No word yet on the price of the top spec RS City yet though.
After many months of hype, Honda today has finally officially unveiled the new City sedan in Malaysia. You’ve seen the preview, you’ve probably watched the viral ad, and you’ve hopefully read the first drive reviews. Now however, you’ll know everything else about this much talked about Honda compact sedan, including most importantly, the price.
As with prior City generations, four variants of this Honda compact sedan will be available in Malaysia. All models deserve a closer look, but let’s start off with the headlining feature of the new City that Honda wants the whole world to know though, and that would be the new i-MMD hybrid powertrain in the top-spec City RS.
Much like in the now viral ‘torque matters’ advert that pitted the City against the Camry, the 253 Nm torque figure from the new intelligent multi-mode drive hybrid system is mightily impressive. The power figure of only 108 PS on the other hand is not quite as impressive.
Though the City RS would probably still be the front runner for anyone looking for a move on though. Especially since its closest rival, the new 3-cylinder turbocharged Nissan Almera, only outputs 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque. Not to mention that the City RS is also the only City in the range to feature all the gloss black trinkets that the sporty driver would want.
Moreover, the top-spec City RS is the only one to be available with the full suite of Honda Sensing features, coming as standard with first-in-class active driver aids like 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) and Auto High Beam (AHB). Honda LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system is also standard, as are six airbags. Though these are also available on the V spec City a step down from the RS variant.
Speaking of the V spec, the three lower variants of the City are all powered by a new 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine. Mated to a CVT transmission, this naturally aspirated power plant actually makes more power than the RS at 121 PS, although the torque figures are inevitably much lower at only 145 Nm. More importantly too, for this engine the max torque is only achieved at the heady heights of 4,200 rpm, unlike the 0 – 3000 rpm range of the i-MMD powertrain.
Continuing on the subject of the three lower variants, it is fair to say that Honda has improved the notoriously scant standard equipment list on the lower variants. The mid-spec E variant especially gains a few nice creature comforts that were previously available for the higher end V spec. A full breakdown of the equipment highlights for each variant is as follows:
Honda City 1.5 S:
- 1.5 litre DOHC I-VTEC petrol engine with CVT
- 15 inch alloy wheels
- Projector halogen headlights with LED DRLs
- LED combination tail lights
- Power adjustable door mirrors
- Door mirror turn signals
- Double-din standard audio system with bluetooth
- 4 speaker system
- Fabric seats
- Rear air conditioning vents
- Rear seatbelt reminder
Honda City 1.5 E (in addition to the 1.5 S):
- Remote engine start
- 8 inch central infotainment screen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reverse sensor with multi-angle reverse camera
- Automatic air conditioning
- Steering-mounted paddle shifters
- Cruise control
Honda City 1.5 V (in addition to the 1.5 E):
- 16 inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- LED front fog lights
- 8 speaker system
- Leather interior with ivory highlights
- Honda LaneWatch
- 6 airbags
Honda City RS e:HEV (in addition to the 1.5 V):
- 1.5 litre I-MMD with e-CVT featuring deceleration selector paddles
- Honda Sensing active safety suite
- Gloss black RS exterior trim package
- Sport pedals
- Electric hand brake with Auto Brake Hold (ABH)
- 7 inch full colour TFT digital cluster with hybrid display
- Ultrasuede Seats with red stitching
The three lower spec variants of the all-new City will be available in five colours: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and the launch colour of Passion Red Pearl. For the Honda City RS however, only the red, white and silver exterior colours are available.
Prices for the new City starts at RM 74,191.27 for the base 1.5 S, rising to RM 81,664.82 for the 1.5 E variant, before topping out at RM 86,561.45 corresponding to the Honda City 1.5 V. Prospective buyers of the new City would be pleased to know that these prices are actually slightly lower than the outgoing model, but it is worth nothing that these prices stated here are with the sales tax exemption. Furthermore, the price for the City RS has yet to be announced, and will only be announced later in the future, seeing as the City RS will only begin deliveries at the beginning of next year.
Bookings have already opened for the City, with over 5,000 orders placed to date. Honda expects over 3,000 of these new City models to leave the showrooms every month. With the impending arrival of the Almera and the even more-hyped Proton X50 however, it remains to be seen if this all-new Japanese compact sedan can maintain its sales streak as the king of the B-segment sedan?
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia today captivated Malaysians with the launch of the 5th Generation All-New City. This new model is set to raise the stakes in its segment with pioneering advanced technology, unparalleled performance and eye-catching design – offering an overall package that is beyond the B-segment. Amongst the four new variants being introduced, Malaysia is the first country in the world to launch the RS e:HEV variant.
Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd., President and Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mr. Masayuki Igarashi said, “Our 2030 vision is to lead the advancement of mobility and enable people around the world to improve their daily lives. With that, we have introduced Honda e:TECHNOLOGY to fulfill our 2030 vision. Malaysia is an important market in this region. For the past 5 years, nearly 40% of hybrid models sold in the Asia & Oceania region are from Malaysia. To further offer advanced electrification products, we are pleased to introduce for the first time in Asia & Oceania region, the e:HEV – a highly efficient 2-motor hybrid system powered by intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). I believe the All-New City RS e:HEV will further excite the Malaysian market and bring joy to every customer with its advanced technologies and class-leading features.”
Speaking at the launch, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The City has a long-standing history in Malaysia. We introduced the 2nd Generation and 3rd Generation in 2002 and 2008 respectively and both were well-received in the market. The popularity of the City continued with the 4thGeneration City launched in 2014 when the model proved its success and desirability with features that are above its class. It became the best-selling model in Honda Malaysia and was leading the B-segment for 5 consecutive years with over 209,000 units sold.”
“On the heels of almost 20 years of success, we are introducing the 5th Generation All-New City today which we believe will be a game changer model beyond its segment with advanced technology and unmatched performance.Prior to today’s official world premiere, we opened for bookings and organised a nationwide roadshow tour for the All-New City. I am pleased to inform that as of today, we have received a total of 5,000 bookings. We are extremely humbled by the unwavering support from fellow Malaysians,” added Mr. Ishiyama.
Conceptualised to be ambitious and confident, the 5th Generation All-New City is now longer by 111mm, wider by 54mm and lowered by 10mm compared to the 4th Generation City. Furthermore, its exterior carries a presence that is eye-catching. The All-New City comes in four exciting variants. The RS e:HEV variant will receive New Gloss Black Front Grill, New Carbon Patterned Front Lip, New Rear Bumper with Diffuser to give a sporty impression as well as New Trunk Spoiler and New Gloss Black Door Mirrors for a two-toned expression of the body colour. The All-New City V and RS e:HEV variants also features New LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), New LED Fog Lights as well as New LED Taillights. Both variants are also fitted with 16-inch Alloy Wheels that complements the sleek appearance of the car. Overall, the All-New City presents a cutting-edge design that accentuates a sense of large vehicle size class.
For the first time in Honda Malaysia’s line-up, the RS e:HEV variant will be powered by an intelligent
Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain. The i-MMD powertrain is revolutionary as it is able to deliver 108PS and a best-in-class high torque of 253Nm. When combined with Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT), it delivers a powerful and smooth acceleration that is equivalent to a D-segment Naturally Aspirated engine torque. The i-MMD powertrain and Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) system can seamlessly regulate between the three driving modes of EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive in the most efficient way. The RS e:HEV variant also comes with a Deceleration Selector Paddles that allow the driver to engage on the paddles for power regeneration as well as slowing down the vehicle without stepping on the brake pedal.
Honda Malaysia offers the S, E and V variants with a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain, the newest engine in its segment, to provide an ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), this powertrain is able to produce up to 121PS which is highest in its class and a maximum torque of 145Nm.
The interior styling of the All-New City emphasizes high-quality textures and functional approach to achieve sophistication and comfort for both driver and passengers alike. The rear passenger legroom has been expanded and Rear Air Conditioning Ventilation now comes in standard across all variants for added comfort. The RS e:HEV variant features 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Meter Cluster that accentuates the high-quality design. In addition, this variant also comes with Sport Pedal Pads that provides a sportier feel. The RS e:HEV variant is fitted with Ultrasuede® Seats and Red Stitching at interior areas. Meanwhile the V variant is trimmed with Leather Seats and Ivory highlights at inner areas. The E, V and RS e:HEV variants are available with an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Connectivity.
The All-New City also boasts a couple of B-segment firsts, setting a benchmark with features that are equivalent with C, D and SUV segments. The Honda LaneWatch which is fitted in the V and RS e:HEV variants, is a camera based advanced safety technology which helps monitor blind spots within an infotainment system. The RS e:HEV variant’s new first in segment Electric Parking Brake (EPB) provides convenience to the driver with just a lift of a button, while appearing trendy. Another advanced feature, the Remote Engine Start, is also a first in segment to be offered in the All-New City’s E, V and RS e:HEV variants. This technology allows driver to start their car while the doors are locked and to activate the air-conditioning in order to cool down the cabin with a simple push of a button on the keyless remote.
To enhance the package of the All-New City RS e:HEV, it will be offered with a most complete advanced safety feature in the B-segment, the Honda SENSING, which was developed to realize the vision of a collision-free mobile society. Its advanced safety system utilizes front wide view camera to better recognize road boundaries during day and night driving conditions. The suite of driver assistance safety systems in Honda SENSING are as below:
- 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)
Safety wise, the V and RS e:HEV variants will be equipped with Six Airbags. Other standard safety features include 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 and New Rear Seatbelt Reminder. Reverse Sensors with Multi-angle Reverse Camera will be offered in E, V and RS e:HEV variants. Meanwhile, the RS e:HEV variant will also be equipped with Auto Brake Hold (ABH) feature where the vehicle’s stationary position is held with only a push of a button without the driver having to continuously step on the brake.
The All-New City is priced as follows:
| Variant | With Sales Tax Exemption (RM)² | Without Sales Tax Exemption (RM)²* |
| V | 86,561.45 | 89,800.00 |
| E | 81,664.82 | 84,800.00 |
| S | 74,191.27 | 76,800.00 |
The RS e:HEV variant will only be available in January 2021 and the price will be announced in due time. The All-New City comes with five attractive colours which are Passion Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and a brand-new colour, Platinum White Pearl.
With its ambitious and unmatched offerings, Honda Malaysia is confident of selling 3,000 units of the All-New City per month.
