The one for boy racers would probably be the hot hybrid-engined City RS.
We’ve seen the leaks and saw the teasers, but today the fifth iteration of Malaysia’s most popular B-segment sedan has finally arrived on our shores. Launching with four new variants, the all-new Honda City is now available for booking today at authorised Honda dealerships nationwide.
The big news however is probably the launch of the new hot RS variant of the City. The first factory performance edition of the City will make its global unveiling here in Malaysia and it will be Malaysians that get to experience the City RS before anyone else in the world.
To those who think RS stands for Road Sport or Rally Sport may be left sorely disappointed, as Honda claims the RS in the City actually stands for ‘Road Sailing’. As per Honda’s press bumph, the Road Sailing term is where ‘one can imagine driving far away and sailing along the road majestically with an uncompromising driving performance’.
Silly abbreviation aside, this hot new Honda certainly does have sporting potential. Under the hood of the City RS will be a new i-MMD powertrain, a hybrid powertrain in normal speak. But think of it more in the sense of a McLaren P1 hybrid system though, instead of a Prius Hybrid powertrain. Especially as Honda touts that the main focus of this hybrid found in the RS will be performance.
That bold claim is certainly backed up with a torque figure of 253 Nm, a level on par with a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated engine. This mountain of torque translates to best-in-class acceleration, and undoubtably a class-leading 0-100 km/h time. Being a Honda, it would probably also tackle the corners reasonably well. So to all the boy racers on a smaller budget, look no further than this Honda City RS.
It is however not all rosy on news about the new City. Honda being Honda, the equipment list on the new City is still not the longest, and as usual there is a distinct class variation between the higher-spec and lower-spec variants.
Although the lower three variants are all powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain, only the highest normal trim variant V-spec will receive much of the goodies as found in the RS. This includes 16 inch alloys and LED headlights with daytime running lights, with the only RS specific features being the black mirror caps and the electric parking brake.
The two lower variants meanwhile miss out on some pretty significant features. The major one of which would be the omission of Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot assist. Granted this active safety feature is not normally found on this segment of car, but it is smacks of corporate money-making that this useful driving aid is only reserved for the higher tier models.
Eager customers who can’t wait to get their hands on a new City will receive a RM 1,000 Service Voucher’ courtesy of the Special Early Booking Program. The new Honda City RS will also be on tour nationwide beginning on the 24th of August, so prospective buyers can have a chance to see this hot new City in the flesh.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Honda Malaysia (or the Company) today announced that the All-New City is now open for booking at Honda’s 101 authorised dealerships nationwide. The 5th Generation All-New City in four new variants is set to revolutionize the automotive industry especially the B-segment with its cutting-edge design, superior acceleration and class-leading advanced features. The introduction of the All-New City RS intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) in Malaysia will also be the world premiere which is targeted for Q4 of 2020.
Commenting on the All-New City, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000* units with the most sought-after 4th Generation City which was launched in 2014 contributing more than 205,000* units and upholding its No.1 position in the B-segment. The launch of the All-New City RS with new powertrain in Malaysia will be the world premiere and being introduced for the first time ahead of other countries. We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time.”
In the Honda line-up, RS is conceptualised as Road Sailing, where one can imagine driving far away and sailing along the road majestically with an uncompromising driving performance. RS is also recognized for Honda’s sporty and stylish appeal with a combination of advanced features. The All-New City RS portrays a sporty outlook with new appealing features that sets it above its class.
For the first-time in Honda Malaysia, the All-New City RS will be powered by the new i-MMD powertrain. The i-MMD system, globally known as e:HEV, spearheads Honda’s Next Generation Hybrid Technology to realize outstanding environmental performance without compromising driving enjoyment. The new powertrain provides high efficiency electrification combined with direct and smooth response. The i-MMD powertrain was previously only available in Honda’s line-up of large class models. To offer the advanced technology across all other Honda models, the engineers at Honda R&D have adapted a more compact and efficient i-MMD system to a smaller-sized vehicle. In its quest to provide the Joy of Driving for the All-New City RS, the i-MMD powertrain delivers best-in-class high torque of 253Nm for a powerful and smooth acceleration that performs better than a C-segment and equivalent to a D-segment or a 2.5L Naturally Aspirated engine torque. The All-New City will also be offered with a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC powertrain which is the newest engine in its segment to provide an ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The All-New City RS’s avant-garde exterior design accentuates a sense of large vehicle size class. It features New LED Headlights (RS & V) with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as well as New LED Taillights to signify an unrivalled exterior look. The New Black Door Mirror** creates a two-toned expression of the body colour, making the All-New City RS stand out above the rest. The aesthetically attractive 16” Aluminium Wheels (RS & V) in dual tone** further compliments the sporty design of the car. The outer diameter on a pair of spokes gives a sense of a rim-less appearance and makes the wheels look larger. Overall, the All-New City RS impresses on the exterior made possible by the cutting-edge design and sleek appearance.
The All-New City boasts a couple of B-segment firsts, setting a benchmark equivalent with
C, D and SUV segments with features such as Honda LaneWatch (RS & V), a camera based advanced safety technology which assist to monitor blind spots, making it easier for the driver to change lane or make turns. Replacing the traditional handbrake lever, the All-New City RS’s new first-in-segment Electric Parking Brake (EPB)** provides convenience to the driver with just a lift of a button, while appearing trendy and technologically advanced.
With first in its segment pioneering advanced technology, unparalleled performance and
exceptional design; the ambitious All-New City is unmatched in the B-segment and will continue to stand as Malaysia’s favourite among working adults, young executives as well as young families.
In conjunction with the recent announcement by the Government on the PENJANA sales tax exemption scheme which provides financial aid to new car buyers, Honda Malaysia is pleased to offer new car buyers with a RM1,000 Service Voucher*** under the ‘All-New City Special Early Booking Programme’**** for customers who book the All-New City.
Customers are invited to join the upcoming nationwide tour starting 24th August 2020 to view the All-New City RS i-MMD world premiere. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and log onto www.honda.com.my for more information on the nationwide tour schedule. For more information, customers may call Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any nearest Honda authorised dealers to book the All-New City now!
