Honda Malaysia has launched the new City hatchback that’s based on the sedan launched last year with four variants available – RS e:HEV, V, E and S – starting from RM75,670.
As per the Honda City sedan, the City hatchback is available with two powertrains; a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC engine and the new Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).
Find out what we think about the City hatchback around the Sepang Circuit!
PERFORMANCE
| Variants | S, E, V | RS e:HEV |
| Power Unit | 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder DOHC | i-MMD hybrid system, 1.5-litre NA engine |
| Transmission | Constantly-variable transmission (CVT) | Lock-up clutch, single-speed transmission, e-CVT |
| Max horsepower | 121 hp @ 6,600 rpm | 109 hp @ 3,500 – 8,000 rpm |
| Max torque | 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm | 253 Nm @ 0 – 3 ,000 rpm |
Unlike most hybrid vehicles where the engine assists the electric motor in providing more acceleration, the i-MMD does it mainly uses the electric motor to power the car while the only kicks in when more power is needed.
EXTERIOR
In terms of dimensions, the City hatchback measures exactly the same as the sedan except that it’s slightly shorter in length but with a higher roofline. In terms of space, the City hatchback offers even more legroom than the sedan due to the structure of its Ultra seats.
The new City hatchback also debuts two new colours – Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Ignite Red Metallic. Four optional exterior packages are available to complement the City hatchback’s youthful exterior including the Modulo Package, Urban Package, Utility Package, and Protection Package.
LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard across all four variants. The S and E variants come with halogen projectors while the top two variants, the V and RS, gets automatic LED headlamps. LED fog lights are only reserved for the V and RS variants. As for wheel size, you’re looking at 15-inches for the S and E, and 16-inches for the V and RS variants.
INTERIOR
Inside, the E, V and RS variants comes with an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S variant gets a standard audio unit. As for the instrument panel, only the RS variant gets a semi-digital meter panel while the other variants come with analogue dials. Automatic air conditioning is only available in the E, V and RS variants.
Other items reserved only for the RS variant are the sport pedals, “Ultrasuede” leather and suede combination upholstery, as well as an electronic parking brake. The RS comes with rear air con vents while the V variant comes with a storage bin.
V variant RS variant
As for trims and upholstery, the V variant comes with Piano Black trims and leather seats while the S and E variants come with Silver trims and fabric seats.
SAFETY
Only the City hatchback RS will be available with a host of Honda SENSING features, using a front wide-view camera. They include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keep assist, front collision warning with collision mitigation braking (autonomous braking), lane departure warning with road departure mitigation. Only the top two variants – the V and RS – come with six airbags and Honda LaneWatch.
PRICE
The 2020 Honda City in Malaysia starts at RM75,670 for the entry-level S variant, RM83,080 for the E variant, and RM87,860 for the V variant. As for the RS, prices will only be announced in early 2022. The City hatchback comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
GALLERY
Honda City RS e:HEV
Honda City V
