Peter Lyon
September 10, 2023
Last month, the Honda City facelift debuted in Malaysia, introducing a number of styling and equipment revisions. As we’ve seen before, five variations of the B-segment sedan will be offered, one featuring a hybrid powertrain while the remaining models are non-hybrids.
Of the models on offer, the S, E, V, and a new RS are the non-hybrid variations, while the e:HEV RS is the only hybrid choice. The S starts at RM84,900; the E costs RM89,900; the V costs RM94,900; and the RS costs RM99,900. The e:HEV RS, which costs RM111,900, is the only hybrid vehicle available.
The 1.5 litre naturally aspirated inline-four DOHC i-VTEC engine that powers non-hybrid models produces 119 hp and 145 Nm, with drive going to the front wheels via a CVT.
The Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) mechanism is still present in the e:HEV RS. As a result, an electric motor with 253 Nm and 107 hp powers the front wheels. A lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motor is charged by a second electric motor connected to a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine powered by an Atkinson cycle.
The previous V and the now-defunct V-Sensing did not have rear brake discs, but the non-hybrid V and RS models do. The only model that offers an electronic parking brake is the hybrid e:HEV RS; all other variants come with a manual handbrake.
The hybrid employs a petrol engine that generates 97 hp and 127 Nm of torque. But while it acts as a generator most of the time, it can clutch in through a single-speed transmission (dubbed E-CVT) to provide direct drive to the wheels at higher speeds.
Rear brake discs are a feature that the non-hybrid V and RS models have, but the preceding V and the now-defunct V-Sensing did not. The hybrid e:HEV RS is the only model that provides an electronic parking brake, whereas altogether models come with a manual handbrake.
The interior is substantially unchanged with the same dashboard design, despite the outside being considerably different. The V and RS models have leather appointments, while the S and E models have a fabric-covered interior.
The base S variant is equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60 profile tyres as standard, as well as halogen projector headlamps, LED DRLs, keyless entry with walk-away auto lock, paddle shifters (new for the S), a 4.2-inch multi-info instrument cluster display, manual air conditioning (with rear vents), one USB port, a multi-angle reverse camera, and a standard audio system with Bluetooth and four speakers.
OUR THOUGHTS
It seems as though Honda has made the right choice by introducing the new facelift City, with just the right amount of updates. Boasting pricing starting from RM84,900, the revised City is priced to seriously compete with the genre’s best. Employing a good-looking exterior and plenty of power, the new City is ready for the showroom.
