Honda City Turbo II
The wide-arched 'Bulldog' squeezed an intercooled turbo engine into Honda's tiny tall hatchback.
1984 Honda City Turbo II representative · Stubbed at English Wikipedia · CC BY 3.0
More than a set of wheels.
Honda announced the City Turbo II in October 1983 and put it on sale in Japan on November 10. Compared with the first City Turbo, it added an intercooler, wider tracks and chunky fender extensions that earned the nickname Bulldog. This profile uses the launch-year E-AA five-speed specification, not a generic 1984 listing.
Look a little closer.
Its bulging fenders and squat stance made Honda call it the Bulldog—an unusually fierce name for such a short car.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A 1983 launch, not a guessed model year
Honda's press announcement is dated October 26, 1983 and gives November 10 as the Japanese release date. Joyride therefore presents the Turbo II as a 1983 launch car.
Source: Honda · City Turbo II press release ↗What made the Bulldog wider
Honda increased both front and rear tracks and fitted 185/60R13 tyres beneath flared arches. The wider footprint matched the stronger intercooled engine and gave the little hatchback its bulldog stance.
Source: Honda Fact Book · City Turbo II specifications ↗Where these facts come from
- Honda · City Turbo II press release
- Honda Fact Book · City Turbo II specifications
- Honda Fact Book · City Turbo II introduction
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.