Priced from a very reasonable RM85,900, Honda Malaysia has just launched the new facelifted Honda City hatchback. The B-segment hatchback is offered in five variants, including the Hatchback S for RM85,900, all the way up to the flagship City Hatchback e:HEV RS for RM112,900.
The City Hatchback receives styling tweaks on its exterior as part of its facelift in Malaysia. The car now has a new grille that is marginally different from that of its sedan brother, which had a facelift last year. There’s also a slimmer black bar above the grille.
A new lower intake with a honeycomb pattern sits at the bottom of the City Hatchback’s front fascia, and more aggressive-looking foglight housings flank it. To give the hatchback a sharper appearance, the rear diffuser and bumper have also been revised.
To go with the new design, the City Hatchback in Malaysia gets new wheel designs too with the S and E variants employing 15-inch alloys, while the V, RS, and e:HEV RS variants are fitted with larger 16-inch wheels.
Standard exterior features employed on the new City Hatchback facelift in Malaysia include auto halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED taillights.
The facelifted Honda is once again available in Malaysia with two different powertrain choices—the 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre, normally aspirated i-VTEC engine coupled to a CVT transmission with the front wheels receiving 121 horsepower and 145 Nm.
Meanwhile, a 1.5-litre Honda Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system powers the top-of-the-line e:HEV RS model. The engine’s primary function is that of a generator to supply an electric motor, producing 109 horsepower and 253 Nm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox that Honda refers to as the e-CVT.
Inside, the redesigned City has an interior that is largely reminiscent of the original model. The blacked-out air conditioning vents and steering wheel trim, coupled with a red garnish that runs from the front passenger side to the centre dashboard for the RS models, are the key minor modifications performed here.
A five-year/unlimited mileage guarantee and an eight-year/unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty for the top-of-the-line e:HEV RS variant’s hybrid system are included in the price.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The Honda City Hatch has always been a popular model due to its smart design, competitive price and powertrains, good mileage and high class interiors. The new look should give buyers new impetus to head for Honda dealerships.