2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 E Review

As competition in the local B-Segment hatchback market intensifies, consumers are increasingly demanding better value for money, practical space, and balanced configurations — and the 2022 Honda City Hatchback 1.5 E is positioned as a key model targeting these needs. As the hatchback version of the City series, it not only inherits the reliable mechanical qualities of the sedan version but also features a flexible rear-end design to suit urban commuting and occasional cargo needs. The focus of this test is to verify whether its performance in terms of power, space, and configuration can surpass competitors in the same class and become the top choice for family users and young consumers.

In terms of exterior design, the City Hatchback 1.5 E adopts Honda's family-style design language, with an overall sporty look that is not overly aggressive. The wide chrome trim on the front connects the LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognition; the trapezoidal air intake below the front bumper, paired with fog lights on both sides, gives the front a layered look. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, passing through the door handles. The 16-inch wheels are just the right size to match the proportions of the car without looking overly small. The rear design is a highlight, with smoked LED taillights in a horizontal layout that blend seamlessly with the tailgate lines. The black-clad lower rear bumper and silver trim further enhance the sportiness of the hatchback. As for lighting, the LED headlights come with automatic activation, and daytime running lights are standard. The actual illumination performance after activation is sufficient for nighttime commuting.

Moving inside, the interior layout is simple and practical, with materials primarily consisting of hard plastic. However, the combination of silver trim and fabric seats avoids a cheap feel. The 8-inch touchscreen on the center console serves as the visual focal point, positioned high enough to avoid requiring much effort to glance at while driving; physical buttons are retained below the screen to make adjusting the air conditioning and volume easier without looking. The configuration includes many highlights: keyless entry and start come standard, making daily use very convenient; the multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment, call answering, and cruise control; the instrument cluster features a self-illuminating analog display that shows speed, RPM, fuel level, and other information clearly and intuitively. For seating, the front seats are manually adjustable, and their fabric material provides good support, ensuring comfort even on long rides. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, and the seat bases can also be flipped up, which creates deeper storage space—especially useful for stowing folding bicycles or tall items. In terms of space, the 2600mm wheelbase is a clear advantage, offering rear legroom with a two-fist gap for passengers up to 175cm tall, while the headroom also feels spacious. The trunk has a standard capacity of 289L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, accommodating daily shopping or short trips. Additionally, the front row features a 220V power outlet, and the rear row comes with air conditioning vents, showing attention to the needs of family users.

In terms of power, the City Hatchback 1.5 E is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum power of 121PS and peak torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power response in the initial phase is light and quick, with linear throttle calibration that even beginners can handle easily. During mid-speed acceleration, pressing the throttle deeply will make the transmission simulate gear changes, providing smooth power output and sufficient confidence for overtaking — for instance, accelerating from 80km/h to 120km/h on the highway is not sluggish. Two driving modes are available: Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly subdued, which improves fuel economy, while Normal mode is better suited for daily commuting. Regarding the chassis, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most minor bumps and avoiding harsh impacts when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads. Although the rear suspension is a torsion beam setup, its performance on continuous bumpy sections is better than expected, with minimal body roll. The steering feel is light and delivers moderate precision, aligned with the positioning of a family car. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, ensuring good stability.

In the special test, the fuel consumption performance is commendable: under comprehensive road conditions, the fuel consumption is about 5.8L per 100 kilometers, which is not far from the official figure of 5.6L. On highways, it can even run under 5L, highlighting its fuel economy. As for braking, the brake force of the front ventilated disc is linear, and the car body remains stable during emergency braking, with no obvious "nodding." Regarding driving comfort, the noise insulation meets the standards of its class: at speeds below 60 km/h, there is barely noticeable tire or wind noise; over 80 km/h, wind noise comes from the A-pillar, but it doesn't affect conversations in the cabin. The seat provides good support, and rear passengers won’t feel tired during long rides; the air conditioning cools down quickly, and the single-zone automatic air conditioning is also very convenient to adjust.

Overall, the 2022 City Hatchback 1.5 E has clear core advantages: first is its space flexibility. The folding design of the rear seats and its luggage space expansion capability are superior to most other hatchbacks in the same class. Second, the configuration is well-balanced, with keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 6 airbags all as standard, making it highly cost-effective. Third is its fuel economy - the 1.5L engine and CVT combination is suitable for urban commuting with low maintenance costs. Compared to its peers like the Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2, it stands out in terms of space and configuration. Although it doesn’t offer as much driving fun as the Mazda 2, its comfort and practicality better meet the needs of family users.

In summary, the City Hatchback 1.5 E is a "no obvious weaknesses" family hatchback. It’s suitable for young office workers who commute daily, as well as families with children. Its flexible space can handle daily shopping and school runs, while its reliable power and low fuel consumption help reduce operating costs. If you're not looking for overly aggressive sporty performance and just want a balanced, practical, and adequately equipped hatchback, the City Hatchback 1.5 E is a very worthy choice to consider.