete with a camouflage because it looks like another existing Honda Grace already on the road. In this case putting it under the wrap might have only caused an attention ; without it , kept it away from any keen eyes.
The GM6 was launched outside Pakistan in 2013/14 and it got a facelift in 2017 with some exterior and interior updates. The upcoming Pakistani version of Honda City will be a facelift version and expected to be available in 5 variants.
So, now as we know what we are getting , let's go over what we can expect on the upcoming model. Please keep in mind that this is an opinion article and no official details are available as of now. Additionally, images shared herein this article are for reference only and to understand the possible differences only.
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The 6th generation was developed at Honda R&D Japan and is based on the same platform as the 5th generation we currently have but obviously with some updates and improvements . The 6th is discontinued model but it will be new for us . On measuring scale the 6th generation is 4442mm long, 1694mm wide, 1477mm high and have a wheelbase of 2600mm. The model has a ground clearance of 165mm.
The current City we have is 4395mm long, 1695mm wide , 1480mm high and have a wheelbase of 2550mm. The current city has ground clearance of 160mm. This means that the upcoming City is slightly bigger as far as footprint and with 2" of increase wheel base and minor bump in ground clearance.
These dimensions might not be huge but will improve the passenger space especially in rear seats where legroom is increased by 60mm. The exhaust system is also redesigned to improve the floor usage of the vehicle but also helps in reducing contact with the ground surface on bumps.
Another major update is the moving the fuel tank at the new location which is under the front seat on our current City. The tank is now moved conventionally like under rear seats in GM6 City . This helps in improving the front and rear seating positioning and occupants view as well as improves the comfort . The trunk capacity in class leading and stands at 510L , an increase of around 4 cubic feet over the 5th generation.
Overall we will definitely see any overall better experience as far as space. Honda also improved the structure / chassis of the GM6 making it more rigid , lighter and stronger with additional use of high strength steel.
๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฅ:
As I mentioned already, the model is not new for us and we have already seen it as JDM Grace. So, it might not be catchy or striking for public unlike new models which can become engaging after the release . Overall the GM6 City is an evolution of the previous 5th generation City . The model got facelift in 2017 and around a year after release of 10th generation Civic and have some design influence on front from Civic X.
The facelift got a new honeycombed front grill and Honda front chrome panel across the width which Honda calls Honda Wing . The new chrome goes all he way across over headlights. The City keeps the same low front overhung with slopping hood and an updated bumper which is now more angular and sporty comparing preface lift.
The facelift also got new headlights design with LED DRL while LED fog lamps are also provided. On the side profile like the 5th generation City we have , a character line goes all the way from front to rear slopping upwards but now more pronounced . The rear end also gets an updated bumper and available LED taillights with a connecting chrome strip. The trunk is also redesigned and with a wider opening. The high mounted stop lamp which sits on top of parcel shelf will be standard across the lineup on Pakistani model.
We here in Pakistan should expect the same exterior but there is possibility that we might not get LED headlights [ the teaser headlight is for halogen headlight with DRL] on any of the variant and we might not see LED taillights on any of the variants. A regular halogen headlights with DRL are expected and regular halogen fog lights. Honda Atlas also might like to keep few features for their own version of the facelift and we might see these in few yearsโ time. I hope at launch of City, Atlas bless us with the option of LED headlights and taillights at least on the fully loaded model.
Depending on trim, chrome door handles will be available, expect body colored on the base models. The side view mirror indicator might not show up on base models but will be available on upper trims. We should expect 15" steel wheels with covers on base models while new 15" alloys will be available with 175/55 size . Overseas model also have an option of two tone 16" with 185/55 size. I hope we see this on our top of the line model. We will welcome shark-fin antenna again as standard on all versions of the City. Overall, these will be few things to look for across various variants when Atlas launch their version of the GM6 City.
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I know we are in 2021 and this interior might not have a wow factor and too bland but back in 2014 when this City was launched it was appreciated with better packaging over the previous generation, the one we are enjoying currently now. The GM6 City utilizes improved materials and design to reduce road noise , harshness and vibration .
Driver focused dashboard with easily accessible control and Honda brand philosophy of Man Maximum-Machine Minimum was utilized for maximum occupants comfort and minimum clutter as far as the components. Increased wheelbase improved the overall interior space. New steering wheel and 3 rings instrumental panel with multi information LCD display [ we have seen it in our BR-V already ] is an improvement over previous model.
We can expect same layout but obviously with certain changes depending on the trim level.
Expect a digital control panel for the single zone climate control on top models while base will have the conventional knob type controls. Even in the base form it is an improvement over outgoing model. We should expect a double-din 7" screen head-unit with Bluetooth connectivity on the upper models while base model will get a typical radio with 3" LCD display with phone connectivity . Multi-function steering wheel , 4 or 6 speakers will be available as well.
As of convenience features, power windows with auto door lock, power folding side view mirrors, keyless entry with push button start, rear AC vents, 60;40 split rear seats with central arm rest , leather or fabric seats with driver seat height adjustment , cruise control , tilt steering adjustable s, front central armrest , USB ports will be available depending on trim levels.
We can expect most of these feature on our upcoming City. On overseas models , features like sunroof, automatic day-night rear view mirror, smart trunk lock are also available. I hope we see it on PK Domestic model as well but seems have less probability.
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As of engine , the GM6 carry overs the engine from previous generation with some improvements. We should expect the two engine options. A same and well know 1.5L SOHC i-Vtec inline 4 with approx 118HP@6600 and 145NM of torque @4600. I am not sure if Pakistan assembled will use an updated 1.5L engine / L15Z which came in GM6 City overseas or will continue with the current engine /L15A as in 5th generation City.
I was going over press releases of Honda from 2014 and it is mentioned that the updated engine L15Z uses an exhaust gas recirculation system and optimized valve timing , double needle plus and an integrated plastic manifold for improved performance and fuel economy. The hood news news here as per available reports is that this engine might be available with CVT transmission while a manual with 5 Forward+ 1 Reverse will also be an option.
There had been mixed reports regarding the second engine option. There are reports that 1.5L might be the only option. There is also a rumor of 1.2L/ L12B which makes around 89HP and 114NM of torque. This engine was never offered in this GM6 City overseas but as GM6 is related to 3rd generation Honda FIT/Jazz and on the same platform , the 1.2L is a possibility.
I personally think the Honda Atlas will carry on with the same 1.3L / L13 engine which is currently in City and makes around 98HP and 128NM of torque, IF they plan on bringing the second engine line. Again this engine was not available on the overseas GM6 City but was there on the corresponding Honda Fit/ Jazz. Regardless of 1.2 L or 1.3L, this second engine will also be available with 5 speed Automatic or manual with 5 Forward+ 1 Reverse, will also be an option.
As per reports that Honda will offer three variants for 1.5L engine [ Base 1.5L manual, 1.5L CVT and 1.5L Aspire CVT ]. Expect two variants on second smaller engine (1.2L or 1.3L) , a manual and an automatic.
๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ :
As of safety, the current Honda City can be rated on the bottom in the list but now things will change. The upcoming model uses Honda ACE [Advanced Compatibility Engineering ], which is brands basis of design for their vehicles. The upcoming model will have standard two front airbags. Expect a Vehicle Stability Control and Traction control as well. I hope it also remains standard across the model lineup. Hill start assist, ABS with EBD will also be part of safety package.
For this City Honda have also improved the design of head-rests to reduce the impacts and help mitigate neck injury. Parking sensors will also be seen and obviously backup camera on the variants which will be equipped with a double din head-unit. In some overseas market, City also has side curtain airbags, I doubt our upcoming City will have those. Overall this will be a marked improvement over the outgoing model.
๐ช๐๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐ฒ/ ๐ฒ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
Honda very first teasers say " THE WAIT IS OVER".
In fact the wait is about to start for the newer 7th generation but then the cycle might repeat and we will be waiting for 8th and so on... This is one of the most talked about topic for over a year now and since the first news of arrival of GM6 City. We can say, Honda Atlas didn't invest [ even with billions in profits ] their resources back in 2014/15 when this upcoming City should have been launched .
I believe Atlas never wanted to bring the GM6 City back then because there was no competition and secondly the 5th generation we currently have since 2009 was already selling like hot cake. Beside all the criticism and bashing, consumer were still buying the old running discontinued model and the model remained high in demand and resale value keep going up.
Toyota Indus was working on developing the now very successful Yaris sedan since 2018/19 and that was the point Honda realized they need to do something but it was already late.
The GN1/7th generation City is on an entire new platform and do need major investment and upgrades to assembly plant while GM6/ 6th generation is not very different from the City currently we have as far as platform , engine and some other components . Not only that, GM6 City is also technically related to the BR-V , we have already as it's on same architecture. It's easier , quicker and cheaper to develop the GM6. The new platform is not a Plug-&-Play system into existing line. It does need assembly line infrastructure modification which is not cheap. Had Atlas switched to GM6 back in 2015/16, It would have been a mega hit and by now Atlas would have raised enough revenue to switch to the newer 7th generation City.
Switching from the current 5th to 7th generation in 2020 onwards when overall brand sales are already on downslide because of the new competition automatically became a very expansive preposition. Consumer was looking for options and they found it and market size for each player started shrinking , means more competition. Additionally the cost of plant upgrade , model development obviously increased because of inflation of Pakistan Rupee and it is no brainer that the GN1/ 7th generation development would have cost Atlas too much and model price much higher than the competition on and could touch upper segment cars like Civic.
In nutshell, Atlas want to replace the City with a City and compete against Toyota Yaris sedan as main rival BUT pricing it between 2.5 Million to 3 Million might not be possible now with the 7th generation. Honda Atlas will never want their City model near the 1.6L Corolla or the upcoming 1.6L Elantra as far as price point and it seems like it's NOT possible with the newer GN1/ 7th generation City keeping in mind the inflation.
Yes GM6 will be a discontinued model BUT it is still in production and will remain in production in India alongside the new 7th generation/ GN1. In other words, in India Honda is and will keep on offering both the 6th as well as the new 7th generation. ( In India's domestic market , they call the GM6/ Grace shape a 4th generation while the new one is a 5th generation as an additional info). Honda Atlas will keep this information as relevant.
Keep in mind that City is major product from Honda in India and the most important model too. Honda Atlas Pakistan can easily say " We/Atlas are bringing a City's generation into Pakistan which is also available for sale and production in one of the largest market in the region ( India ) , So our /Atlas GM6 release is still relevant and not a discontinued model".
Additionally; Honda Indonesia is Honda Atlas Principal and Honda Atlas follow Honda Indonesia for their product development and the 7th /GN1 Honda City is NOT yet available in Indonesia. Honda Indonesia is still selling the older GM6 generation. Honda Indonesia recently started offering the 7th generation City but in hatchback form. Interesting fact is that Honda Indonesia imports GM6 City sedan for local market while the new 7th generation City started production in Indonesia recently but Honda Indonesia preferred hatchback instead of the sedan. Honda Indonesia will eventually develop the GN1 sedan for their market but as of now there is no time frame. The hatchback is technically similar to the sedan , only the body style is different.
Not switching to the GN1/ the newer platform on which the new Honda City is based can have further serious consequences down the road for Honda Atlas . The next generation of BR-V [ arriving in Indonesia later this summer ] will be based on the same platform . Honda Atlas will have another discontinued model in their portfolio with the older generation of BR-V . I donโt expect the 7th generation Honda City anytime soon as Atlas has to recover their return on investment of GM6 and with a very strong players in the market already, it will take much longer to achieve those financial goals.
There are also reports that Honda Atlas might bring the 2nd generation HR-V sometime next year and once again a discontinued model because overseas a 3rd generation is recently revealed. The 2nd generation HR-V which Honda Atlas also introduced as CBU/ Imported units back in 2016 is based on the same platform as the upcoming 6th generation Honda City. Read here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/PakWheelsOfficial/permalink/3737000656415230/
In simple words, Honda Atlas had poor planning with no goal in sight and was just doing " KHANNA-POORI" and seems will continue the same trend.
๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ง๐ฆ & ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ก๐ :
Honda ATLAS is late in the game but ATLAST took a brave step. Brave in the sense, to take on the ongoing and upcoming bashing and criticism for the generation they are launching.
Thanks to the competition which helped realize Atlas via their account books. Unfortunately most of the public wants "NEW SHAPE" and for them from current Honda City to GM6 will suffice. People happily buy current City in Pakistan even being older generation with multiple face-lifts with chrome chamak-patti and accelerated perfection in shape of sharkfin- Antenna and they will still buy the 6th / GM6 , no matter if it is already dead everywhere else.
As per market trend, City ( even being more than 11 year old ) is still selling as brand new. Grace shape / GM6 City is already known to public in Pakistan and was bought by many people as JDM / import as Hybrid . It still has a good following in Pakistani market. So, Atlas will cash on that existing introduction.
Honda fans will be disappointed but hey .. something newer is coming. Atlas can still attract potential buyers if the vehicle is well equipped, well-built and the most important reasonably priced. Atlas need to be have a clarity for this upcoming launch and it should not be mismanaged show. There are already reports in the market that some dealers are taking pre-booking for this upcoming Honda City before an official launch and blocking quota/ slots.
Please don't handover your hard earned money in hands of anyone asking for "PRE BOOKING " even IF that someone/ anyone is representative/employee of a DEALER and taking booking on company's name . Don't book a vehicle which is NOT officially revealed or released by the Car Company [ Honda Atlas in this case ]. Even if a vehicle is released, DON'T book a vehicle until you see it, experience it and test drive it at dealership. It looks like such news are spread intentionally to create an artificial hype in the market before any official launch of the product.
This can cause an intentional supply demand gap and resulting the same Black-Marketers ,Premium mafia coming into action before the availability of the product to genuine customers. I hope Honda Atlas do all the measures to tackle this serious issue and make sure that genuine consumers are entertained well in time and Honda Atlas ramp up their production so buyers gets their vehicle as soon as possible. This way GM6 even being old and discontinued model can gain some success.
Now lastly, the price; When City was alone in the game , Honda Atlas could price it the way they wanted BUT not anymore. The B-Segment is filled with Yaris, Alsvin while we can add SAGA as another option although SAGA is not the direct rival . Alsvin still need to prove itself being a new brand and offering while Yaris have captured the major market and Toyota Indus in on its toes with maximum efficiency to deliver Yaris orders as quickly as possible.
As of now we can say Yaris has somewhat segment monopoly and if Atlas want to break that , they need to be careful. I can guess that the pricing of the upcoming Honda City will start somewhere near 2.5 Million for the base model and can touch 3.1 Million +/- for the top of the line 1.5L Aspire CVT. Please wait for official announcement. Keep in mind the outgoing City model start at PKR-2.449 Million for base 1.3L manual while top of the line 1.5L Aspire is PKR-2.859 Million .
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ง ๐ง๐๐ ๐ญ.๐ฑ๐:
There is also a STRONG RUMOR that we might see just the 1.5L version of the upcoming Honda City with three varaints. A base manual , mid level CVT and top level Aspire CVT. Again no confirmation.
The official reveal and booking of the City in imminent and within next couple of weeks and possibly via a digital launch. Stay Tuned to pakwheels for more updates in upcoming days.
Meanwhile Join Pakwheels Dedicated Discussion Thread on 2021 GM6 Honda City > https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/t/2021-honda-city-gm6-dedicated-discussion-owner-fan-club-thread/1445346
[ f-w @PakWheels.com]
