Honda City Turbo II Bulldog
The Honda City Turbo II, affectionately nicknamed the 'Bulldog' for its aggressive wide-body appearance, is one of the most characterful and creative cars to emerge from Japan's vibrant 1980s automotive culture. Based on the tiny Honda City tall-boy hatchback, the Turbo II took the turbocharged City formula and added dramatic flared fenders, a front air dam, and an intercooler to create a micro hot hatch that was utterly unlike anything else on the road.
The 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine received a turbocharger and intercooler, boosting output to 110 horsepower - a remarkable figure for an engine of this size in 1983. The turbo system used a relatively small IHI RHB5 turbocharger that spooled quickly given the tiny engine displacement, providing punchy acceleration from low speeds. In a car weighing just 735 kg, the turbocharged engine provided performance that belied the City's diminutive dimensions.
The Bulldog's visual transformation from the standard City was dramatic. The flared wheel arches, which accommodated wider wheels and tires, gave the car an aggressive, squat stance that completely transformed its proportions. The front air dam directed air to the intercooler, while a rear spoiler reduced lift at speed. The overall effect was of a miniature rally car, and the Bulldog's appearance has influenced hot hatch design ever since.
Perhaps the most charming aspect of the Honda City was the available Motocompo - a tiny folding motorcycle designed to fit in the City's trunk. This 50cc scooter, with its fold-flat handlebars and footpegs, was designed as a last-mile solution for City owners who needed transportation at their destination. The Motocompo has become a cult collectible in its own right, and a City Turbo II with its matching Motocompo is one of the most sought-after Japanese car packages of the era.
The City Turbo II's engineering was surprisingly sophisticated for its size and price. The all-independent suspension used MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear, providing handling that was lively and engaging. The short wheelbase and light weight made the car extremely nimble, while the turbocharged engine provided enough power to make the driving experience genuinely exciting rather than merely amusing.
The interior was compact but well-appointed for its class, with Honda's characteristic attention to detail evident in the quality of the switchgear and the logic of the layout. The tall-boy body style meant that headroom was generous despite the car's small footprint, and the interior felt more spacious than the external dimensions suggested.
The Honda City Turbo II represents a period in Japanese automotive history when creativity and enthusiasm trumped conventional market research. It was a car made by engineers who clearly loved what they were doing, and that passion is evident in every aspect of the car's design and engineering. The Bulldog's combination of turbocharged performance, characterful styling, and the inspired Motocompo accessory make it one of the most delightful expressions of 1980s Japanese car culture.
Today, the City Turbo II is highly collectible, with clean examples commanding surprisingly strong prices given the car's modest origins. The combination with a matching Motocompo is the holy grail for Honda enthusiasts, and complete sets are extremely rare. The Bulldog's influence on modern hot hatch culture is significant, and its spirit lives on in cars like the Honda e and Mini Cooper.
Finding a City Turbo II in good condition is challenging. Check for rust throughout the body, particularly in the floor pans and wheel arches. The turbocharged engine is reliable but check for boost leaks and turbo shaft play. The intercooler should be free of leaks. Verify the wide-body panels are genuine - reproduction parts exist. A matching Motocompo dramatically increases value. Check for suspension wear and brake system condition. Parts availability is extremely limited. Join Honda enthusiast communities for access to specialist parts and knowledge.
The City Turbo II was produced from 1983 to 1986 at Honda's Suzuka plant. It was sold primarily in Japan, with limited exports to some Asian markets. The Motocompo folding scooter was sold as a separate accessory. Total City Turbo II production was limited compared to the standard City.