CITY HATCHBACK arrives in Malaysia just before the year ends.
The Honda City Hatchback has just been launched by Honda Malaysia and they already have 2,000 plus bookings in their order bank. This latest Honda model arrives slightly more than a year after the latest Honda City sedan was launched in Malaysia.
Bookings for the all new Honda model started just a few weeks ago after the car was previewed to the Malaysian media.
The City hatchback is a brand new model for Honda in Asia and it is already seeing sales success in Thailand where it was launched in late 2020 and then months later in Philippines where the first left hand drive version was unveiled. Today, both countries are seeing a sharp sales rise and this trend will also be seen in Malaysia in the coming months.
The immediate rival to this lifestyle family hatchback is the current segment leader, the Toyota Yaris which comes in three variants and is priced very close to this City hatchback.
PRESS RELEASE: Available in four variants – RS e:HEV, V, E and S; the All-New City Hatchback will set another benchmark in the industry while targeting the younger audience that prefers a sporty yet premium hatchback.
Addressing the media at the launch event, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, “Today, Honda Malaysia is set to create another key milestone, offering the popular City model in a hatchback body type.
Over the years and generations, the City has evolved into one of Malaysian’s most favourite B-segment sedan. Over 380,000 units have been sold in Malaysia since the introduction of the 2nd Generation City in 2002.”
“We are very excited to launch our latest eye-catching model, the All-New City Hatchback. This new model will be the trendsetting model with its first-in-segment advanced technology, premium features, versatility with ULTRA Seats configurations and most importantly, it will be absolutely fun to drive. I am pleased to announce that as of today we have received a total of 2,000 bookings for the All-New City Hatchback,” added Ms. Chujo.
In terms of appearance, the sporty and stylish All-New City Hatchback is designed under the ‘Energetic Hatchback’ concept, while being active, cool and versatile, thus creating the diversity required in the hatchback.
The exclusive ‘RS’ exterior design in the hatchback gives a sporty impression to the RS e:HEV variant. This top variant will receive a Gloss Black – Front Grill, Solid Wing and Door Mirrors, for a two-toned body colour expression. It will also feature RS e:HEV exclusive shape in the areas of Lower Grill, Fog Garnish and Rear Bumper.
Both the RS e:HEV and V variants feature LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Front Fog Lights, Tailgate Spoiler and LED Rear Combi Lights. Both variants are also fitted with 16-inch Alloy Wheels that complement the sleek appearance of the hatchback.
Performance wise, the All-New City Hatchback is equipped with Honda’s e:HEV technology for the RS variant. Powered by the 1.5L Sports intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain and coupled with Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT), the powertrain delivers 109PS and segment leading 253Nm of torque equivalent to a D-segment Naturally Aspirated engine torque performance.
The e:HEV powertrain will bring a new level of driving experience to the driver with a seamless and smooth acceleration as well as excellent fuel efficiency. In addition, the unique and advanced Honda’s 2-motor hybrid system regulates between three modes of driving: EV, Hybrid and Engine drive modes, that will switch alternately in accordance to driver’s driving conditions.
The petrol variant of V, E and S of the All-New City Hatchback is equipped with 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain producing 121PS which is the highest in its segment, and a maximum torque of 145Nm. This efficient engine offers an ideal balance of ‘fun to drive’ performance and exceptional fuel efficiency for a hatchback body type.
Furthermore, Honda Research and Development (R&D) has engineered an enhanced body rigidity for the All-New City Hatchback by 6% compared to the Jazz to realise high-rigidity frame for collision safety. To further provide the driver and passengers an enhanced cabin quietness, the All-New City Hatchback A and B pillars is filled with polyurethane spray foam in addition to the variable thickness sound absorber fitted under the engine compartment to reduce noise and vibration.
The interior styling of the All-New City Hatchback is sophisticated with high quality textures yet functional and practical in its approach. The interior of the RS e:HEV variant is fitted with a sporty design of stylish red-stitched Ultrasuede® Seats. Meanwhile, the V variant’s interior is trimmed with Leather Seats.
The RS e:HEV variant also features 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Meter that provides easy access to information according to the driver’s needs. Another first-in-segment feature for the RS e:HEV variant is Rear Air Conditioning Ventilation for the comfort of rear passengers.
The RS e:HEV, V and E variants are furnished with an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Connectivity as well as Auto Air-Conditioning Panel and Lower Pocket 2 USB Ports for extra convenience.
Offering comfort and convenience, a much-coveted and popular interior feature synonymous with the Jazz is now made available in the All-New City Hatchback – the 4-Modes versatile ULTRA Seats that can be configured into Utility, Long, Tall or Refresh mode. The ULTRA Seats allow owners the convenience of utilising different modes at different occasions, while enjoying a boot capacity of 289 litres.
Another advanced feature in this B-hatchback segment benchmark setting is the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) which is offered in the RS e:HEV variant. In all three variants of RS e:HEV, V and E, owners can remotely turn on the engine and air-conditioning before entering the car with the Remote Engine Start feature.
First in its segment for safety, the All-New City Hatchback features the Honda LaneWatch in the RS e:HEV and V variants, a camera based safety technology which monitors incoming cars from the left and reduce blind spots using live visual in the infotainment system.
The All-New City Hatchback RS e:HEV is also equipped with the most complete advanced safety features in its segment, the Honda SENSING. The suite of driver assistance safety systems in Honda SENSING include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
In addition to that, the All-New City Hatchback also comes with other standard safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rear Seat ISOFIX I‑SIZE Type and Rear Seatbelt Reminder.
Meanwhile, the RS e:HEV and V variants are equipped with 6 Airbags. The RS e:HEV variant receives an added Auto Brake Hold (ABH) feature that provides the driver with extra convenience during stop-and-go traffic situation.
The All-New City Hatchback is the second model in Honda Malaysia’s line-up, after the City Sedan RS e:HEV, to feature the Honda CONNECT, an innovative advanced technology which ensures Safety, Security and Convenience. In this model, the full range of telematics system is offered for the first time in the segment.
Applying smart Telematics Technology, Honda CONNECT allows users to connect with their cars with a touch of their fingertips via a smartphone application. The technology within Honda CONNECT embodies Honda’s vision of value creation for mobility and people’s daily lives. Key functions of the Telematics technology in Honda CONNECT include Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services – all of which are aimed at easing owner’s accessibility to their vehicle and its information at all times.
The All-New City Hatchback priced as follows:
| Variant | With Sales Tax Exemption (RM)*³ |
| V | 87,860.00 |
| E | 83,080.00 |
| S | 75,670.00 |
The RS e:HEV variant will be made available in early 2022. Thus, Honda Malaysia will announce the price closer to the delivery period.
The All-New City Hatchback now arrives with new colours introduced by Honda Malaysia which are Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic*⁴. Other colour options available for the All-New City Hatchback are Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
With an exciting new hatchback form factor plus a complete package offering that are ‘A Step Above’, the All-New City Hatchback is ideal for young executives and young families with an active lifestyle – who enjoys a cool, advanced and sporty ride for their daily commute. Honda Malaysia targets to sell 1,000 units of the All-New City Hatchback monthly.
For more information on the All-New City Hatchback, customers can visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my.
